Villa Vasco da Gama

The garden is lovely, and the pool is just right for a refreshing dip. Staff were very helpful, even going to find someone if they didn’t know the answer. Our ground floor room was comfortable and very clean. Breakfast was fine, with a decent spread of pastries and continental items plus cooked bacon, sausage and scrambled egg. It’s a great little hotel on a quiet road, an easy five minute walk from the centre, with lots of good small restaurants nearby. We took an Uber to the airport for €22, much cheaper than a hotel transfer or cab.

Breakfast was the weak spot. The coffee was atrocious, and omelets cost an extra €4.50. Seeing price signs first thing in the morning was a big turnoff. The breakfast situation cost Villa Vasco da Gama a star, which is a shame because the hotel is a relaxing oasis in the heart of Cascais. It’s a lovely converted villa on one of the town’s more picturesque streets. Our ground floor room on the garden side, room 10, was well appointed, with a super comfortable bed for our two nights. There was complimentary water and treats in the room fridge, and the cleaners did an excellent job. Staff ranged from indifferent to friendly. (22/06/2025) This didn’t feel like a 4 star establishment at breakfast.

The rooms were beautiful, the bed was the best I’ve ever slept in, the breakfast was excellent, and the location was excellent too. Inside was very clean, and we had a great stay overall. But some things need attention, especially given what we paid for the week. The facilities were poor: the sun loungers were cheap and broken, the pool wasn’t clean enough, and there was no real comfort outside. It wasn’t relaxing to have no service unless we went to the bar. A QR ordering service from downstairs would be great. We stayed for a week and occupied most of the rooms. Service was mixed. A few staff were absolutely lovely, especially laura the night manager and the kitchen team. Reception was the opposite, extremely rude and not friendly at all. They never looked up from the computer, made no friendly chat, and didn’t give us a warm welcome. The place felt very cold throughout the week.

Breakfast was quiet, which we loved, though it could have had a bit more variety. It would also have been handy if reception kept a few spare toothbrush and toothpaste kits. The rooms were perfect and the hotel itself is beautiful. Only a seven minute walk from the centre, it’s a real gem. Villa Vasco da Gama is highly recommended.