Accommodation, Estoril, Portugal, Reviews

Blue Boutique Hostel & Suites – Estoril, Portugal

RiA
5 November, 2018
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If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway not too far from the beach yet easily accessible to some of the well-known attractions, and the buzz of a city, then consider staying at Blue Boutique Hostel & Suites in Estoril, Portugal. A town on the Portuguese Riviera, Estoril is not too far from Lisbon, Sintra and Europe’s biggest Casino.

I decided to make Estoril the first stop on my trip to Portugal and stayed for two nights at Blue Boutique Hostel.

Blue Boutique Hostel & Suites

A pretty looking building, turquoise in colour, sits on the corner of Av. Marginal. You already get that “beach house” feeling before you even step through the door. With its beanbags and chairs in the garden and neat wooden bistro-style tables, noticeable on one side of its veranda you know you’re close to the sea. Once inside, it’s bright reception further cements that seaside vibe.

Facilities and amenities

The property has five private rooms, two suites and two dorm rooms; one of which is female and the other mixed. Each floor has access to shared bathroom and you also get full use of all the kitchen facilities, so you can prepare and cook your own food. All those that stay also get a free continental breakfast – great if you’re on a budget.

With a lounge area downstairs complete with a TV and games consoles, a picnic-style breakfast area upstairs, and a hammock and cushions in outside seating areas, there are plenty of places to chill and relax when you’re not exploring the town or at the beach. For evenings in, there’s a bar which offers happy hours on most days, and on Friday’s it’s all about the BBQ!

If you don’t feel like complete relaxation indoors, then Blue Boutique Hostel & Suites also offers a range of activities such as yoga sessions, surf lessons and meditation hikes to keep you energised. Everything is very well-kept, clean and tidy. A place for everything and everything in its place.

The room and hostel

I booked a private room which had access to a shared bathroom. It worked out nicely as I was in the only room on the ground floor. This meant the bathroom was solely used by me being right next door. A bit like having my own on suite.

Neatly decorated, the room was a good size and came with the necessities. There was somewhere to hang your clothes, two bedside tables, lamps, a fan and a long length mirror. There isn’t anywhere to lock away valuables but that didn’t bother me. I felt very safe and actually left my door ajar a few times when I popped to the bar or kitchen. Being on the ground floor was handy as everything else I needed access to was on that level. The hostel was very spacious and never felt full despite being fully booked. The hostel décor was subtle and quirky. Painted white with little hints of colour here and there, there’s a piano in the hallway, bike in the entrance and surfboard propped up in reception.

Location

Not more than 8 minutes away from the nearest stretch of beach, Blue Boutique Hostel & Suites is in a great location for getting to the likes of nearby Lisbon, beautiful Sintra and its palaces or the resort of Cascais. Out of the hostel and left takes you to the nearest station, Sao Joao Estoril. Nearby you’ll find a supermarket and several places to eat. Walk in the opposite direction and in about 15 or so minutes you’ll be at Casino Estoril – Europe’s biggest casino.

Across the road from there – and behind Estoril train station – you’ll find Praia do Tamariz beach and the well-known Tamariz Beach Bar. I found out the beach bar and casino are the two main places to go in the area. Estoril’s a very quiet area – peaceful and relaxing. I stayed towards the end of September so it was less busy and that suited me. My next stop was Lisbon which I knew would be vibrant and busy. If you’re looking for somewhere that’s always busy, then it might be an idea to visit Estoril during the summer months when there is a lot more people. You could also stay in nearby Cascais.

Final thoughts

Blue Boutique Hostel & Suites was a lovely place to stay. More than I had expected as I had only added Estoril to this trip a few weeks before leaving. I couldn’t fault anything – the team working there – George, Josh, Andreas and Rita – were extremely helpful and engaging. They mostly stay on the property, so you can meet them in the mornings or evenings. It makes it feel like a house full of friends. Other travellers staying there were also friendly making the experience that much better.

Blue Boutique Hostel & Suites will be on the list of places to stay if I visit Estoril again.