If you fancy a luxurious yet affordable trip to Europe, skip Spain, France, and Italy, and head to Portugal! This underrated destination never feels overcrowded, and there are a number of Portugal resorts to choose from. See our list of best places to stay in Portugal, and book your trip today!
1. Lisbon
The Portuguese capital offers a medley of flavors from around the world with everything from curry to peri-peri. And it’s a hugely romantic and beautiful city with Moorish-inspired architecture and beautiful plazas.
Related post: Top Things to Do in Lisbon in 2 Days
Perhaps, the most prestigious hotel in Lisbon is Hotel Avenida Palace, which sits in the heart of the city between downtown and the Lisbon’s most grand street, Avenida da Liberdade. This Belle Epoque, five-star property was originally opened in 1892.
Located on a hillside with sweeping views over the Tagus River, Olissippo Lapa Palace offers you a little bit of the countryside while being only a short drive from Central Lisbon. This 19th century palace turned luxury hotel contains 109 rooms, each with a different style from Art Deco to Algarvian; an indoor heated pool; and sub-tropical gardens.
Bairro Alto Hotel is located in the Bairro Alto district, an area of Lisbon known for its centuries-old houses, art and music scene, and bohemian bars and restaurants. This boutique hotel is housed in an 18th-century building and offers 87 stylish rooms in the literal heart of the city.
One of the best places to stay in Portugal is the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz. Art Deco meets Louis XVI style in this opulent hotel, which also has an eclectic mix of art, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and an outdoor running track on the roof.
Related post: How to Get a Free Hotel Stay at Four Seasons Hotels
2. Sintra
No trip to the country is complete without visiting Sintra, a fairytale village dotted with pastel-colored palaces set amidst the Sintra Mountains.
It’s a popular spot for day trippers but it really deserves more time than a day, as it’s such a dreamy, charming town.
Plan to visit Pena Palace, the most popular attraction in Sintra, early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and follow with a visit to Quinta de Regaleira gardens as well as Monserrate Palace, Castle of the Moors, and Sintra National Palace if time permits.
While visiting Sintra, it only makes sense to stay a few nights in a palace such as Tivoli Palace de Setais or Sintra Marmoris Palace. These two properties are certainly among the very best places to stay in Portugal.
3. Cascais
Villa Cascais Boutique Hotel, a former aristocratic residence of 11 rooms overlooking the Bay of Cascais. Among the hotel’s primary decor are bold blue walls, a grand golden staircase, and parquet wood floors. All elements of this hotel have been carefully considered to make it such a cozy place and a great value for luxury.
Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho, a Relais & Chateaux hotel, is one of the most unique and best places to stay in Portugal. Housed in a 17th century fortress, this fine property contains the Michelin-star Gastronomic Restaurant. With large suites, rich fabrics, and beautiful ocean views, it’s a great place to come for romantic getaways.
Winner of Conde Nast 2021 Best Resort for Romance, Albatroz Hotel is a former palace with unique, modern luxury guest rooms. The hotel also has a beautiful wine cellar and private yacht.
4. Porto
Yeatman Hotel dubs itself a luxury wine hotel and spa and is also a Relais & Chateaux hotel. With two Michelin stars, fantastic city views, and a myriad of luxury services and amenities, this 82-room hotel is widely considered the best hotel in Porto.
In the five-start, Neoclassical-style Maison Albar Hotel, immerse yourself in the French art of living. With French gastronomy, warm interiors, and 76 spacious rooms, it’s one of the best places to stay in Portugal.
Opened in 2019 in a former palace dating back to 1884, Torel 1884 Suites and Apartments offers 12 deluxe rooms and suites and 11 beautiful apartments that make you feel right at home. With a nod to the Portuguese era of exploration, each room has a distinct theme based on influences from African, America, and Asia.
Aparthotel Oporto Batalha sits in a prime location in Porto, near Batalha Square. With 10 spacious units containing large windows, high ceilings, granite arches, and modern furnishings, the hotel is one of the best places to stay in Portugal for larger families.
5. Algarve
For some epic beach time, make your way to the Algarve coast, which has the most breathtaking backdrop of limestone cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Related post: Best Algarve Beaches for Your Trip to Portugal
The Algarve certainly has some of the best Portugal resorts. Of course, July and August are the most popular months to visit, but visiting in May and October offers fewer tourists and lower prices.
If you’re going for a romantic getaway, there’s no better property than Bela Vista Hotel & Spa. Not only is this adults-only property located on the scenic Praia da Rocha, but it’s one of the most stylish Portugal resorts with rooms decorated in the art deco style. Rooms average $500 per night.
One of the best places to stay in Portugal, especially for families, is the Martinhal suite of properties, which has locations in Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve. Martinhal Sagres, a dynamic luxury resort catering to both adults and children contains 37 hotel suites on a beautiful stretch of beach as well as several villas, ocean and bay houses, and apartments. There is no lack of activities at this resort, which sits on a beautiful stretch of coast near the major town of Lagos.
Pine Cliffs Resort is perhaps the most renowned resort in the Algarve, hosting famous people throughout the years. With 217 rooms and suites as well as six pools, a luxury spa, fitness facilities, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, and the Porto Pirata Kids Club, there’s no shortage of amenities and activities to fill your day. The resort has prime access to Falésia Beach, which contains a private lounging area.
Vila Vita Parc Hotel received Conde Nast’s Reader’s Choice Award as the #14 Destination Spa Resort in the world. The resort is set on a 54-acre clifftop and features 180 rooms decorated in a contemporary Moorish style, 8 swimming pools, and 9 restaurants.
Vilalara Thalassa Resort has 131 rooms decorated in Mediterranean style with modern rooms and apartments with all the bells and whistles. The real draw of this resort is its thalassotherapy spa and its gorgeous, secluded beach.
What do you think of our recommended best places to stay in Portugal? Have you stayed in any of these Portugal resorts?
