Pestana Cidadela Cascais - Pousada & Art District

The hotel is located on the waterfront, ideally situated for a short walk to the marina, restaurants, shops or beach. Our room was comfortable and provided the comforts needed for our short break, if we stayed longer I would like a balcony. The breakfast was great, providing a wide variety of options and certainly satisfying us ready for the day ahead.

We found it frustrating that the hotel bar was closed one evening with no notice or signage indicating such. We eventually approached Reception who suggested we use the restaurant facility across the courtyard. The evening did not really improve once in the restaurant, with the service slow and the standard not matching the rest of the hotel.

The location is incredible, but the setting is what makes it. Built into the walls of the old fort, it is an oasis of calm, with a beautiful courtyard. The staff, all of them, cleaners, servers, guest services, reception and concierge are just wonderful. So friendly, so professional, so helpful, we couldn't speak more highly of them. One of our very favourite hotels in the world

The only niggle, was out of the hotel's control. We got a room with a sea view and balcony and the bars in the Marina blare very loud music at night, which is annoying, but out of the hotel's control

Breakfast was amazing and the hotel was central so within walking distance of everything. Amazing decor and interesting to explore.

Staff were all lovely and happy to answer any questions but if asked to do something that would require an element of going out of their way then the answer was no e.g. when ordering a coffee by the pool, i was told they had none that day and instead of staff member ringing the reception to order a coffee and have it brought to the pool i was told I would have to walk down and do it myself. Would expect in a 5 star that this would be part of the service. There were multiple experiences like this but thid could just be a cultural difference.

The staff was incredible. Everyone we met, especially Iride and Kezia, were kind, friendly and showed us all around. We learned about the history of the building; we got to use a special entrance in near the marina, tour the art galleries in the halls and get all the details about where the pools are, what the breakfast was like and more. We were encouraged to ask any questions and we enjoyed our stay immensely due to the terrific and thoughtful personal service.

We thought the bathroom was a bit of a tight squeeze and was lacking in hooks to hand drying bathing suits and towels. We suggest non-white grout for the next renovation! The amazing attentiveness of the staff made up for any small quirky building details.

This was our first hotel in Portugal and it was perfect. The building itself is really cool - hard to describe but essential a modern, clean, white hotel integrated into an ancient fortress. It's uphill from the town, but only a few minutes walk. We loved walking to town and the marina area, as well as around the citadel. We weren't sure whether or not to stay in Cascais but I'm really glad we did. Very good breakfast, overlooking the harbor. Exceeded our expectations

The room itself was nice, but nothing unique

Very nice hotel and has friendly staff, the breakfast buffet is exceptional, it offers something for everybody. The hotel is located very well and has an art district on-site.

We visited in November 2022: The water in the pool was cold and the sauna was too (only 50°) - due to the energy crisis?! Also, there is no space which is dedicated for home office purposes except for your hotel room, I had some business video calls to make and left the hotel room, as my spouse had to use it for work too, I found some spots in the hotel but had staff and guests walking around in the background and background noise. In today's remote work environment, a dedicated co-working space would be a great plus!

Exceptional location within the old citadel by the marina and within museums district. The breakfast offered variety of options. The room itself was spacious and elegant, but the could have been improved. Both dry and wet saunas with change of towels. While the hotel had both an indoor and outdoor pool, they weren't particularly noteworthy.

There were minor issues with the bathroom drains. Lack of vegetables during breakfast and windy eating area. While the hotel had both an indoor and outdoor pool, they weren't particularly noteworthy.

Very nice staff. Whenever you have a question where to find something they walk you to it. Always service with a smile. The room was very nice and quiet. Well equipped and efficiently decorated with a sofa and a desk to work from. There is a Nespresso coffeemaker and waterboiler. Comfi beds. The hotel is beautifully situated in the centre but away from city noise. Amazing how they could make an historic fortress into a modern artistic hotel. And an abundant breakfast.

Price/ quality ratio

The staff is excellent. A special word for Mr. Telmo Lopes at reception during our check-in. We are seasoned travelers, and have traveled the 5 continents. We can´t remember having ever had such a professional check-in. He made us feel very welcome. An utterly professional individual, treated us the way we like to be treated as hotel guests. The staff at breakfast was also very professional and friendly. We plan to return, and would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to our friends and family. Well done!

Central position, attractive exterior & exceptionally clean everywhere. One of the most memorable things about this hotel was the really excellent & friendly service from all the staff, be it housekeeping, reception, porters and restaurant -

Although beds were large they were not very comfortable and mattress rocked if anyone moved position. Pillows were far too soft. Very wary about 3 steps down from entrance & bathroom - seemed dangerous especially during the night. No car park just for hotel - spaces at nearest one very tight.