There are many vacation destinations that claim to offer something for everyone, but Sintra is one of the few that actually meets the lofty expectations it sets. Just a short train ride away from the bustling city of Lisbon, Sintra is a magical Portuguese town brimming with fascinating history, golden beaches, and dewy forests.
This captivating city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, thanks to its gorgeous buildings, charming streets, and fairytale-like atmosphere. Here you’ll find an impressive number of dazzling palaces and castles unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
Sintra is much more than a pretty place to walk around. From natural parks loaded with hiking trails to lively cultural festivals and seafood restaurants you’ll be dreaming about for years, there’s loads to do here. Stay in one of the best hotels in Sintra, and you can surround yourself with the town’s beauty while taking advantage of all the activities and attractions it has to offer.
Sintra is home to all kinds of stunning accommodation options, from five-star resorts to family-run boutique hotels. In fact, there are so many fantastic places to stay that you’re almost certain to have a hard time choosing just one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 12 best boutique hotels in Sintra!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
Where to Stay in Sintra
Sintra is a really compact town with just a handful of different neighborhoods. If this is your first visit and you want to pack as much sightseeing as possible into your vacation, we suggest staying in the Sintra town center. This bustling neighborhood is within walking distance of loads of attractions and is where you’ll find some of the most stunning views in the town. It’s also home to excellent alfresco restaurants and some of the best hotels in Sintra.
Serra de Sintra is another top pick if you’re planning on visiting the town’s biggest attractions. Although it’s a little far from the town center, Serra de Sintra is where you’ll find major landmarks such as the Moorish Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Pena Park. It also has a peaceful, quiet atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing.
If you want to get away from everything and enjoy a totally chilled-out vacation, consider staying in Portela de Sintra. This calm, quiet neighborhood is full of cute winding streets just begging to be explored. It’s conveniently close to the town’s railway station and also boasts some of the most unique Sintra hotels.
The 12 Best Hotels in Sintra
1. Paço do Bispo Boutique House
Tucked away in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Paço do Bispo Boutique House is one of the coolest hotels in Sintra. You’ll be spoiled for choice with all the hiking routes, cycling trails, and stunning viewpoints in the local area. And if you ever want something a little more urban, you’ll find the center of the town just a short drive or cab ride away.
Paço do Bispo Boutique House was designed by incredibly talented architects LuÃs Bleck da Silva and Sara Mendes de Almeida. The colonial-inspired ochre building dates back to the 18th century and is home to nine luxurious guest rooms, plus a spacious studio and a stunning penthouse.
The ideal place to relax after a long morning spent sightseeing, the hotel boasts a gorgeous swimming pool surrounded by breathtaking panoramas. As the sun begins to set, step inside the hotel’s bar and enjoy a drink in a sophisticated spot that was once a small chapel.
2. Tivoli Palacio de Seteais
For a truly opulent stay you’ll never forget, spend your vacation at Tivoli Palacio de Seteais. One of the most stunning hotels in all of Sintra, this remarkable building dates back to the 18th century and will make you feel like royalty as soon as you step through the entrance.
The guest rooms are extravagantly appointed with designer wallpaper, handcrafted furniture, top-quality linens, and magnificent artwork. They come with everything you could ever need for a relaxing vacation, including Wi-Fi access, Nespresso machines, minibars, and full-size bathtubs.
The grandeur doesn’t stop at the guest rooms. Every single inch of the hotel is absolutely stunning, from the impeccable ballrooms decorated with ornate tapestries to the dining rooms adorned with rare frescoes.
Tivoli Palacio de Seteais boasts a prestigious location in a tranquil, picturesque part of the city. Take a walk around the hotel’s grounds, and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and surrounding mountains.
3. Quinta do Pé Descalço
If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Sintra, you can’t go wrong with Quinta do Pé Descalço. The traditional country house is surrounded by beautiful green gardens filled with sweet-smelling fruit trees, herb bushes, and sprawling bougainvillea plants.
In the warmer months, the hotel’s outdoor pool is the perfect spot to soak up some sun and cool off with a dip. Here you’ll also find a wonderful alfresco dining area, plus an open-air grilling spot where you can cook your own delicious Portuguese treats. If you plan your trip for winter, you’ll have the chance to cozy up in the common room, which is warmed by a huge open fireplace.
The guest rooms are simple and modern, decorated with a neutral color palette with bright pops of color. Whichever category of room you choose, you’ll get a huge bed with top-quality linens, individual heating and cooling system, and a large bathroom with a tub or shower.
The breakfast is one of the best things about Quinta do Pé Descalço. Each morning you’ll be treated to an indulgent selection of local cheeses, freshly-baked breads, fruit juice from the hotel’s own trees, and all kinds of artisan jams.
4. Azenhas do Mar West Coast Design and Surf Villas
If you’re dreaming of long, lazy days at the beach, make a reservation for Azenhas do Mar West Coast Design and Surf Villas. This hotel boasts an excellent location in a coastal village, just steps away from a golden sandy beach. Follow the nearby clifftop trail, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the waves crashing onto the shore far below.
The villas are remarkably well equipped and come with everything you could possibly need, including a full kitchen with cooking equipment, air conditioning, a fireplace with firewood, super-fast Wi-Fi, and an ultra HD 4K TV. Each villa is stunningly decorated with a chic bohemian vibe, enhanced by light woods, cool turquoise touches, and handmade decorations.
What makes this hotel special is that it isn’t a purpose-built construction. A talented couple transformed a number of old houses that had been left to ruin into the stunning resort you see today. Because of this, each villa is incredibly spacious and the local area has a laid-back residential feel.
5. Chalet Vitorino
The second-oldest chalet in the town’s natural park, Chalet Vitorino is one of the coolest Sintra hotels. The dramatic property dates back to the 19th century and is perched on top of a small hill, guaranteeing amazing views from all over. The grandiose property has recently been restored but holds onto its roots through original materials, including ornate wooden doors, iron fountains, and even a dove house.
Each of the guest rooms is unique and fit for royalty. Depending on which room you choose, you could be treated to patterned marble flooring, huge plush beds, decorative gold mirrors, genuine period furniture, modern smart TVs, and original artwork.
The common areas are so stunning you’ll never want to leave! There’s an outdoor lounge with glass protectors, so you can enjoy the view, whatever the weather. You’ll also find a small swimming pool surrounded by loungers and a dazzling garden dotted with hidden statues, colorful flowers, towering trees, and peaceful relaxation areas.
6. Chalet Saudade
Hidden away in the peaceful Vale da Raposa area of Sintra, Chalet Saudade is the ideal place to go when you want to get away from your old routine and surround yourself with beauty and tranquility. As soon as you see the hotel, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time in the best way possible.
With its bright multi-colored façade, romantic gardens with duck ponds, roaring fireplaces, and classic French-style doors, the hotel looks like something you’d only see in a period drama.
For a memorable vacation, we suggest staying in one of the superior suites. These one-of-a-kind rooms feature bare stone walls, wooden beamed ceilings, quality period furniture, and sparkling chandeliers. You don’t have to worry about going without. They also come with all of today’s mod-cons, including coffee machines, air conditioning, heating, and flat-screen TVs.
You’ve got to visit Café Saudade during your stay. This coffee shop has a distinct Portuguese feel and serves up some of the best coffee, sandwiches, and desserts you’ll find in Sintra.
7. Suites by Bella Vista
Once owned by the famous author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Suites by Bella Vista is almost too beautiful to believe. One of the most glamorous Sintra boutique hotels, this palatial hotel is said to have inspired Doyle’s famous novel, Sherlock Holmes: The Hounds of Baskerville.
That’s not the hotel’s only claim to fame. Suites by Bella Vista has also hosted many sophisticated parties attended by all kinds of famous faces, from Sir Francis Cook to Gloria Swanson.
Aside from its fascinating history, one of the most enchanting parts of the hotel is its location. Set on the breathtaking Rua Barbosa du Bocage, the hotel boasts staggering views, gorgeous gardens, sparkling pools, and trees collected from all over the world. The vegetable garden and animal farm provide guests with delicious fresh ingredients, while the hotel’s lawn theater set inside a Victorian greenhouse guarantees magical evenings you’ll never forget.
While the hotel may have a blast-from-the-past vibe, it’s got all the modern facilities you could ever want. Each guest room comes complete with heated floors, Sonos sound systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
8. Sintra Boutique Hotel
Boasting spectacular views of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and old town Sintra, the Sintra Boutique Hotel dishes up the best of both worlds. Here you’ll find 18 stunning guest rooms, as well as a tempting restaurant that serves modern Portuguese cuisine and an indoor garden that invites you to relax and unwind.
While it may look traditional from the outside, Sintra Boutique Hotel is strikingly modern on the inside. Take a look around, and you’ll discover floor-to-ceiling murals, striking black features, and contemporary glass decorations. It’s a breath of fresh air from the typical hotels in the area.
The accommodation comes in the form of standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as junior suites. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we suggest booking the junior suite. This sophisticated room is absolutely huge and comes with a separate lounge area, plus a giant bathroom with an oversized tub.
Ideally located, the hotel is just a 10-minute walk away from the Sintra Train Station, with the Sintra Natural Park accessible by road in just five minutes.
9. Villa Bela Vista
Just a short walk away from the center of town, Villa Bela Vista is one of the top places to stay in Sintra if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing. The Moors Castle, Pena National Palace, and Sintra National Palace are all just a short drive away.
The hotel may have the typical burnt ochre exterior you’ll find on a lot of properties throughout Sintra, but take a look inside, and you’ll realize that the hotel is anything but ordinary. Here you’ll find remarkably spacious guest rooms with huge marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and some of the comfiest bedding you’ll ever sleep under.
Located at the top of a small hill, you do need to be fairly energetic to stay here. But the footwork will be more than worth the effort for the chance to explore the ancient winding streets in the local area. A decadent breakfast is served onsite each morning. But if you’d rather explore further afield, you’ll find countless cafes, restaurants, and bars on the hotel’s doorstep.
10. Sintra Marmoris Palace
Set inside a stunning 19th-century palace, Sintra Marmoris Palace will make you feel like a VIP as soon as you arrive. Lovingly restored 100 years after it was initially built, this unique hotel offers sumptuous accommodation divided between two classical buildings surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.
The guest rooms are jaw-droppingly stunning. Boasting spectacular features like freestanding marble bathtubs, glamorous chandeliers, outdoor showers, amazing garden views, solid wooden floors, and period furniture, these rooms will make you feel like you’re in a fancy museum, not a hotel.
Whichever room you choose, you’ll be treated to complimentary liqueur, traditional pastries, fruit, tea, and coffee. Each room also comes with a smart TV, Wi-Fi access, a minibar, and air conditioning. There are plenty of options with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. They’re perfect if you’re traveling as a family or with friends.
The hotel is located in a peaceful neighborhood, but all the exciting sights and sounds of the town center are just a seven-minute walk away.
11. Eighteen21 Houses
If you can’t decide between classic elegance and modern sophistication, choose Eighteen21 Houses. One of the best Sintra hotels, this property is nestled into the charming Sintra Mountains, guaranteeing a peaceful night’s sleep every night. If you ever crave something a little more exciting, you’ll find the center of town just a short drive or cab ride away.
The hotel is surrounded by five acres of lush forest. You’ll have the chance for early morning strolls surrounded by untouched nature every day! If you don’t want to go any further than you have to, you can chill out by the hotel’s pool which boasts clear views all the way down to the ocean.
The rooms here are impeccable. But if you’re celebrating a special occasion, we suggest making a reservation for Casa da Burra. A romantic one-bedroom cottage, this cozy home is separate from the main building and offers complete privacy. Here you can enjoy your own private terrace, spacious lounge with fireplace, and kitchenette.
12. Villa Estefânia
If you’re looking for where to stay in Sintra with a bit of character, choose Villa Estefânia. Once a spectacular mansion, the regal building is now an elegant hotel that’s been fully renovated while keeping as many of its original features intact as possible.
Wonderfully located, the hotel is just steps away from the Sintra Train Station, the Sintra National Palace, and loads of wining and dining options. But with an excellent breakfast served each morning, a communal kitchen and grilling facilities open to all guests, and a daily happy hour with drinks and tapas, you don’t have to go far to find fantastic food.
The perfect combination of old-world charm and modern facilities, Villa Estefânia offers simple, modern guestrooms with traditional touches. Whitewashed walls, flat-screen TVs, and Nespresso coffee machines rub shoulders with original artwork, farm-style doors, and luxury fabrics that have been in the family for generations.
Step outside the hotel, and you’ll discover a wonderful garden with mesmerizing views of the Moorish castle.
That completes our list of the 12 best Sintra hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Sintra? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
Didn’t find the perfect Sintra hotel? Try searching here:
Booking.comPlanning a trip to Portugal? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
