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Kimpton Quinta da Marinha Review: Is This Cascais Hotel Worth It?

Kimpton Quinta da Marinha hotel review, Cascais, Portugal

Thinking of staying at Kimpton Quinta da Marinha in Cascais? Here’s my honest review after two nights here, from the rooms to the spa, Portuguese dining and whether it’s worth staying a little outside town.

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After several days in Lisbon and exploring Sintra’s palaces, I was very ready for some spa time.

So we finished our October Portugal trip with two nights at Kimpton Quinta da Marinha, just outside the centre of Cascais.

The resort hotel is mainly known for its golf crowd, but between the ample R&R offerings, their Ao Ponto restaurant and what seemed like an endless amount of pool and bar respites, I decided to give it a stay for my time in Cascais and see if it was truly worth the short drive from the old town.

Shall we?

Candace Abroad

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this site, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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Quick Verdict: Is Kimpton Quinta da Marinha Worth It?

Candace at Kimpton Quinta da Marinha hotel in Cascais

For me, yes. Particularly if you love a good hotel spa. The facial I had at Natur Spa was incredibly restorative. Add a brilliant Portuguese dinner, the pools and lovely hospitality, and I was very happy with our two nights.

If you’re planning to spend every hour in central Cascais, though, I’d choose somewhere in town. In other words, I wouldn’t book Kimpton just to head straight out every morning.


Plan Your Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais Trip

Where I’d stay in Lisbon: Palácio das Especiarias in Chiado. I stayed here in October and loved the old-house character and breakfast.

The Lisbon experience I wouldn’t miss: This two-hour sunset river cruise with history and wine.

For Lisbon’s castle: If you want to explore the walls and lookouts, I’d book this São Jorge Castle e-ticket with an audio guide.

For an evening of fado: I’d book this fado performance with wine.

Going to Sintra? For the palaces, compare Pena Palace and Park tickets, Quinta da Regaleira entry with audio guide and Sintra National Palace entry. Moorish Castle tickets are another option if you have the time. If you’re staying over, I adored my stay at Chalet Saudade.

Adding Cascais to your trip? Here’s how to do a day trip by train from Lisbon to Cascais

Stay connected: Be sure to set up your Europe eSIM before your trip. It takes less than five minutes, and you’ll have mobile data ready to use when you arrive.

For extra peace of mind: Take a look at VisitorsCoverage before your trip (it’s the one I personally use and recommend).


The Hotel & Rooms

Although it only became a Kimpton in July 2026, the hotel itself dates to 1999, when it opened as Onyria Quinta da Marinha. A major renovation came before the change, and we stayed just a few months later.

The rooms have a modern, warm-toned look, with natural textures and views that vary by category. You can book everything from Essential rooms to larger suites, some overlooking the pool or golf course.

I’d have a look through the different room types before choosing, especially if you’re after a particular view (cue said particular view…).

Despite its obvious chic, the hotel still manages to hold onto its quirks, like pictures of the staff’s pets throughout the hotel (swooned).


Natur Spa

Just down a lovely walk from the Kimpton and you’ll find their sister property and a sinfully good spa at the Onyria Marinha Cascais, Vignette Collection.

Fit with seven treatment rooms, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam facilities and an indoor pool, it’s the perfect backdrop for a city escape. Not to mention an outdoor pool and treatment menu with massages, scrubs, wraps and beauty treatments, and the likes.

I almost always choose a massage but this time I booked a facial, and goodness, I’m glad I did (the Haute Couture facial, if you’re curious).

It was one of the most restorative facials I’ve had in a very long time, but the spa alone is well worth indulging for a few hours.

There’s also a beautiful area to lounge in, so make sure to enjoy all the facilities before heading back to the Kimpton.

Natur Spa at Onyria Marinha Cascais, photographed during my stay

P.S. – If you fancy a treatment, I’d book ahead, especially if you’re only staying for a night or two.


Dinner at Ao Ponto

In my book, most hotels would be forgiven for a lackluster restaurant (you’re paying for the room after all, not the steak), but the Kimpton took it as a challenge.

We had such a fabulous dinner at Ao Ponto that really helped bring our Portugal stay to life.

Sticking to the traditional, we ordered Portuguese hand pies, grilled chouriço, traditional cod and Iberian pork shoulder, and finished with Port. Everything was packed with flavour, straight from the grill, and there’s a clear dedication to Portuguese cooking that really can’t be understated. Easily our best meal in Cascais.

Breakfast at Casa Marinha & Drinks at FICA!

In the morning you can tuck into breakfast at Casa Marinha, with flaky pastries, fruit, Portuguese cheeses and daily-changing specials. There’s also FICA! for cocktails, wine or a bite later in the day pre-Ao Ponto dinner.


The Pools, Golf Course & Location

Alongside the spa and two pools, you’ll also find a gym and the 18-hole Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, which does make for a lovely backdrop, even if you’re mainly coming for the spa.

The hotel is in Quinta da Marinha, around a 10-minute drive from central Cascais. We took Ubers into town and found them easy and affordable, but just bear in mind it’s not somewhere you can wander from your room straight to the old harbour and restaurants.

P.S. – Read my Lisbon to Cascais train guide for more bits on the journey.


Final Thoughts: Would I Stay at Kimpton Quinta da Marinha Again?

Candace at Kimpton Quinta da Marinha resort in Cascais

For me, absolutely. The rooms and facial alone would be enough to tempt me back, although dinner at Ao Ponto makes a very good case too.

If you’re looking for a hotel you can enjoy properly before heading into central Cascais for seafood, a walk around town and some time by the sea, I think you’ll really enjoy it.

Have the loveliest time in Portugal.

Happy travels,

Candace x


FAQ: Kimpton Quinta da Marinha

Kimpton Quinta da Marinha hotel in Cascais, Portugal

Is Kimpton Quinta da Marinha close to Cascais centre?

It’s around a 10-minute drive away, so I’d plan on taking a taxi or Uber rather than walking into the old town.

Does Kimpton Quinta da Marinha have an indoor pool?

Yes, it has an indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam facilities. Check the current spa details before visiting.

Is Kimpton Quinta da Marinha worth it if you don’t play golf?

Definitely. I came for the spa, pools and restaurants, not the golf. There’s more than enough to enjoy without picking up a club.

Is breakfast included?

It depends on the room rate you choose. Breakfast is at Casa Marinha, so check whether it’s included before you book.


Plan the Rest of Your Lisbon Trip

Still planning? Here’s the rest of my Portugal guides, from Lisbon weekend itineraries and hotels to boat tours, and castle and coastal escapes in Sintra and Cascais.

Lisbon City Guides & Itineraries

Lisbon food, cafés, bars and experiences

Where to stay in Lisbon

Sintra: Palaces, day trips and where to stay

Cascais: Coastal itineraries & hotel reviews

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