Reply To: InterContinental Cascais booked via Amex Fine Hotel & Resorts

[kwho]

I would recommend 4 nights in Estoril. The IC Lisbon whilst modern, they’re pretty stingy with upgrades and the best you’ll get is a better view room (they call it premium or whatever). The lounge is ok but only during happy hour 5-7pm, not sure if you get access, but in my opinion is not worth it. To pay extra for lounge is not worth it, when there are so many choices to eat in town at decent prices.

The train from Estoril into Lisbon is 30 minutes during morning and evening rush hour and 40 mins other times. Rush hour is every 10 mins, then every 20 mins. Rush hour is not busy.

We stayed at Estoril last time and commuted into Lisbon. Lisbon Uber is 3-4 euros from station to central areas. IC Lisbon is up the hill, so if you want to go into central areas, there is a steep walk, and you’ll end up getting an Uber anyway.

IC Lisbon breakfast is like a factory. Either lots of event groups or cruise liner groups and it is busy!!!! Staff are overwhelmed. Whilst at Estoril, you’ll feel like you’re on a friend’s terrace with staff willing to help you at every moment. A huge difference. Breakfast there is never busy. I have never seen more than 4 tables being occupied, compared to IC Lisbon where there could be 50-60 tables occupied at any one time. Buffet breakfast is also much better at IC Estoril.

Our routine in Estoril was:
Breakfast on the terrace – wonderful view (no view at IC Lisbon)
Quick swim in the spa pool (heated) – (no pool at IC Lisbon)
Train into town before 10am (fast train every 10 mins – get a top up card which you touch in/touch out)
Uber into town 3 euros
Sightseeing
Lunch in Lisbon
Ice cream at Nannarella in Lisbon
More sightseeing
Dinner in Lisbon
Train back (not to forget that the station is right below the hotel – no noise whatsoever)
Drinks at the bar on the terrace with a view (No view at the bar in IC Lisbon and service poor)

Restaurants to recommend in Lisbon:
BouBou’s (you must book well in advance)
Taberna da rua das flores
MiniBar