Hotel Baia

The 113 rooms at Hotel Baia are built for comfort rather than theatre. Most come with a balcony, and if you're booking, it's worth asking specifically for an Ocean View room, the difference in outlook is significant. Interiors are clean and modern without trying too hard, air conditioning keeps things cool during the summer months, and satellite television covers the evenings when you're too tired to head out. Direct dial telephones and free Wi-Fi in public areas round out the practical side of things.

The rooftop pool is covered, which means it's usable year-round, and the small gym next door is perfectly adequate for a quick session if you're trying to stay loose between rounds. The real draw, though, is the location. Fisherman's Beach is right outside, and if you're the type who prefers salt water to chlorine, you'll spend more time there than by the pool. Water sports are available if you fancy a break from golf, but most guests are content to lounge in the sun or take a walk along the promenade.

Dining is handled by the on-site restaurant, which serves a solid mix of Portuguese and international dishes. It's not Michelin-starred, but it's reliable, and the quality is consistent. Breakfast is available and is a handy way to set yourself up for an early tee time, inclusions vary by package. The Blue Bar downstairs is where the social side of the hotel comes alive. It has a modern feel, a strong drinks list and a crowd that mixes locals with visitors, always a good sign. The Sunset Bar on the rooftop is the real gem, though. Positioned next to the pool with sweeping views over Cascais Bay, it's the perfect spot to decompress after a round at Oitavos or Penha Longa. The name is not an accident, the light here in the early evening is exceptional.

Cascais itself is a working town rather than a resort, which gives it a different energy. The railway station is less than five minutes on foot, so day trips into Lisbon are straightforward if you want to explore the capital. Most golfers, though, stay local. The town has a strong food scene, from casual spots serving grilled fish and piri-piri chicken to more polished restaurants where you can settle in for a longer evening. The seafront is lined with cafés and bars, and there's enough variety that you won't feel like you're eating the same meal twice.

For golfers, the appeal is simple. Hotel Baia puts you within easy striking distance of some of the best courses in the Lisbon region, Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa, Quinta da Marinha and Estoril are all within a short drive, and you're staying in a town that has its own character rather than a purpose-built resort. The hotel doesn't try to be everything, it focuses on location, access and a relaxed atmosphere, and for a golf break in Cascais, that's often more than enough.