Lawrence's Hotel — Hotel in Sintra

THIS HOTEL IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. They advertise parking - but have none. I mean NONE. We made a reservation with this hotel BECAUSE of their advertised parking. After a 15 hour flight from the Western US, we arrived in Lisbon and drove to this hotel only to find out that they only have 2 (YES 2 spaces) for parking. Both of these spaces were occupied. We then drove around for 1.5 hours looking for parking (to no avail). We went back to the hotel and they offered to let us park in what appeared to be a dilapidated concrete barn or shed (down a set of steep stairs from the hotel - not near it). After almost hitting the close concrete walls of this structure, I decided that my rental car was at too much risk of damage. So, we left and drove around for another 2.5 hours. Finally (this after 4 hours of driving around Sintra), the day manager, Dianna Martins, offered her parking space (which would be available in another hour). After a 15 hour flight, and 4 hours driving around the narrow streets of Sintra, we politely declined and say “no thank you” and that the accommodations were not as advertised an unacceptable. We ended up going up the coast and staying at the Immerso (a great hotel in Ericserra). The manager gave us her card and said to call if there were ANY problems with the refund but to go through Expedia for a full refund. After doing this, we find out that the hotel has refused our request (this, after directly informing us that there would be no problem). The hotel is a FRAUD. DO NOT STAY HERE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. I should also point out that, as my wife sat in the lobby, as I drove aimlessly around Sintra looking for parking - 2 other couples were complaining that there was no parking as well. THIS HOTEL SEEMS TO “BAIT “TRAVELLERS TO MAKE RESERVATIONS THEN DOES NOT DELIVER UPON ARRIVAL. I AM CERTAIN WE ARE NOT THE FIRST. AGAIN, DO NOT STAY HERE IF YOUI PLAN ON DRIVING AND PARKING IN SINTRA. THEY HAVE NO PARKING WHATSOEVER (WELL, 2 SPACES THAT WILL CERTAINLY BE OCCUPIED WHEN YOU ARRIVE). I have been to over 50 countries and travelled to all 50 states in the US and this is, BY FAR, the worst travel...

A highlight of our two week visit to Portugal were the nights we spent in the wonderful and very welcoming Lawrence's Hotel. Located between the restaurants of Sintra's pleasant historic center and the grand mansions and palaces Sintra is known for, Lawrence's Hotel was an excellence base from which to explore the area... if you can make it away from the comforts this hotel offers! Lawrence's claims to be the oldest hotel anywhere in Portugal or Spain, dating back to the 1750s. In its tranquil setting in sublime Sintra, it has rightly been host to figures such as Lord Byron (where he began writing Childe Harold's Pilgrimage) and Eça de Queiroz. The cozy hominess of its rooms and public spaces are perfect for curling-up with a book and a nice glass of port. The creaky wood floors, tiles, and antique furniture are enough to make one feel at home in another era... but updated where essential! The fixtures in our suite's bathroom, and the water pressure, were ample, and there were many outlets to charge those devices that, hopefully amidst the scenery of Sintra, at which you will scarcely care to glance. Just as special as the comforts of the hotel are its people: rarely have we ever been made to feel so welcome! From Amanda's enthusiastic greeting at the front desk, to the volunteered assistance up the stairs with our bags by the staff from the kitchen, to the delightful breakfast buffet serving the freshest fruit and some of the best pastries in Portugal (if that's possible), and a packed breakfast for our all-to-early departure, our only regret was that we could not stay longer. A visit to Lawrence's is best for those without a car: they can arrange transportation, and a car is hardly needed to see the sights around town. Parking is available (in a 500-year-old historic building no less, when the free street parking is taken), but as with any driving in the historic center of town, streets are steep and narrow, and maneuvering can be a bit tricky, plus a pass is necessary to drive on the hotel's street (which must be obtained before arrival, so ask). We look forward to our next chance to...

This is a quaint hotel with 17 unique rooms. While the rooms themselves are fairly basic, it had everything we needed, and it made up for it in excellent staff who were friendly, helpful and professional! The evening, front desk clerk, Amanda, was absolutely amazing! We had had a reservation mixup at a different hotel and Amanda was quick and very helpful at getting us a room at Lawrence‘s hotel. She made us feel comfortable, relaxed, and told us how our stay here was meant to be! She was helpful on other days with finding private spaces to enjoy the evening on a balcony with our friends and a bottle of wine. The staff at the Lawrence‘s hotel restaurant was also absolutely amazing! We had a very nice dinner in the restaurant our first evening which was delicious. Our waiter (Armando) was very helpful in making recommendations for wine and dessert wine/port pairings. He made his recommendation, but brought out a sample for me to try before pouring for both. However, his initial recommendations were wonderful and so I didn’t need to try other options. We had included breakfast every day. The fruit spread was wonderful. There was also a mix of pastries and hot food. One of our most memorable meals of this trip was off of the lunch menu we had outside on the patio with friends. We were there for at least two hours with appetizers, our lunch, and dessert, again paired with the dessert wine I had had during dinner. The dessert menu was different for lunch than it had been for dinner, but they were able to get the special dinner dessert for us to have at lunch. Our waiter, again Armando, had awesome recommendations and a sense of humor. It was an absolutely amazing two nights and three days in Sinta! I would absolutely...