Hotel Mundial

The Hotel Mundial is a big, bustling property with a concrete-and-glass front in the center of Lisbon. Renovations completed in February 2016 brought an updated look to most spaces, with contemporary decor and Art Deco flourishes. The lobby’s dull quartz floor is enlivened by slate-gray couches, bright-red wood furniture and throw pillows, and gold accents. A similarly sleek vibe can be found in the bar, which has cozy, hip seating and patterned rugs. The restaurant, however, is unremarkable, featuring floral wallpaper, light-wood furniture with gray upholstery, and gray quartz floors. The standout, however, is found outside at the rooftop bar, which overlooks the red-clay rooftops of Lisbon’s historic center and down to the waters of the Tagus. Chic bright-white couches and bar stools line the wooden deck here. The Mundial tends to attract a mix of business travelers and tourists, both looking to capitalize on the hotel’s central location. Although the hotel tends to draw an older clientele, the nighttime crowd on the rooftop, which often has a DJ on the weekends, skews younger. 

The Hotel Mundial is in Lisbon's historic center, less than a five-minute walk to the tram, bus, or metro stations, and a 15-minute walk to the sea. Martin Moniz Square, a lively area with shops and restaurants and -- unfortunately -- pickpockets, is about a two-minute walk from the hotel, and bustling Rossio Square is a four-minute walk. The famous Tram 28 initial stop is just a one-minute walk away. The spectral remains of the Carmo Convent and the beautiful riverfront Praca do Comerico are a 10- to 12-minute walk away. Club de Fado, celebrating the regional dance, is a 13-minute walk. Sao Jorge Castle, a hilltop Morrish period site, is a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute drive. The historic Alfama neighborhood is a 10-minute drive or a 12-minute ride on public transportation. Lisbon Airport is about a 20-minute drive or a 30-minute trip on public transportation.

The 350 rooms in the Hotel Mundial were all updated in 2015-16, but dated-looking light-wood furniture and bathrooms were not renovated. The result is mostly attractive, thanks to Art Deco flourishes in gold and black patterned accent walls and carpet. Standard Room amenities are sufficient, consisting of comfy beds, desks, AC, armchairs, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and closets with digital safes. Superior Rooms add couches. Suites have more traditional decor, with older-looking wallpaper and blue striped bed linens, plus separate lounges with brass-handle wood furniture and classic seating. Some rooms have unfurnished balconies, while upgraded units have large, wrap-around terraces with pleasant city views. Bathrooms are underwhelming across the board, outfitted in bland beige or peach tiling, and either shower/tub combos or separate tubs and showers. Hairdryers, bidets, and Lisbon by Lousani toiletries are provided.

The Hotel Mundial lacks a spa, swimming pool, and gym, but guests tend to be satisfied with what’s on offer nonetheless. Undoubtedly the highlight is the rooftop terrace bar, which offers various seating arrangements, panoramic views over Lisbon, and a menu of tapas and drinks. Down in the basement, meanwhile, is an underground winery that hosts tastings and private events, as well as sells wine bottles. On the first floor is yet another bar, with some dramatic furniture and a grand piano in the corner. Three restaurants are on-site, including the more formal Varanda de Lisboa, which serves multi-course meals with an emphasis on regional cuisine. Jardim Mundial is a casual all-day eatery that serves free buffet breakfasts with hot and cold items. A sushi bar serves lunch and dinner, and room service is available 24/7. There are six conference rooms on-site, the largest of which can hold 180 people. A business center and free property-wide Wi-Fi are convenient, as is free garage parking.