Arribas Sintra Hotel

The staff were top-notch, and the hotel is beautifully appointed inside. We were lucky enough to be the first guests in the new second-floor Master Suite. It was brand new, huge, and had gorgeous views. The pool is HUGE and COLD, so be ready for that. The cafe served very good food and drinks, and breakfast in the hotel restaurant was worth the extra fee. Beaches nearby are beautiful and easy to reach, and the views are magnificent. The local restaurants mix fine dining with a relaxed surf-life feel. Highly recommend!

We only stayed one night, but it was a wonderful one, with incredible views from every window, the patio, and the balcony. Every person we met was caring, respectful, helpful, and friendly, especially with my mom. The entrance was under maintenance, which made getting in with our luggage and my 85-year-old mom difficult. Once inside, the staff were incredible. I think the star was named Nuria, and I included a photo. She checked us in early, stored our bags, and showed us to the bar while telling us about what they offered and the history of the hotel and pool. We had drinks and a great salad and pizza lunch on the patio. A couple of hours later, Nuria let us know our room was ready, and our luggage had already been taken up. The room was as perfect as the bar and restaurant. We came back that evening for burgers and wraps, then had an amazing breakfast buffet in the morning. I highly recommend this hotel if you love the beach.

The manager offered a late check-out, but I had a planned trip to Sintra that morning, so it didn't help. They also waived the charge for some bar snacks. After driving hundreds of kilometers the day before, I was exhausted and needed sleep. Instead, I spent my first visit to Sintra tired and irritated, and the rest of the day felt the same. I checked in the day before and paid extra for an upgraded room so I could rest. At 7:00 AM, façade renovation began right outside my room, with workers, scaffolding, and loud construction noise just behind the wall and balcony. Nobody warned me at booking or check-in. For a more expensive room, that was unacceptable. An ocean view doesn't mean much when construction wakes you at 7 AM. Very disappointing.

The room could use a warmer, cosier feel, though room service was excellent and the food decent. The hotel's right on the ocean, with striking views and a spacious pool that really stands out. Breakfast fell short of expectations, and the service there felt less attentive than elsewhere in the hotel. A few adjustments could make the experience outstanding.