Legendary Lisboa Suites

The Clarion Suites Lisbon is housed in a glass high-rise between condominium buildings. The lobby is spacious and a bit bland with a sleek, corporate feel. Hallways are also plain and nearly devoid of decoration, but the outdoor pool area offers fresh air and a variety of lounge chairs, patio tables, and benches set on a deck surrounded by a grassy lawn. The breakfast area has a large, attractive black and white photo of Lisbon occupying an entire wall and glass doors accessing the poolside patio. There is an adjacent lounge facing the street side of the building with lots of windows, a clean, hardwood floor, and several comfortable and cushiony armchairs, a few of which surround a large flat-screen TV. There is a computer next the reception desk available for guest use. Overall the atmosphere is modern and simple, but a touch generic and corporate.

Located on a wide street in central Lisbon, a wide selection of gourmet restaurants, art galleries, and bars are within a 10-minute walk and Praça Marquês de Pombal is an eight-minute walk away. The Amoreiras Shopping Centre is a 10- to 15-minute walk away, and for nightlife, the Royal Prince and Bairro Alto are within a 15-minute walk. Most sights in the historic old town can be reached within 25 minutes on foot and in less than 15 minutes via public transportation. There are several bus and metro stops within a 10-minute walk of the hotel and Cais do Sodre train station is 15 minutes away via public transportation, as is Sao Jorge Castle. Lisbon Portela Airport is 35 minutes away with two bus transfers or 12 minutes by car or taxi. Cascais beach is about 40 minutes away by train.

The rooms -- available in Studio, One-, or Two-Bedroom Apartments -- are immaculately clean and spacious with attractive wood floors and paneling along with enormous bay windows. The beds are comfortable and even the Studios are equipped with a kitchenette including a stovetop, mini-fridge, kettle, utensils, and glasses. There is free Wi-Fi access in every room, a flat-screen cable satellite TV, safe, and (sometimes noisy) air-conditioning unit. The bathrooms have large sinks and counter space with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and bidets. The apartments feature larger kitchenettes with microwaves and a living room area with a wide pull-out couch and dining table.

The standout amenity at the Clarion Suites is the outdoor pool. Not an Olympic size by any means, and not open in cold months, the pool is surrounded by a lawn, lounge, and patio area with poolside bar service. Breakfast is only included in some packages; the meal is comprised of a buffet with yogurt, cereal, meats and cheeses, eggs, and sausages. There is ample parking for a daily fee and scooter rentals are available. Rooms are equipped with kitchenettes for light cooking. Drinks, snacks, and breakfasts are available via room service. There is free Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout the hotel. Staff are accommodating and helpful with restaurant reservations and arranging taxi services.