Farol Hotel

The Farol Hotel is set in a historic 19th-century villa by the Atlantic, and it makes the most of its seaside location. Vast windows and spaces blur the divide between inside and outside, particularly the sushi bar, which is situated in an ocean-facing extension that has glass walls and roofing. Despite being painted in a brooding shade of slate gray, the hotel’s interiors are awash with natural light, thanks to large windows and ornate Art Nouveau-style chandeliers. All around the hotel are pieces of colorful eclectic modern art, such as a leopard-spotted piano in the lobby, as well as plush couches in the same slate gray as the walls, and baroque period features painted a glossy white. The vibe throughout is relaxed and undeniably chic, making it better suited to couples than families. 

The hotel is along the coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a 10-minute walk from the center of the Lisbon suburb of Cascais, right next to the town’s squat, square lighthouse. Cascais is home to a number of high-end shops, bars, and restaurants. It is a 15-minute walk to the Praia da Rainha, a sandy cove in the center of town, and a similar distance to Cascais Station, which has a direct line to the center of Lisbon. It takes roughly 40 minutes to drive to Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s historic center, or 70 minutes by train. Cascais is set at the foot of the Sintra Hills, and there are a number of scenic walks that can be taken around the area. Expect transfer times to Lisbon Portela Airport of roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car, or 90 minutes by public transport.

The hotel’s Garden and Sea View Rooms are decorated in various color schemes, but all are attractive and outfitted in high-end furnishings. Even more chic are the Designer Rooms, having been individually decorated by a different Portuguese interior designer. Expect hardwood or carpeted -- some plush black -- floors, modern Ikea-like furnishings, and whitewashed walls either left bare or adorned with hip murals or artwork. Most rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, either facing the ocean or garden. Lower-category bathrooms are decorated with black quartz tiles, with either showers or deep jetted bathtubs, bidets, free toiletries, and bathrobes. Suites are larger, and curve around the corners of the building, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give them panoramic sea views. Each room comes with a minibar, free Wi-Fi, a safe, and flat-screen TV, while suites add a Nespresso coffee machine. There is also a pillow menu in all rooms.

There are a decent array of features on offer, largely geared toward couples. The hotel has two restaurants: The Mix Restaurant serves continental buffet breakfasts, as well as set and a la carte lunch and dinner menus; Sushi Design is open for lunch and dinner, housed in a dramatic room with glass walls that provide a panoramic ocean view. Two cocktail bars, one indoors and one by the pool, are available, serving both drinks and light meals. A small saltwater pool is located in a terrace -- that could use some maintenance -- with plenty of cushioned loungers and Balinese beds. Yoga lessons and massages are offered on the deck as well. Bikes can be rented, but that's all for physical activity, as there's no gym on-site. While the Farol lacks a dedicated spa, it's undergoing renovations starting in 2017 with the intention of building one. There is fast and free Wi-Fi throughout.