Holiday Inn Lisbon

Like the buildings around it, this 11-floor Holiday Inn isn’t much to look at from the outside, but it is perched in front of an ancient stone statue in the middle of a traffic circle. Inside the glass doors, the lobby is large and spacious, full of clusters of seating areas comprised of rather dated but clean blue leather love seats and wood/glass coffee tables. The space also has wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, potted plants, and a glossy white tile floor. The breakfast area and bar are right off the lobby, with the breakfast buffet set up on an island among wicker chairs and plenty of natural light. A few modern and not very comfortable bar stools line the long bar. A small gift shop can be found in another corner of the hotel’s main level. 

The inn is situated in a residential area of central Lisbon, with a few restaurants and local businesses surrounding the property. The Museu Tauromaquico is less than a 10-minute walk up the street, with other attractions like the Technical Institute and the Campo Pequeno shopping center within easy walking distance as well. Three metro stations are also just a stroll away: Most city sights can be reached in less than 30 minutes via metro, including the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and Parque Eduardo VII. By public transportation, the trip to the town of Sintra is about an hour’s ride west. The bus trip to Lisbon Portela Airport is about 20 to 30 minutes north, or less than 10 minutes by car barring traffic.

With the exception of the Presidential Suite, which has a separate sitting area with a couch and coffee table, all rooms are nearly identical in size, color, and accents. The furnishings -- desks, love seats, small tables with chairs, and yellow checkered curtains -- look a little dated but are clean and well kept. Perks include flat-screen TVs with several cable channels, free Wi-Fi access, mini-fridges, safes, and coffee/tea-making facilities in all rooms. Bathrooms are moderately sized with shower/tub combos and limited counter space around sinks. Rooms on the executive floor come with slippers and magazines/newspapers.

The big bonus at this property is the rooftop pool, a rare treat in Lisbon. Guests should keep in mind however that the pool, besides being frequented only during warmer months, is undeniably small and could be described as an extra-large hot tub in terms of its size. The restaurant serves a breakfast buffet for a fee as well as Portuguese/Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner. The inn also offers 24-hour room service, free access to a small gym, free Wi-Fi access throughout the property, and seven meeting and presentation rooms. Outside metered parking is available for a nightly fee and an on-site gift shop sells small souvenirs.