Hotel Sintra Jardim

Once the summer home of a wealthy family from Lisbon, Hotel Sintra Jardim is a grand country house dating back to the 19th century. It's surrounded by beautiful mature gardens that have enchanted more than one previous guest over the years. The house itself is painted a pale pink, with wrought iron balconies and decorative stone rooftop edges, and it's terrace has great views through the treetops down the valley. There are many peaceful spots to relax in throughout the grounds, whether beside the long lap pool or at a secluded table. Inside, narrow hallways with soaring ceilings lead along to the winding staircase -- there is no elevator. It's a traditional house that has kept many of its original features, from the parquet floors to the large fireplaces. The serene location appeals mainly to couples and mature groups looking for a peaceful base to explore the beautiful area. 

Hotel Sintra Jardim is located on a quiet lane just south of the center of Sintra, right on the edge of the national park. There are a few restaurants within a 10-minute walk up the hill, or it's around a 15-minute walk to the pretty center of the hillside town for shopping, dining, and attractions including Sintra National Palace. It's worth noting that the surrounding side roads are narrow and not always the easiest to navigate on foot, especially at night. It's about a five-minute drive to the Moorish Castle, and the iconic brightly colored Pena Palace is about 20 minutes away. There's a tourist bus that connects all the local sights, and runs along the road beside the hotel. Plenty of hiking trails through the national park begin nearby for guests looking to explore the park on foot. The station in Sintra is a five-minute drive, or 15-minute walk from the property. Direct trains leave regularly for Rossio Station in Lisbon with a transit time of about an hour door-to-door. Connections to the airport take about 80 minutes, or it's a 30-minute drive. 

Rooms are large, with a traditional style that keeps with the 19th century house. And while we love details like antique mahogany furniture, hardwood floors, and floral curtains framing wrought iron Juliet balconies, some accents are a bit tired. Frumpy bedspreads don't add much charm and bathrooms could use an overhaul. Opt for a Garden-View Room for the best views over the garden and pool. Triple Rooms are also available. Amenities are more up to date, with flat-screen TVs (though channels are very limited) and free Wi-Fi, but there are no kettles, mini-fridges, or air-conditioning. Bathrooms feature curtained shower/tub combos and hairdryers, though counter space is generally limited. 

Though a grand country home, Hotel Sintra Jardim is essentially a guesthouse, and features reflect this. The lovely gardens hold several sitting areas, including a large terrace -- plus a long lap pool, which is a nice addition. There's a small wooden kids' play area, though this is showing its age and families aren't the most frequent guests here. The dining room is bright and serves a daily breakfast that includes hot and cold options, and can be taken in-room. There's a guest PC and a sitting room with games and books. Wi-Fi is free. The parking lot is useful, but previous guests have noted the entrance is too narrow to enter in larger cars.