Pergola Boutique Hotel

Location: Centrally situated in Cascais, the hotel is a short walk from the train station, beaches, restaurants, and shops. This makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions such as Lisbon, Sintra, and Estoril.

We stayed at the Pergola for 3 nights, with 27 family members, renting just about all of the rooms for our group. We all had a lovely stay. The gardens and outdoor sitting area were lovely and we gathered here most evenings before and after dinner, it was magical. The location of the hotel was great for our group, we could walk to the beach and to dinner, and we also do day trips to Lisbon and Sintra. The breakfast was excellent and the staff were easily accessible and always willing to do all they could to make our stay in Cascais at the Pergola perfect.

Very disappointing. Like many, I fell in love with the appearance of this hotel on a visit 3 years ago and assumed the level of comfort would be exceptional. The price was eye watering - on a par or dearer than the top 5* hotels - but was not justified. I learned too late to cancel that there is no lift and my room was on 2nd floor. I had knee problems and had to plan my day with minimal returns to room as the climb up was a world of pain. The room itself was described as de luxe superior at higher price, but was nothing special, quite large but wasted space in entrance. Window was small with no view of lovely garden. No balcony. No TV or phone in room so to call reception you have to use your phone. Breakfast had great reviews but the buffet was very limited, probably because the room it is served in was very small. However you can take your breakfast in the beautiful garden. Hot menu options available but manager didn't tell me until I was halfway through my toast & jam. Buffet wasn't replenished after 9.00 although served until 10.30, so coming down at 9.30 found slim pickings. Since my earlier visit a posh restaurant has been installed taking up half the garden and rooms right overhead will be noisy in the evening. I didn't eat in the restaurant, it was packed every night and lunchtime. The house is beautiful and I imagine it costs a lot to maintain, but €350 a night in May is outrageous without a corresponding level of comfort and service. And you can only see the front of the house from the garden. I should have read all the reviews first, let that be a lesson to me! Next time I will book something more modern and probably less expensive. For that price I could have stayed in the Pousada or the Miragem with a view, a TV and an elevator. My impression was, they are targeting rich Americans who will pay through the nose for such a pretty house and garden. The staff were very professional and slick but when I expressed my disappointment I just got blank face and I could tell it would not be passed on. Not a word of apology.To top it all, they advertise a car service to the airport for €50, on the morning I was leaving it turned out to be €75 and an outside firm so I took a regular taxi. All in all a very disappointing experience. Cascais is my favourite place and I will return, just not to this hotel. Lesson: Read ALL the reviews before booking!