Maybe it’s because I live in an old building that draws me to older places. Perhaps it’s because old buildings have lived many lives. Maybe I’m an old soul in search of past lives.
While many factors go into my hotel research, I do have a strong pull toward older places. It’s definitely not the ghosts. đź‘»
But why should you consider a historic hotel, especially in Cascais? Because Cascais has history. It was founded in 1364 and, over time, transformed from a fishing village into a favorite coastal retreat for royalty.
Choosing a historic hotel can turn your trip from a simple getaway into an experience. It’s one thing to see the beauty of Cascais. Still, it’s another to live inside it—waking up in rooms that have stood for centuries, surrounded by architecture that has witnessed Cascais’s evolution from royal refuge to modern resort town.
Historic boutique hotels often have a soul that can’t be replicated. No new hotel can offer the same feeling. Hand-carved tilework and original frescoes create a sense of place and an emotional connection that make your stay unforgettable.
And in Cascais, that connection feels even stronger. The town’s charm and history pair perfectly with boutique hotels that carry their own stories.
Why Stay in Cascais
Before diving into my favorite historic hotels, it’s worth asking—why stay in Cascais at all?
The vast majority of travel advice recommends staying in Lisbon and making day trips to Cascais or Sintra. That’s not bad advice; Lisbon has far more hotel options, and getting to Cascais from the city is easy.
But what most guides skip over is how much time you’ll save by staying in Cascais instead. If you plan to visit Sintra, it’s actually faster to reach from Cascais than from Lisbon. And if you want to explore the coast at a slower pace, Cascais gives you that freedom without the city crowds.
You can spend your mornings wandering cobblestone streets, afternoons at the beach, and still have time for a sunset train ride to Lisbon for dinner. It’s the best of both worlds—relaxed seaside charm with easy access to everything nearby.
Add to that the fact that many of Cascais’s most unique boutique hotels are in historic buildings, and you have the perfect base for exploring both Lisbon and Sintra.
Where to Stay in Cascais
Villa Cascais
Villa Cascais is located in the historical center of Cascais and, in the 19th century, was an aristocratic residence. Why yes, I do like nice things; maybe I was a princess in a past life.
Overlooking the Bay of Cascais, it offers 11 rooms, many of which are color-saturated. In all my hours researching hundreds of hotels, Villa Cascais is, hands down, my favorite find; the epitome of a colorful boutique hotel.
Few people are adventurous in their interior design choices like painting an entire room one color, but experiencing a sense of calmness that being surrounded by the color of blue was kind of amazing.
Having fallen in love with their vibrant interiors, I booked a deluxe sea-view room and requested my favorite — a royal blue room. I wouldn’t describe the color as royal blue, but
My “sea view” was partly blocked by a temporary stage for Festas do Mar, but that couldn’t dull the experience — every detail of Villa Cascais was perfection. If you’re considering a stay in Cascais during the festival, Villa Cascais has heavy window shutters that did an amazing job of blocking the music.
Wanting to spend some time at the beach? Villa Cascais offers limited sunbed reservations at Praia da Conceição, a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Pergola Boutique Hotel
Another hotel in Cascais you must consider is the Pergola Boutique Hotel. A restored, family-run, 15-room guesthouse is located on a tree-lined street within walking distance of the beach.
The hotel came to life in 1985 when it became the first tourist accommodation in the town of Cascais, as attested by permit number 1 at the Town Hall.
A previous iteration of the Pergola Boutique Hotel had rooms with tile-inspired wallpapers and vibrant headboards. Today, the hotel rooms are more muted in color, mostly bright white walls with a single accent wall or headboard in a pattern or colored velvet.
I stayed in a king room with a private terrace. Both the king bed and terrace drove my decision. At the time of booking, photos were unavailable because the room had been renovated. But I trusted that, since other rooms had colorful beds and wallpaper, I wouldn’t be disappointed.
Full transparency, I was kind of bummed that the room lacked the pop of color I was hoping for. However, the terrace overlooking the lush, very green gardens helped with my letdown.
I spent several hours on the terrace chilling in the shade, reading and enjoying the hum of the restaurant.
I loved that my room key was attached to a handcrafted piece of recycled leather. But it was kind of annoying to carry around.
A bit bulky to carry, I often felt like my pockets weren’t deep enough to keep it secure. I suppose dropping it off at reception was an option, but I was coming and going too often. I spent most of my final two evenings popping down to the Festas do Mar and returning to the hotel to rest in between acts.
Cascais Hotels Worth the Money
I loved staying at Villa Cascais and the Pergola Boutique Hotel. They are both fantastic options for historical hotels in Cascais. However, if neither float your boat, consider these other unique hotels.
Additional Historical Cascais Hotel Options
Artsy Cascais — Step inside a 19th-century palace reimagined with striking contemporary design and a façade by renowned street artist Vhils. It’s also a beachfront hotel just a three-minute walk from Ribeira Beach.
Offering only 19 rooms, Artsy Cascais includes two artist rooms, one with a terrace. Awaken to the sunshine coming through your windows, framed by Vhils’ art installations. These one-of-a-kind rooms feel like sleeping in your own private museum of modern art.
If you’re an artist or just into art, one of the experiences offered at Artsy Cascais is a morning with a local watercolor artist. Departing from the hotel to explore the history and beauty of Cascais. Along the way, you can immortalize the moment through sketches and/or watercolors, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape.
Honestly, I have to return to Cascais just for the morning with the watercolor artist.
Pestana Cidadela Cascais – Pousada & Art District — A Fortress that once defended the entrance of the Tagus River and a former summer residence of the royal family is now home to a hotel.
I love the unique rooms decorated by resident and guest artists from the Citadel Art District. Several room options overlook either the fortress or the courtyard and larger suites have a view of the sea and nearby marina.
Surrounded by art studios and galleries, spend an afternoon walking through the art in the courtyard and visiting the galleries and shops. I loved the typography art in This Must Be The Place, by artist Catarina Carreiras. Something about words turned into art that I just love.
And my favorite souvenir while traveling, books at Indie, Not A Bookshop. I picked up Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight, which I found amongst the chaos of books in the back room.
Chalet Ficalho — When the Estrada Marginal (N6) opened in 1868, the royal family began traveling from Lisbon to Cascais for the summer. Soon after, many aristocratic families followed, building grand summer homes that today have become boutique hotels.
Built in 1897 for the Viscount of Ovar and his wife, later the Countess of Ficalho, the house has remained in the family since its construction. Now completely restored, Chalet Ficalho features nine unique rooms and is an ideal historic boutique hotel for a family buyout.
To enhance your stay, Chalet Ficalho offers experiences that turn moments into memories—boat tours to São Julião da Barra Fort, dolphin-watching in the Atlantic, and even local fishing adventures.
The Albatroz Hotel – Originally built in 1873 as a summer palace for the Duke of LoulĂ©, it has been home to several royal families over the years. Perched on the cliffs above the Atlantic, with the Praia da Conceição and Praia da Rainha on either side, the hotel originally opened in 1963 with only 11 rooms.
It has expanded over time, now combining three buildings. The modern wing features views of the Bay of Cascais. The Palazzo Albatroz, an 18th-century palace set farther back from the sea features more period-style rooms.
History, Color, and Art All in Cascais
Staying in Cascais means trading crowds for coastal calm and chain hotels for soulful, historic stays. Whether it’s the sea-facing charm of Villa Cascais or the garden serenity of the Pergola Boutique Hotel, each offers more than comfort—they offer connection.
For travelers heading to Sintra, Cascais also makes sense. It’s faster, easier, and far more relaxing as a home base.
Staying in a place that has lived many lives before yours adds an intangible layer to travel. It’s the difference between visiting Cascais and belonging to it—even if only for a few nights.
Planning a trip to Lisbon, Cascais, and Sintra? Consider making Cascais your home base. Check into history—you might find the past makes you feel more present.
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