Hotel Praia Mar, Cascais

BAD POINTS:This hotel is certainly not up to standards to be rated a 4 star.The building is about 40 yrs old therefore the rooms r old (smelly wardrobes & stained carpet)The reception area is nice & modern so we expected the rooms to be the same, bu were disappointed when we saw the room was small,dull & not modern enough. For a four star it should have a mini bar in the room & table & chairs on the balcony,a gym & sauna & has none of these.The pool is big but old with paint wearing off the floor of pool which doesnt look good from the balcony is not what one would expect from a 4 star.We complained that we were unhappy with the room & wud lke a bigger one as we were 3 in the room & it wasnt a proper triple- there was an extra bed sqeezed into a twin room & wasnt any space for suitcases or to walk. However the receptionist said all the rooms are the same size & we could only move to a suite which was more expensive so we stayed in the room. GOOD POINTS:The sea view from our room was very nice & the view from the top floor restaurant is spectacular. This view is the main attraction of the hotel & that is what sold the hotel to us from searching the internet.You can see the entire Carcavelhos beach which is amazing to see in the morning while haveing breakfast. Breaskfast is good but basic choice of cereal,bread & fry.It is also very conveniently located to the beach -about 3mins walk & is the biggest beach on the coast.If you are looking for budget accomodation & nopt a 4star then stay here as it is about a 2-3star. If you want to stay in the area we found a fabulous new modern 4 star behind this one called The Rivera -this is 4 star standard verty nice rooms but doesnt have the view Praia Mar has. It was only 15euro extra a nite for a triple & much more worth it for the extra class.Area is quiet no bars clubs around but only 4 euro in a taxi to Estoril & 6e to Cascais where ul find the restarants. Good for a quiet family/couples holiday but not for stundents or young people wanting a wild time!