Holiday Inn Express Lisbon – Av. Liberdade

The Hotel Inn Express Lisbon is a centrally located, chain property that offers a good value, attracting tourists wishing to sightsee. Its historic facade with a coffered ceiling entry way and gracious old oak door contrasts with the whimsical contemporary style of its interiors. The lobby has a shiny black-and-white checkered floor, acrylic stools at a glossy black bar, and upholstered armchairs in shades of melon. The long drapes framing windows that overlook the street are made of panels in alternating bright primary colors. Breakfast is served in a high-ceilinged atrium space with a mural depicting the wrought-iron balconies of historic Lisbon. The hallways, carpeted in blue and featuring colorful prints here and there, have natural light. The central design feature of the hotel is its green spiral staircase, a sculptural walkway in its courtyard that draws admiration from guests. 

The Holiday Inn Express Lisbon is in a lively central district of the city, two blocks from Avenida da Liberdade, a main artery of designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and historic architecture. The hotel is a four-minute walk to Marques de Pombal for public transportation, while Eduardo VII Park is an 11-minute walk away. It's about a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive to Rossio Square with the Praca Dom Pedro IV rotary, purportedly the busiest spot in the city. It's about a 10-minute drive or 13 minutes on public transportation to view the gorgeous facade of Praca do Comercio. The quaint Alfama neighborhood, with Moorish- and Roman-influenced architecture, is an 11-minute drive or 30 minutes on public transit, while Belem, with its Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, is about a 20-minute drive or 45 minutes via public transit. The Lisbon Portela Airport is about a 15-minute drive or a half-hour on public transportation. 

Rooms at this property are average in size and supply the necessary and sought after amenities: a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, good reading lights, and a spacious and modern bathroom. Decor is fairly chainlike, but pleasant, with subdued charcoal or pale lilac walls accented by navy hues -- carpets, abstract art on the walls, and bed runners -- while crisp, white bed linens provide a sharp contrast. Navy drapes and white sheers cover long, tilt-style windows -- some guests report dissatisfaction that they don't open more -- with bright light and street views. Some rooms have windows with decorative wrought iron balconies, but they cannot be accessed. The rooms are air conditioned and include electric kettles, ice buckets, and multiple electrical outlets. Hairdryers, mounted in holsters, are attached to long mirrors next to desks. The bathrooms are bright, tiled in white with black accents. Some have good natural light. The tub/shower combinations have glass doors and power showerhead fixtures. Round vessel sinks are embedded in the counters. But there are no toiletries aside from liquid soap dispensers.

This Holiday Inn Express presents the features you'd expect from the chain. The property offers a free breakfast of cold meats, cheeses, yogurts, and the guest-recommended "pastel de nata" pastry, along with coffee (which is sometimes not hot enough) in an atrium-style room. The lobby bar serves light fare and specializes in Portuguese beer. There are vending and ice machines on-site as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and guests can use a computer work station with a PC, fax, and copier. There is a bland meeting space with fluorescent lighting and inexpensive office furniture. Parking is available off-site for a daily fee. The hotel will provide laundry and dry cleaning service for a fee. Airport transfers can be arranged (for a fee). Pets are allowed on a case by case basis, so travelers are advised to call first.