I want to take my girlfriend to Portugal over Christmas but am worried that it will be too expensive and busy. Is there decent accommodation available in Lisbon and Estoril over the Christmas season, and will I pay more for it than out of season? Any advice/recommendations would be great, thanks.
Christmas time is almost everywhere in Europe quite expensive. I don't think that Portugal is the worst options, it should be cheaper that Italy, Germany or UK.
If you are going to Portugal at this time of year you have to visit Lisbon or possibly Porto. The weather will be much better in the south on the algarve but I suspect it is more the nightlife that you are looking for. Lisbon is a great city and some fantastic resteraunts / bars. There is plenty to see and do during the day too. We stayed down on the algarve a few years back at xmas at a place called alto club in alvor - great place but very quiet although the weather was good - warm enough to lie in the sun so it suited us - very relaxing!