Casino Estoril — Attraction in Cascais

Estoril, a glamorous seaside town on the Portuguese Riviera, has long been associated with luxury, elegance, and history. Its iconic casino and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for those interested in both relaxation and history.

1. Casino Estoril Historical Significance: Opened in 1931, Casino Estoril is one of Europe’s oldest and largest casinos. It gained fame during World War II as a hub for spies, exiles, and royalty, inspiring Ian Fleming's creation of James Bond and the famous novel "Casino Royale." What to Do: Gambling: Try your luck at one of the many gaming tables or slot machines. Entertainment: Enjoy a variety of performances, from cabaret shows to concerts by internationally renowned artists. Dining: Savor fine dining at the casino's upscale restaurants, like "Mandarim" for Chinese cuisine or "Estoril Mandarim" for a lavish buffet. Art Gallery: Visit the in-house gallery, which showcases contemporary Portuguese art.

2. Estoril Promenade (Paredão) What to See: Stroll along the scenic promenade that connects Estoril to Cascais. The path is lined with beautiful beaches, gardens, and grand hotels. Historical Sites: Pass by the Palácio Hotel, a historic luxury hotel that has hosted numerous celebrities and was also frequented by European royalty. Beach Time: Relax on the golden sands of Tamariz Beach, located just below the casino. The beach has a long history as a fashionable resort, attracting the European elite since the early 20th century.

3. Tamariz Beach and the Fort What to Do: Besides sunbathing and swimming, visit the nearby Fort of Santo António da Barra, an old coastal defense fort that now serves as a lookout with stunning views of the ocean. Historical Significance: The fort, dating back to the 17th century, is a reminder of Portugal's strategic maritime importance.

4. Estoril's Cultural Scene Music Festivals: If visiting in the summer, check out the Estoril Music Weeks, a series of classical music concerts that take place in venues around the town. Estoril Congress Center: Attend international conferences, art exhibitions, and cultural events held at this modern venue near the casino.

5. The Historic Hotels Palácio Estoril Hotel: Stay or simply visit this iconic hotel. Built in 1930, it epitomizes the elegance of the period and was used as a filming location for the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service." The hotel has hosted royalty, politicians, and celebrities over the decades. Hotel Inglaterra: Another historic hotel, blending 19th-century charm with modern amenities, offering stunning views over the bay of Cascais.

6. Estoril Golf Club What to Do: Play a round of golf at one of Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious courses. Established in 1929, the course offers a challenging game with beautiful surroundings, and has a strong connection to the glamorous history of the town.

7. Day Trip to Sintra Proximity: Just a short drive from Estoril, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fairytale palaces, lush gardens, and historical estates. The Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira are must-see attractions.

Practical Tips: Getting There: Estoril is easily accessible from Lisbon by train, a scenic 30-minute ride along the coast. Best Time to Visit: The town is beautiful year-round, but late spring to early autumn offers the best weather for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.

Estoril offers a blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for those interested in exploring the glamour of Portugal's past...

I bet one hour ago today 15 euro on the flop and somebody raises me in a 1-3 poker cashgame. I ask the dealer how much the raise is, because I don't understand Portugese and the chip value is unclear to me. He confirms in English it is EUR 50. I put EUR 50 in the pot and he suddenly says that he heard me saying that I was "all inn" and I have to put more chips in. I say to him that I never said "all in" and I just asked how much the raise was. He then says that he asked me if I was all in, I say that I never heard him asking that question and that it is a very strange question to ask if I ask him how much the raise was, especially taking into account that I had around EUR 700 behind and the pot was EUR 109. He argues/pushes heavily back that I confirmed to him that I was all in. I start raising my voice that this all seems very fishy and that I'm not the guy you want to try to scew and I will stop playing and go home from this fishy game. Therefore, In the end the dealer and the other player "accept" the EUR 50 call. I win the pot on the river and announce that I stop and go back to my hotel, because I don't trust what just happened. I file a complaint with the poker pit manager, but he does not take my complaint serious and defends the shady or just stupid incompetent actions/questions of his...

This is based on my first time there. I played €1/3 NLH poker from roughly 21:30 - 02:30 (9:30 pm - 2:30 am). The pros: 1) most, if not all, employees spoke English, which was very helpful for me personally. 2) There were plenty of players of different nationalities, so if you’re worried about not being able to speak Portuguese with other players, there are bound to be some folks there to have table talk with (at least in English). The cons: 1) most of the employees were helpful, but some weren’t. The heat was on very high in the poker room and half of our table needed water. We had to ask three times before water was brought to us, which took roughly 30 minutes, which is not easy when you’re invested in a game. We were acknowledged all three times but only brought water by the third waitress. 2) The casino facility is nice in general, but the bathrooms were a bit gross. Would I recommend coming here to play poker? Absolutely. I would just bring a big bottle of water for a long session. There were also plenty of players during the time I was there and it wasn’t too difficult to find an open seat at a table. I will be going...