Society Central

I'm looking for an area to stay for 4 nights in June near Lisbon that's off the beaten path with easy access to Sintra, Cascais and Lisbon. I prefer to be away from crowds. I booked a place in Cascais but am not sold on my choice: the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel and Spa. I am not crazy about it looking like a typical hotel. I'd like something more unique, roomy and boutique with reliable reviews. I like the Albatroz but don't want to be in a room that looks like the inside of a ship. Does anyone with Portugal experience know anything about the Albatroz or Grande Real Villa or could recommend another area to stay in that I'm not realizing exists? TIA.