Convenient location in the heart of Sintra
Restaurant serving all meals alongside far-reaching hillside views
Rooms are spacious and some have great valley views
Basic fitness center with cardio machines
On-site hair salon
Guest PC with printer, and several event spaces
Many rooms are dated and include old features like tube TVs
Gym has just a few cardio machines
Wi-Fi only free in lobby
The two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Tivoli Sintra, just opposite the National Palace and amid the town's touristy heart, certainly has its location going for it. However, things inside the hotel tend to feel unintentionally held over from previous decades. The 77 rooms are a bit of a let down, and many could do with updating. While some have been given an overhaul, others still have old decor and features like tube TVs. They are spacious, though, and Superior Rooms have huge balconies with spectacular valley views. The restaurant and bar have those same views and offer meals all day. Travelers who'd like a few more features might consider staying at the Hotel Sintra Jardim just outside the town instead, which has an authentic period finish and gorgeous grounds plus an outdoor pool.
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Scene
Modern hotel with classic, but tired, style and fantastic views over the surrounding region
At first glance, Hotel Tivoli Sintra doesn't quite fit in when compared with the traditional architecture that lines the streets of Sintra. However, inside, the hotel tries its best to embrace the classic, period style for which Sintra is famous. Unfortunately, as is too frequently the case with Tivoli properties, this comes off as tired and dated. You're likely to spot details like striped wing-back chairs and sofas, checkered floors, and brass table lamps, but nothing feels particularly fresh. That being said, this hotel trades on its prime location smack in the town center. The restaurant has superb views over the National Park -- especially from the outdoor terrace -- and many rooms share these awesome vistas. The location is spot on for tourists looking to explore Sintra and its castles. As one of the few hotels in town with conference facilities, it also attracts corporate guests and business groups on team-building trips.
Location
In the center of Sintra, across from Sintra National Palace and amid the touristy buzz
Hotel Tivoli is located right in the middle of Sintra, opposite the Sintra National Palace. There are shops and restaurants all around that buzz with tourists, and Sintra's train station is a 15-minute walk -- or five-minute drive -- downhill. Popular gothic mansion Quinta da Regaleira is also about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The town's top attractions, including the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, are around a 20-minute drive away, and buses run to both (and to the train station) from just outside the National Palace. Keep in mind that these buses run on a loop in one direction only, and can be wildly crowded. Trains from Sintra are direct to Rossio Station in Lisbon, with a journey time of about an hour. Trips to the airport in Lisbon take about 80 minutes by public transit (or 45 minutes by car).
Rooms
Simple and mostly dated, though Superior Rooms have terraces and valley views
With some modernized exceptions, rooms here are decidedly dated -- think: stippled wallpaper with old-fashioned paintings, red carpets, and striped bed linens. They are a decent size, though, and many have furnished balconies. Balconies in Superior Rooms are huge, with sun loungers as well as tables, and provide great views over the town and national park. Suites add an extra living room with a sofabed. All rooms have minibars plus air-conditioning, safes, and desks. Downsides include tube TV sets in many rooms and charges for Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have generally been given upgrades and are tiled throughout, with curtained shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and a decent selection of products.
Features
Restaurant serving meals all day, plus a bar, small fitness room, and event spaces
Hotel Tivoli Sintra has a restaurant serving meals available all day, including a decent variety of continental items at breakfast, and a la carte dishes for lunch and dinner. The restaurant and dining terrace has fantastic, far-reaching views over the countryside and town. There's an additional lobby bar area for drinks and snacks. There are seven event rooms catering for groups of up to 120, plus a small business center with printing. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, but not in rooms. There is a small fitness room, though equipment is limited to cardio machines. Additional features include a salon, laundry service, and parking (though spaces fill up fast).