Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

Dating back to the 1950s and managed by the Four Seasons brand since 1997, this 10-story hotel exudes luxury, sophistication, and elegance throughout. The cavernous lobby is a stunning space with marble everywhere, velvet and leather sofas and chairs, plush carpets and drapes, and gigantic floral arrangements that make a statement on their own. On display here and throughout public areas is a contemporary art collection featuring famed Portuguese artists. The hotel has even released a free iPad app to showcase the collection. Keep in mind that in a city of trendy high-end hotels, the Hotel Ritz is definitely on the classic end of the spectrum, and not necessarily for those who prefer cutting-edge design. Even so, the handsome aesthetic is hard to deny. The hotel draws many business leaders, politicians, and celebrities, but its family-friendly amenities also attract families on vacation.  

The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz is located on a hillside in the Marques de Pombal neighborhood, a mostly residential area that's two metro stops from the heart of the city. There’s a large concentration of hotels, office buildings, restaurants, and stores here, but few major attractions within easy walking distance. The exception is Eduardo VII Park, which is three minutes away on foot. However, the Marques de Pombal Metro stop is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, so getting to other parts of the city is easy and fast. Baixa, Chiado, and the Bairro Alto neighborhoods are just two stops away. Those who don't mind a slightly longer walk reach the stunning Museu Calouste Gulbenkian in around 20 minutes. Jeronimos Monastery and the sights of Belem are about 15 minutes away by car, or about 45 minutes by using the metro and train. Plan on about 20 minutes to drive to Lisbon Portela Airport, or 45 minutes by public transportation. 

Rooms and suites are done in a variety of styles, but all are spacious and elegantly decorated with a look that borrows heavily from Old World design cues. Even entry-level Superior Rooms are relatively sharp, with plush carpeting, lovely bed runners, and wallpapered walls. Color schemes vary, but all are equipped with flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and convenient outlets for charging mobile devices. Twice-daily housekeeping and turndown service are both provided. Deluxe Rooms, one step up from Superior Rooms, have color schemes of imperial blue or country brown and add seating areas with sofas. Some of these were designed by Pierre Yves Rochon. All but 10 rooms in the hotel have furnished balconies or terraces, and the Deluxe Rooms overlook the city, Eduardo VII Park, or the hotel gardens. Marble bathrooms are attractive and feature shower/tub combos in entry-level rooms, or separate tubs and showers in upgraded rooms, plus hairdryers, bidets, magnifying mirrors, and L'Occitane toiletries. Robes and slippers are provided. Premier Rooms are located on the top four floors of the hotel and feature Biedermeier or Pierre-Yves Rochon style. Suites are even more luxurious and grand. The ninth-floor Royal Suite, which is nearly 2,000 square feet, can offer either two bedrooms or four, and it has a dining room that can seat up to 10 people. There's also a fully equipped kitchenette. Views are of Eduardo VII Park, the Tagus River, and St. George's Castle. The Presidential Suite is the most decadent space here, and with its five terraces provides some of the best views of the city. 

This Four Seasons offers full list of amenities that's expected of this chain, though quite extensive for Lisbon. Guests can start their day with breakfast, buffet style or a la carte, in the Varanda Restaurant, which also serves a buffet for lunch. Dinner is a la carte. It's a sophisticated, elegant space with large windows overlooking the park. The menu features Portuguese fare. In nice weather, guests can opt to dine on the terrace. A second restaurant, O Japones, serves sushi and other Japanese fare for lunch and dinner. The Almada Negreiros Lounge is open all day and serves tea in the afternoon, and the cozy Ritz Bar on the lobby level is another place for cocktails and light fare. Room service is available around-the-clock. 

The heated indoor pool is in a lovely, airy space with huge windows providing lots of natural light. It's suitable for swimming laps, and cushy lounge chairs, both singles and doubles, invite relaxing poolside. There's even a sofa and chairs where guests can hang out, and there are dining tables and chairs as well. The adjacent multi-sensory spa is a minimalist, luxurious space designed for indulgence. The treatment list is extensive, and the focus is on a full body experience of relaxation. Modern art and sculptures are displayed throughout to add to the experience. The rooftop fitness center is an impressive space with an exercise room with modern equipment, two exercise studios, and an outdoor jogging track overlooking the city -- quite an addition in central Lisbon.

Events spaces can accommodate groups as small as 10 or as large as 1,000 people for social and business gatherings. Planners are available to assist with details, and catering is provided. Outdoor spaces are available as well. A business center is open 24/7, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet and self-parking are available on-site and in a public lot next door.