9 Best Hotels in Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula, Portugal

The oldest lodging on the Iberian peninsula, this 18th-century grande dame has hosted such illustrious guests as Lord Byron and, more recently, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. It's easy to see the appeal: the intimate rooms with beamed ceilings and wood floors are bathed in light from French windows. The ambience channels British high society from centuries past, right down to the five-o'clock tea with scones and jam. In the old-world restaurant, braised meats with berries and other local specialties are often served, alongside good plant-based options. A more informal restaurant-bar next door is a pleasant spot for late afternoon cocktails after a day's sightseeing.

Set amid flower-filled gardens, this intimate townhouse has been fully restored as a charming boutique hotel. The painted-and-tiled facade recalls the building's 19th-century roots, while the interior features accented colored walls and retro furniture. In cooler weather, you can eat breakfast in the dining room under a tropical wallpapered ceiling, while on warmer days, you can enjoy the day's first meal in the garden.

This secluded country estate in the small village of Aldeia do Meco—12 km (7 miles) northwest of Sesimbra—is perfect for a romantic getaway. It's a favorite with visiting celebrities, who appreciate the privacy and stylish accommodations. Chic apartment-style lodgings all have kitchenettes and open onto terraces that face pines, palms, and fragrant fruit trees. There are sleek studios, spacious villas, and one beautifully appointed loft apartment. The extensive grounds flower gardens and a mineral-rich black infinity pool surrounded by colorful plants and birdlife, and everything is lit with twinkling fairy lights after dark. Breakfast (extra charge) can be made to order and delivered to your room, and rooms have kitchenettes. If you don't feel like cooking, staff can advise on the best local seafood restaurants nearby.

With its own winery on-site, chic boutique hotel Quinta Vale Da Roca will delight fans of Portugal's excellent vinhos. It's tucked away in the hills between Sintra and Cascais, and makes a relaxing retreat for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as well as city-weary Lisboetas arriving by car. The eight spacious, stylishly appointed suites all have living areas and terraces with sweeping sea views, and even the fitness room and jacuzzi have been positioned to make the most of those panoramic vistas. A large outdoor infinity pool completes the picturesque scene, and there's a tasting room where the enthusiastic owners will introduce you to the estate's highly regarded wines.

Each of the eight suites in this candy-striped building dating from 1890 is named for a different palace (you might spot photos of your room's namesake on the walls). All have wrought-iron beds, polished tile floors, and have grand views of the countryside. The downstairs breakfast room opens onto a terrace. It's a little out of town, but you can pour yourself a drink from the honor bar and soak up the peaceful ambience.

Loved equally by outdoor enthusiasts and the fashion press, Dream Guincho offers boutique hillside lodgings away from the tourist trail. Unique touches abound, from the artworks (many of which are for sale) and bespoke book-themed furnishings to the piano room and reading nooks. There are just eight rooms, each named after a classic work of literature, and each with a terrace overlooking the ocean. Leisurely home-cooked breakfasts are served from 9 to noon, and there's an honor bar where you can fix yourself a cocktail to enjoy by the breezy outdoor pool. 

The royal guard quarters opposite the palace have undergone a stunning transformation to become this beautiful pousada, now managed by the Pestana hotel group. Marble hallways lined with old prints give way to crisp, high-ceilinged rooms furnished with 18th-century reproductions. Breakfast is served in the pousada itself, while dinner and lunches are provided across the road in the old palace kitchens, now the Restaurante de Cozinha Velha.

A 20-minute stroll from the historic center of Sintra, this beautifully restored 19th-century estate sits among carefully maintained gardens with a pool shaded by fruit trees. The slightly remote location means it is wonderfully quiet at night, when the crowds of tourists in the town center feel a million miles away. Although it feels like taking a step back in time, Villa das Rosas offers modern must-haves such as Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs.

With a dreamy location overlooking the Arrábida Natural Park and out to sea, Villa Epicurea is a scenic spot to revive mind, body, and soul. The rustic-chic eco lodge offers home-cooked vegetarian meals (extra charge), wholesome breakfast feasts made to order, and spacious rooms and suites with large windows and terraces for soaking up the view. Guests can enjoy an infinity pool, yoga dome, terraced gardens with sun loungers, and a cozy communal area complete with honor bar (in case you need a break from all that clean living).