Classic Elegance on Portugal’s Riviera

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We visited Palácio Estoril expecting timeless charm, and it delivered in every way. Just 20 minutes from Lisbon, this grand hotel sits in the heart of Estoril, steps from the beach and the iconic casino. It’s a place with history—you can feel it in the architecture, the décor, and even in Bar Estoril, which was a gathering spot for spies during WWII.

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Arrival & First Impressions

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Driving up to Palácio Estoril feels like arriving at a European classic. The entrance is framed by manicured gardens, and inside, the lobby has a warm, old-world glamour that’s rare these days. Check-in was seamless, and from the very first interaction, the service felt personal and attentive.

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Rooms

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We stayed in a Superior Room overlooking the gardens. It was beautifully kept with classic décor—plush bedding, polished wood furniture, and a marble bathroom with a deep tub. The style is traditional but immaculate, perfectly fitting the hotel’s character. For those wanting extra space, there are Junior and Executive Suites, and the Garden Duplex Suites are ideal for longer stays.

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Golf

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Palácio Estoril has a long-standing connection to golf, with Estoril Golf Club just a few minutes away by complimentary shuttle.

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• Estoril Golf Club (18 holes, par 69) is a Mackenzie Ross design with a true old-world feel. It’s tree-lined, strategic, and has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times. It’s not the longest course, but it’s full of charm and requires good shot placement.

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For variety, we also arranged rounds at nearby Oitavos Dunes and Penha Longa, both within 30 minutes. The hotel’s Golf Desk took care of tee times, transfers, and even equipment rentals, making it effortless.

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Spa & Wellness

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The Banyan Tree Spa is one of the highlights. It’s a peaceful, Asian-inspired retreat with a thermal circuit that includes a dynamic hydrotherapy pool, sauna, hammam, contrast showers, and relaxation areas. After golf, we opted for their signature deep tissue massage using Banyan Tree’s essential oils—excellent for recovery.

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There’s also a well-equipped gym, plus yoga and Pilates classes. If wellness is as important as golf, this hotel really balances both beautifully.

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Dining

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Dining at Palácio Estoril feels refined without being overly formal.

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• Four Seasons Grill serves Portuguese and international cuisine in an elegant setting—perfect for dinner after a day on the course.

• Bougainvillea Terrace is more casual and ideal for a relaxed lunch by the pool.

• Bar Estoril is steeped in history and a must for a pre-dinner cocktail.

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Breakfast was served buffet-style, with fresh pastries, local cheeses, smoked salmon, and cooked-to-order eggs. It felt indulgent but relaxed.

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The Overall Stay

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Palácio Estoril is more than just a golf hotel—it’s an experience in itself. It combines history, understated luxury, and genuine hospitality with easy access to Estoril Golf Club and some of Portugal’s best courses. The Banyan Tree Spa adds a modern wellness touch, and the location means you can explore the beaches of Cascais or the palaces of Sintra in minutes.

If you’re looking for a classic Riviera stay with golf, spa, and culture all at your doorstep, Palácio Estoril is hard to beat.