Fortaleza do Guincho

Fifteen years had passed since my last trip to Portugal, but one thing I remembered clearly was the stunning Fortaleza do Guincho north of Cascais, a resort town in which I had once considered buying a house. The hotel hadn't been so grand then, and we hadn't stayed there. A little stark and barren, it had been a state owned property with a pretty good restaurant. In between, however, it had been purchased by a Chinese businessman who wanted to make it his private house. The state said, "no, you can buy it but it has to stay a hotel," so he... more

My wife and I travelled to this Hotel after a change of plan exploring the areas between Costa La Luz and Portugal's Silver Coast, - it was a pretty hectic 9 days driving. We had a little difficulty finding the hotel at first, but eventually simply followed the signs for 'Guincho' and there it was. The entrance is like something out of an historic novel - a 'true fort' on the edge of a rocky outcrop complete with Atlantic rollers and massive breakers all around it. The welcome from the staff was excellent and the room although small was... more

As we neared the end of our holiday in Portugal we drove through Cascais and stumbled upon the Fortaleza Do Guincho. We own a small property called The Buccaneer and our son immediately spotted the pirate fort on the water and asked if we could stay. What a great choice on his part! We thoroughly enjoyed our room. It was nicely done up and we did not experience any of the problems that others mention in their reviews. The staff were great and put in a cot for our son. The restaurant was a bit too formal for our two families so we... more

We're almost lost for words about the hotel and the surroundings. The service was first class - so much attention to detail. And the restaurant lived up to expectations...and more. And oh the crashing Atlantic rollers!! We woke up to them every morning. Wide, open sandy beach. Clean and unspoilt. Can't wait to go back. Its a few ks outside Cascais, but that's no problem. Easy parking there and plenty of good restaurants. A 5* hotel that really lived up to its reputation!!

I stayed there for 3 Nights and the Hotel is a dream. The service, the quality of the food and views to the Ocean are amazing. I strongly recomend this Hotel! It´s definitly a Relais & Chateaux. My wife wants to come back next November 2006. JPC

We spent 5 days at the end of January at the Hotel do Guincho. It's location is absolutely spectacular -- waking up each morning to the see the surf rolling in on the beach beside the cliff on which the hotel is perched was invigorating. We found the staff to be accommodating and friendly. Our rooms (we had booked rooms without the closed balconies, but because they were not full up in the dead of winter, they moved us up without any extra cost) were lovely. Had one meal in the restaurant and it was very good, but given the cost would... more

My wife and I with another couple were guests at the Fortaleza do Guincho the first week of November 2005. This hotel lived up to all expectations of an exquisite boutique hotel (27 rooms) situated in one of the most dramatic locations in the world. The Fortaleza do Guincho is a restored fortress on a pinnacle jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean with huge waves breaking over rocks at very edge of the hotel. Our room was large and comfortable with all the amenities of a superior class hotel (complimentary fruit and olives, Portuguese port,... more

I stayed with my wife 2 nights mid-December 2004. My wife saw a gourmet package on their website, which included 2 nights accomodation, breakfasts included and one dinner for 2 with a choice of at least 2 wines. The food and service are very good, very classy dining room and bar, with incredible views. Staff at the restaurant are truly professional and you can tell they enjoy their work. However, we had a small fron desk problem with the price. My wife called the hotel and booked directly with them this package, and spoke twice... more

We stayed here with our toddler daughter for our honeymoon and were quite disappointed with the service and lack of facilities. Despite having a service to go to caiscais we were never told about it and though it looks picture perfect, the rooms were quite dark. It would have been ok but when we left we accidentally left our passports in our room, with little time to spare at the airport we rang the hotel and begged them to send someone in a taxi or send a taxi driver with the documents, they refused and we had an awful last minute dash to... more

My husband and I stayed at the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho on our wedding night, on the 19th September 2004, and it was a magical experience. The Hotel looks like a real fortress, right on top of the Atlantic Ocean, and facing one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, The Guincho Beach. Every single room has a fantastic view, and they all have very beautiful balconies that allow you to inhale the fresh sea breeze, and admire the strength of the waves, the seagulls flying and the most perfect sunset. The room was enormous, and everything... more