Hotel rooms are the same every where. Maria's place will give you a glimpse into a traditional Portugese family: the way she decorates the house, the antique furniture, her kitchen with many different cookware:)
The location is very close to many cafes and restaurants that serve the locals with tasty food and reasonable prices. The hike up to the Pena palace was so serene. I enjoyed every minute I had there.
Best of all are still Maria and her family; very kind, and very interesting to talk to. Everything a traveler would ask for. I will stay with her again next time I visit Sintra.