Amy Adejokun
Section editor
If you like refined, minimalist surroundings then the Fenix Garden hotel in Lisbon is for you! This hotel, which offers high-quality services, is more suited to couples though than families.
HF Fenix Garden - © HF Fénix Garden
HF Fenix Garden - © HF Fénix Garden
Not far from the Fenix hotel, the Fenix Garden is also close to Marqués de Pombal Square at the end of Liberdade Avenue, with Edward VII Park just a stone's throw away. The airport shuttle also stops close by and there are numerous bus lines that pass near to the hotel. The town centre and historical districts are a mere quarter of an hour away on foot. The hotel is a little out of the way in relation to the historical districts, but there are many buses that will take you there.
The 94 rooms are spread over 8 floors, each decorated in a different colour (pink, orange, etc.), though the decor is the same in all rooms. The rooms themselves are modern and refined, with parquet flooring, a white bed, orange chairs and pictures of flowers adorning the walls. All the rooms have a television, a telephone, an Internet connection, air-conditioning and a safe. Some of the rooms have disabled access and superior rooms also have a patio. The all-glass bathrooms are modern, and whilst some have a bathtub, others have a shower. Drinks dispensers are also provided in the corridors.
The Fenix Garden, which opened in July 2008, will attract those looking for refined, minimalist surroundings, although the decor, which includes round lamps, is somewhat reminiscent of the 60s. The lobby features very little in the way of decor, with the exception of the photograph of a forest emblazoned across one of the walls (the colour green is a recurrent theme throughout the hotel). There is also a bar where guests can enjoy a drink among friends of an evening.
Breakfast is served as a buffet in a restaurant which overlooks the street, a garden and also the entrance to the car park, and whilst the buffet is decent enough, the coffee leaves something to be desired. The tiled floor is representative of the streets of Lisbon and this, together with the black wicker chairs make for rather pleasant surroundings, with a strong green theme here, too.
The refined and stylish Fenix Garden hotel opened in July 2008.
beauty salon, Turkish bath
Hotel Fénix occupies a rather imposing building on Marques de Pombal Square. It is a basic and charmless establishment and might just do for a night or two while you stay in Lisbon, but only if you don't find other accommodation.
The Florida hotel will attract fans of the 1960's and the 'art deco' style, all of which is wrapped up in a cinema decoration theme. Although this hotel is a little out of the way, it does provide good-quality accommodation. Some of you will enjoy the liveliness of Marquês de Pombal Square, others will find the place too noisy... This hotel definitely seems to be better suited to couples and young people than families; indeed, you can pretend that you are Marilyn Monroe or Humphrey Bogart for the weekend!
Modern and well-equipped, with quality facilities, the hotel Marques de Pombal's clientele is made up of both families and business people. Ideally located, it will enable you to visit the city with ease, however, its decoration is not exactly at the height of fashion.
The Clarion Suites is a 4 star hotel offering accommodation in suites and apartments, which are particularly suitable for families. The hotel is located close to Marquès de Pombal square, with the metro station and various bus stops just alongside.
The Dom Carlos Park is a hotel with all the services you could possibly ask for. The decor is not very modern, but is pleasant enough and the snack bar, which is open until midnight, is a definite plus. Although it lacks any real assets to make it stand out from the rest, the Dom Carlos Park is a nice hotel to stay in.
The Four Seasons Ritz hotel really shows its daring side by combining the standards of a luxury hotel with the eccentricity of the artistic world. It offers all the comfort and services that you would expect of an upmarket hotel, with an added touch of eccentricity and colour from the paintings and sculptures by Portuguese artists.
The Dom Carlos Liberty is a moderately-sized hotel (59 rooms) and is ideally located to make the most of the city of Lisbon. A snack bar, computers and a library, set in stylish and modern surroundings, are open for your convenience all day long: just what you need after a long day looking around the city!
The Comfort Inn is a dated 3 star hotel which could certainly do with a makeover but is nevertheless well-located. The hotel provides comfortable surroundings and is primarily aimed at business travellers.
The Tivoli Lisboa is one of the best five-star hotels we've had the pleasure of visiting in this city. For starters, it enjoys a prime location at the heart of the city on one of the most prestigious avenues in Lisbon, the Avenida da Liberdade. It really does have so many assets, including an outdoor pool set amid a very pleasant little botanical garden, not to mention a panoramic restaurant which offers exceptional views across the city. Welcome to a world of luxury where every last detail counts!
The Lapa Palace hotel is one of the Lisbon's finest, overlooking the city and the Tagus from its hillside perch. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, it offers the high-quality service you would expect of such an establishment, and is recommended for a peaceful holiday with excellent views and an ambience fit for the Portuguese aristocracy.
The Four Seasons Ritz hotel really shows its daring side by combining the standards of a luxury hotel with the eccentricity of the artistic world. It offers all the comfort and services that you would expect of an upmarket hotel, with an added touch of eccentricity and colour from the paintings and sculptures by Portuguese artists.
If you are a fan of stylish, minimalist decor, then the Fontana Park, part of the Design Hotels label, is the place for you. The only downside to this place is that it is a little far from the centre of the Portuguese capital, but it will suit couples, as well as business travellers looking for a chilled out atmosphere.
Part of the local luxury hotel and restaurant group, Lagrimas, the Hotel da Estrela, is a small boutique hotel of 19 rooms located in a converted private home deep within Lisbon's narrow winding streets. Contemporary and pleasant, the highlight here, aside from the school themed décor, is the restaurant, where we sampled some of the best squid we have ever had the privilege of tasting on our travels across the world. A member of the Small Leading Hotels label, the hotel is indeed fully deserving of its reputation. An ideal place to stay for a wide-ranging clientele, from families to couples and due to its central location, most sights are within walking distance.
If you are looking for somewhere to spend a romantic weekend, the Solar do Castelo is the ideal place to whisk your lover away to. Charm, authenticity,and tranquillity are the watchwords here, as you will be the only ones sleeping within the castle grounds. It is a real favourite for a romantic weekend.
The Real Palacio is a 5-star hotel located in a quiet neighbourhood on the heights of Lisbon. The hotel is housed in a 17th-Century building and has a certain charm about it, despite the fact that its Standard guest rooms are a little cramped for a 5-star establishment.
This beautiful 17th century building used to be a convent and when staying at this hotel you will be able to feel its peculiar atmosphere. The owner, however, managed to subtly combine a simple and contemporary style with tokens of this building's religious past. If you are looking for some peace and quiet and hoping to spend a weekend in Lisbon reconnecting with yourself, then this is the place for you.