Overview

Pestana Cidadela Cascais – Pousada & Art District offers an immersive blend of heritage and contemporary creativity in the heart of Cascais. This 5-star retreat features over 133 rooms—among them 23 suites—each finished with hardwood floors, modern décor and thoughtful in-room amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV and a coffee machine. As one of Europe’s pioneering on-site Art Districts, the hotel forms part of the Bairro dos Museus, complete with project spaces, ateliers and rotating exhibitions. An Art Concierge guides guests through installations and gallery tours, while landscaped gardens and two swimming pools—one heated indoor overlooking the marina, and one outdoor amid the Fortaleza lawns—invite relaxation. Additional highlights include a state-of-the-art gym, Magic Spa treatments and electric vehicle chargers.

Location

Nestled within the historic walls of Cascais’ old fortress, the hotel enjoys panoramic views over the marina and the Atlantic. A three-minute walk leads to golden sands and surf at the nearest beach, while the town centre’s boutiques, galleries and cafés lie just five minutes away on foot. For day trips, Guincho Beach’s renowned surf break and the Casino do Estoril are easily accessible, and the nearby parks and museums complete a rich cultural itinerary. Public parking and 24-hour reception services ensure seamless arrivals and departures.

Facilities

Guests benefit from two swimming pools—the indoor pool heated year-round and the outdoor pool surrounded by the Paiol Garden’s greenery—though these areas are not wheelchair-accessible. The on-site Magic Spa offers wellness treatments and massages in a tranquil setting, while a modern gym provides equipment for a full workout. Additional services include multilingual concierge, room service with turndown, laundry, press reader app for unlimited digital publications, and EV charging stations. Adapted rooms and public areas cater to guests with reduced mobility, and pets up to 15 kg are welcome for an extra charge.

Rooms

Accommodations range from Classic Rooms overlooking the fortress gardens to the Presidential Suite, an artistic tribute to Nadir Afonso with separate living and sleeping areas. Art District Rooms showcase works by resident artists like Ana Perez Quiroga and Susana Anágua, each featuring unique interventions. Superior rooms and suites with marina views include private balconies, complimentary bottled water on arrival, coffee machines and dual bathing options. Family-friendly Junior Suites occupy historic vaults and accommodate up to four guests, while the Suite Sea View delights with twin balconies framing the blue expanse of the Atlantic.

Sports & Entertainment

Active guests can maintain fitness routines in the hotel gym or swim laps in the heated indoor pool with marina vistas. Beach enthusiasts will find surf schools and board rentals at Guincho, while guided art walks and museum visits are arranged by the Art Concierge. The surrounding fortress grounds host occasional outdoor concerts and open-air screenings. Nearby golf courses, sailing clubs and hiking trails in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offer further opportunities for adventure.

Dining & Bars

Culinary experiences span three distinct venues. At Taberna da Praça, traditional Portuguese dishes and regional produce feature in a relaxed setting with both communal and intimate seating. Maris Stella overlooks the Cascais marina and specialises in Mediterranean-inspired menus that highlight fresh seafood caught locally. The Chapter serves artfully presented light bites—salads, sandwiches, burgers and desserts—under the guidance of Chef Manuel Alexandre, with a curated selection of drinks in an evening atmosphere. A lobby bar completes the offering with cocktails and light snacks throughout the day.