What to expect: Once the summer home of the Count of Cabral, Farol Design Hotel upgraded the original 19th-century building and added a new section before opening in 2001. Public areas feature a red and white colour scheme that extends to staff attire. A clientele youthful as the staff comes here to relax in daytime and party in Cascais nightspots after dark.

Amenity highlights: A saltwater pool and a children's pool open in warm-weather months; the surrounding flagstone terrace is furnished with sun loungers and sun beds. The hotel's ocean-view restaurant has a terrace and serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine and a Japanese menu including sushi dishes. Complimentary breakfast may be taken buffet style in the restaurant, or, on request, a selection from the American buffet is delivered to guestrooms without charge.

Insider tip: The oceanfront disco adjacent to the hotel provides complimentary passes to guests. The disco is open Friday and Saturday nights year-round and often on other nights in summer. It contains five bars offering different music styles.