Sintra Marmòris Camélia, Sintra

• You'll stay just east of Sintra's historic center, within easy walking distance of most of the region's landmarks (and just steps from the train station).
• Each floor of this restored 19th-century mansion is decorated to evoke a Sintra landmark, and rooms are named for historic residents (we loved Princess Anasir's built-in window seat and huge marble bathroom). 
• Some rooms offer postcard views over the surrounding valleys, mountains, and palaces.
• Guests receive their own access code to the sister hotel to enjoy the heated outdoor pool and complimentary wine-and-cheese nights.
• A tray of thoughtful in-room treats is replenished daily, including a carafe of port, traditional Sintra pastries, and fresh fruit. 

• The open-plan nature of the rooms and bathrooms means privacy is minimal, and most units are best suited to couples or single travelers.
• Some rooms include large soaking tubs but no showers—make sure to request the latter if it's a preference.

Authenticity

Press the buzzer at the iron gates to be ushered into this intimate boutique stay—the newest of two locally owned Marmòris properties in Portugal's "glorious eden." The small villa's candy-pink facade might be historic, but the renovated interiors are airy and contemporary—with understated nods to the town's royal past reflected in the room names and decor throughout. To really settle into the neighborhood, stroll over to the nearby sister hotel for their complimentary wine-and-cheese evenings, served in enchanting gardens complete with roaming peacocks and flocks of parakeets.

Location

The setting strikes a nice balance of convenience and charm, overlooking a narrow street lined with pastel houses and sidewalk cafés. Stroll east to the Sintra train station in just 3 minutes, or follow the winding Volta del Duche pathway downhill to reach the Vila Velha (historic center) and the National Palace of Sintra in 10 minutes. The rest of Sintra's landmarks lie within easy reach; you can hop on the 434 bus to Pena Palace, or take a 30-minute hike to the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira (just be prepared for some hills). There's no on-site parking, but free parking is available at the nearby Sintra Marmòris Palace. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Nine air-conditioned rooms are spread across five floors, each generously sized and named for one of Sintra's historic residents. The decor incorporates warm woods and lots of light, with opulent touches of velvet, gilt, and brocade that tie in with the "royal" theme (the premium king mattresses feel particularly fit for a queen). Deluxe Valley or Sintra View rooms offer the best vistas from their balconies or window seats, while the Junior Suite adds even more square footage and a separate seating area. The open-plan bathrooms are particularly spectacular—wrapped in Portuguese marble, most feature freestanding soaking tubs and full-sized Rituals toiletries. All floors are reached by elevator.

Amenities

Staff take your breakfast orders the day before, from an extensive menu that includes excellent local pastries (a Sintra specialty), fresh-squeezed juices, and espresso-style coffee. You won't find many other amenities at this petite, boutique-style stay, but free access to the sister property's heated outdoor pool is a nice perk—complete with a private access code so you can make use of it whenever you like.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at Sintra Marmòris Camélia, but most of the open-plan rooms are better suited to couples or single travelers. The two-bedroom, two-bath Deluxe Suite is the best fit for families, and children under 12 stay free.