Chalet Saudade Sintra Review: Is This Vintage Guesthouse Worth It?

Looking to stay at Chalet Saudade in Sintra, Portugal? Here’s my honest review of the vintage cottage-style hotel tucked in the heart of Sintra—including the rooms, breakfast and what to know before booking.

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In 2000, a family spotted a pink house for sale in Sintra. They went inside, saw the painted ceilings and the view towards Vale da Raposa, and decided they wanted to live there. I’m rather glad they did.

These days that house is Chalet Saudade, a vintage guesthouse near Sintra’s railway station. I stayed for a night on my last Portugal trip, and the hospitality was genuinely some of the best I’ve experienced.

Here’s how to decide if it’s best for your trip.

Shall we?

Quick Verdict: Is Chalet Saudade Sintra Worth It?

For me, absolutely. It feels more like staying in someone’s home than a hotel, and it’s a particularly lovely choice if you want to spend a night in Sintra rather than rush back to Lisbon.

My verdict	Yes. A lovely historic guesthouse with particularly warm hospitality. I’d stay again in a blink.
Breakfast	At Café Saudade, just a short walk away (included with certain rates).
Location	About a 7-minute downhill/steps walk from Sintra station and a 10-minute walk from Sintra National Palace.
Worth knowing	There’s no lift or private parking; arrange late check-in ahead of time.
Price	Check current prices and availability.

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A Little History

Chalet Saudade was built around 1890–1900, after the railway arrived in Sintra. Much later, in 2000, a family saw its potential and spent five years restoring it (keeping much of the original character).

When I arrived, I was especially interested in the painted ceilings here. During our stay, I discovered they were painted by Eugénio Cotrim, who had a history of working for Portuguese royalty, including the queen, with work at Pena Palace and Ajuda Palace.

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The Rooms

Like all boutique hotels, individual rooms vary, but we stayed on the first floor in what I can only describe as a ‘homey and stylish’ suite, with wooden floors, warm tones, an excellent bathroom and windows looking out over the large houses of Sintra, with trees and bits of forest beyond them. I loved our view.

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The Hospitality

The people running the Chalet were also outstandingly welcoming. Not in a polished, scripted kind of way, but a ‘welcome to our home’ kind of spirit (which was much appreciated!).

Staying here really did feel like staying in someone’s home, made all the more convincing by the complimentary tea and Port wine, plenty of comfortable common spaces to sit and a garden too.

Just bear in mind it’s a guesthouse rather than a full-service hotel, so reception isn’t staffed around the clock. Let them know when you’re arriving, especially if it’ll be late!

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Breakfast at Café Saudade

Oh, we must talk about the breakfast. It’s served at Café Saudade, a short walk from the chalet, in a lovely historic café that opened before the guesthouse and is connected to it.

We had fresh croissants, pastéis de nata, coffee and juice, and a bread basket that’ll make you unashamedly ask for seconds. Exactly the sort of breakfast you’d want before going off to explore palaces!

Breakfast is generally served from 8am to 11am, but it isn’t included in every room rate, so check when booking.

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The Location: Exploring Sintra

Location is of obvious importance if you’re spending a limited time in Sintra, but luckily the chalet is just a couple of minutes from Sintra station, which meant we could arrive with our bags without having to arrange a taxi/Uber, and get straight to exploring without too much faff.

You can easily walk into the historic centre for Sintra National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. For hilltop sights like Pena Palace, catch the 434 bus just outside the station.

P.S. – Read my Sintra day-trip guide to plan your castle itinerary!

Dinner in Sintra

There’s no onsite restaurant at the chalet, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it led to drinks at Loja do Vinho, opposite the National Palace, and one of my favourite meals of the trip at Cajó Restaurante.

The bacalhau à Brás, slow-cooked chambão beef and sangria were wonderful. It was lovely not having to race back to Lisbon after dinner.

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Final Thoughts: Would I Stay at Chalet Saudade Again?

Very happily. The room was spacious, the hospitality stayed with me long after the trip, and there aren’t many places in Sintra that are so conveniently located with a history to match.

I wouldn’t choose it if you need step-free access or want a pool, gym and round-the-clock reception. But if a characterful old house and a proper night in Sintra is your cup of tea, I think you’ll love it.

Have the loveliest time in Portugal!

Happy travels,

Candace x

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FAQ: Chalet Saudade Sintra

Does Chalet Saudade have breakfast?

Yes, at Café Saudade, a separate café a short walk away. It’s only included in certain room rates, so check before booking.

Does Chalet Saudade have a lift or parking?

There’s no lift or private parking. Ask the guesthouse about nearby parking options if you’re driving.

Which room should I book?

I’d choose a room with a view if your budget allows. Our first-floor room overlooked Sintra’s houses and woodland, but the Small Double category rooms face a wall.

Is it worth staying overnight in Sintra?

I think so. You can visit on a day trip, but an overnight stay gives you time for dinner and a second morning at the palaces. My Sintra guide has more on how I’d plan the trip, or you can read my 4-day Lisbon itinerary if you’d like to go from Lisbon and add on Cascais.

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