Pestana Cascais Ocean & Conference Aparthotel

The hotel isn't too much to look at from the exterior: it looks like any one of a number of mid-range beachside hotels built in the last 20 years. It targets both business and leisure travelers, though its suburban location probably contributes to the fact that it's vastly more popular with families and couples than those in town for work. Overall, it lacks a defining atmosphere, as it's neither modern, nor stylish. Interiors are largely dated and showing wear, featuring a nautical theme with lots of red, blue, and white (especially in the Bar Atlântico) -- think patterned carpets, sailboat-motif throw pillows and artwork, and blue-and-white striped armchairs. Still, most past guests find it fits the bill for a comfortable stay outside the town center.

Somewhat misleadingly given its name, this hotel isn't located in Cascais proper, but in a residential area in one of its suburbs. That being said, there's an advantage to this: the hotel is close to the beach, with views available from some rooms. Across from the hotel is a cafe, as well as a small but well-stocked grocery store, and within a 10-minute walk is an ocean-view center with restaurants and shops. For those wanting to go into town, there's a free hourly shuttle for the five-minute ride into town from morning until early in the evening. Guests staying out past aperitif hour should be prepared to take a cheap taxi back: the hotel says the distance into town is walkable, but it will take about 40 minutes, and it's not well-lit at night. There's also a shuttle (about 10 minutes) to take guests to and from the gorgeous Guincho Beach during the summer. Visitors up for a stroll should head to Boca do Inferno, about a 15-minute walk away; the overlook promises gorgeous views of the crashing waves below. Golfing is popular with some of the visitors here, and there are a few courses without a 15-minute drive; the hotel offers discounts at some of these to guests. Other popular day-trip spots around the area are Sintra, which boasts Moorish ruins and a Romantic palace, about 25 minutes away by car; Lisbon and its airport are about 35 minutes away by car or an hour-and-a-half train and bus ride that goes along the coast. 

Rooms are decorated pleasantly enough: a red, white, and blue nautical theme includes red plaid chairs, navy patterned carpet, and sailboat artwork. However, they're showing signs of wear with scratched and chipped furniture, torn chair fabric, and rusted fixtures. On the plus side, rooms have views of the ocean, gardens, or swimming pools, which are especially lovely from the furnished balconies. Suites fit families of four comfortably, and the equipped kitchenettes are good for making lunch or cup of tea, though not for cooking a full meal. Kitchenettes with hobs, fridges, and necessary cookware are in the same area as the beds in some rooms, however, which can be cramped to prepare food around. Each room is air-conditioned, though some past guests have complained it's noisy, and there are cable TVs with a few English channels. There are also safes, though there's a fee to use them. Bathrooms, which are done in an old-fashioned seashell shade of marble, come with shower/tub combos, old hose-style hairdryers, and basic toiletries. 

The property's two outdoor pools include one for kids, both of which are a good size, attractive, and surrounded by well-maintained lawns. There are plenty of loungers around the pool, as well as spots to relax in the garden. Near the pool is a bar serving drinks and light meals. Another pool is located in the wellness center, featuring a lovely roof and plant island (supposedly heated, though the water can be suspiciously cool at times). Also available in this area are a steam room, hot tub, and sauna. The small gym doesn't supply towels or have windows or air-conditioning, which can be brutal in the summer, and guests might have to ask to have the sauna and steam room turned on. Tennis and volleyball courts are also available, though it costs extra to use the tennis courts. Massage and beauty treatments can be arranged, and parents going for one during peak months can take advantage of the on-site kids' club while they're relaxing. Food-wise, Oceano Restaurant has a central buffet for breakfast, as well as a Mediterranean menu for lunch and dinner. That being said, guests might want to dine elsewhere: a main critique of the hotel is its food, which is hit-or-miss. At breakfast, there's plenty of choice when it comes to fruit and pastries, but cooked items like eggs and bacon can be poorly cooked. For dinner, guests have complained that food is often over-salted and not warm coming out of the kitchen (it's also rather expensive). Bar Atlântico, right off the lobby, is pleasant and has ample seating areas. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, though the signal is weak. Those coming for business can choose to book from six meeting rooms, which hold up to 300 people, though they're pretty basic and cold in atmosphere. Parking on-site is free.