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 stay with them!

If you love staying somewhere with history, character and real charm, this hotel will suit you. If you prefer modern resorts with shiny new bathrooms, don't pick Lawrences Hotel. We booked a suite as we needed working/desk space and were given the Lord Byron Suite, it is an absolutely beautiful bedroom, separate lounge area, french doors and balcony with a view over the garden/woods and town at the other end, photos are added. Large clean bathroom with everything you need, lovely comfortable bed and crisp linen. An easy 5 minute walk to the main centre of Sintra with plenty of restaurants (further to the railway station end). While we were there, some paths (e.g. from the Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle) were closed or inaccessible due to storm damage so check carefully with the tourist office that this has all been resolved. We found the public bus up the hill really convenient and reasonable, and if you are fit for doing up and down hills, the walking is fantastic.

The hotel restaurant hours were limited, so we ended up eating out, which was fine as there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Damp weather meant that we did get mosquitoes in the room and insect spray was hard to come by in Sintra, so this would be a great addition to the rooms.

The staff was great and maid service was exceptional. Breakfast I included in my payment and it was excellent. Even though this was not the room I wanted it turned out for the best because it was quieter at the back side of the hotel. The location is excellent. I would go back but I would make sure that I had a little bit nicer room.

I really had hoped to have a nicer room. I booked it quite a few months ago and had hoped for a view over the village. My room had a view to the trees no village lights and no canopy bed it was a a little small I thought for what I paid. The pictures are a little misleading about the room size, beds and view.

It is a historic, iconic hotel; the oldest established hotel on the Iberian Peninsula. It was restored in the 1990s but retains a lot of its 18th century character and quirkiness. We stayed in January and it was quiet with just a few guests. The staff were helpful and accommodating and the spa treatments we had were good value. Parking in Sintra is now highly restricted in the old town accessed by locals and hotel residents using a QR code / camera system which is a little hit and miss. Lawrence's has 3 free spaces just outside the hotel plus a payable garage close by. We were put in the Lord Byron Suite which was a nice touch. The public areas are tastefully decorated with many traditional features. To be clear, it's not a modern luxury hotel. It's a piece of history.

Nothing. We would stay again.

The historic building and furnishings were beautiful and inviting. The staff were very attentive and friendly. They were also able to provide information about the town and area that is not easily found because most of the staff live nearby but also have been working for the hotel for decades. The room was magical, with a balcony overlooking the ravine and at least 2 castles. The experience was surreal.

I didn’t like the fact that we could not stay forever at this beautiful hotel.

If you plan dream holidays, Lawrence hotel is the place to stay. Location, room, service - all was just excellent and make you feel special. Design of every room makes you feel at home - comfortable and pleasant. The views from windows were fantastic. Special thanks to Marko at the reception and in fact all staff was professional and friendly.

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Beautiful and romantic hotel in a fantastic area with a lot of history. Restaurant is great, well serviced and with delicious homemade and well priced food. Provided breakfast was scrumptious and included a lot of local produce.

Balcony was same level as road 40M away with nothing blocking or interrupting line of sight, so pedestrians could see you easily. Hotel Staff could have been more responsive to requests and room decor and utilities could be considered a little basic but considering location the is what you would expect.

The staff were impeccable, the hotel has a lot of charm and ideal location. Our balcony overlooked massive greenery, which was lovely, a babbling brook and a couple of owls could be heard in the background. We also had a great evening meal at the restaurant, again the staff was very friendly and professional.

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Great staff, and fabulous location - walking distance to Sintra (historic old town) and all the sights we wanted to see. Old colonial style hotel with many antique pieces (furniture/artwork/etc).

Its a very old hotel so some parts could do with a little modernization, but overall - a good experience.

Loved the old world style... felt like we had gone back to the 1940's ... but the service and facilities were all great quality. Room was great, breakfast was lovely and all the staff were friendly. Tea on the restaurant balcony in the afternoon was a pleasure after walking around the Pena Palace and gardens. Would definitely like to return one day.