At a Glance
Perhaps a little dated, but you can still feel the glamor and history that once made the Palácio the only place to stay on the Portuguese Riviera. Ian Fleming wrote Casino Royale at the bar here, and the hotel was later immortalized in the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Indagare Loves
- The excellent Estoril Wellness Centre and Banyan Tree Spa, which adjoins the hotel. Though starkly functional in design, it delivers impressive treatments with a range of highly qualified therapists
- The large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun beds. It is one of the region’s nicest
- The cozy bar, famous for being a gathering place of spies during WWII
Review
A true Grand Dame, the Palácio is aging with dignity, and a visit here is a must when on this coast. Its heyday was the glamorous 1930s when it first swung open its doors and the hotel was a place of refuge for many European royal families during WWII, leading to the area being called ‘The Coast of Kings.’ Have a look at the hotel’s Royal Gallery to see some of its more notable guests.
The majority of the 161 rooms are rather small, but classical in decor and very comfortable; many come with balconies overlooking the pool. Bathrooms are clad in marble with Molton Brown amenities.
Set back from the sea, the hotel is right in the center of Estoril, with the casino a few minutes walk away.
Who Should Stay
Those who love an old-fashioned Grand Dame and, of course, James Bond fans.
