Turismo do Seculo

This isn't a hostel; this is a hidden treasure. Funacao O Seculo has many amazing features, and I'll capture as many as I can. First, and highest on the list, is the staff. Riccardo should be a private trip planner. He is personable, caring, and does it all. He arranged for reliable taxis, recommended fabulous restaurants, and even planned a one day excursion for us. I've stayed at 5-star resorts with less support from highly decorated concierges. He is reason enough to go to FOS! The rest of the staff was delightful as well - from the kitchen to the guards - top notch. Second, Social Consciousness. FOS is not just a hotel/hostel - its a foundation and an orphanage. You'd never know, but they have several children living onsite. And the profits from the hostel, the cafeteria, and even a laundry service they run, all go to supporting these children and creating better lives for them. And every member of the staff wears that service with pride. Third, the location. FOS is located a 5 minute walk from the train to Lisbon (20 minute ride), a 30 minute drive from Sintra and a 20 minutes drive from Cascais. It is also located right across the road from the beach - the Atlantic Ocean. Waking up on the other side of the ocean was so lovely, and being so close to Lisbon at a fraction of the price was fabulous. There are grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores in walking distance, and, because of the children on property, there is incredible security. The Room: We stayed in a quaint room facing the ocean with a private bathroom. It was done in a beach resort style. Not huge, but very serviceable. Amenities were basic, and fresh towels were provided daily. Television was in English. The cafeteria: Not a restaurant, but truly a 'grab-your-tray" cafeteria. Nothing fancy, so don't go there expectingeggs and bacon. Breakfast consisted of fresh bread, coffee (I recommend you pay extra for the fresh one, avoid the machine), fruit, cheese, and ham. Fresh water, yogurt, butter and jam were available. Everything was fresh and tasty, and enough to hold you through lunch. I will never claim this to be equivalent to a luxury hotel, but the location, the price and the staff made it 10 stars in my book. I stay in a hotel for the location and the convenience. I want it clean and serviced. In this case, we got all of that, plus an amazing staff on top of it. And it felt really good to know we were helping a better cause. About the town: Estoril is a fabulous beach town 20 minutes via train from Lisbon. There is a casino, many restaurants, and a decent beach within walking distance of the hotel