SANA Executive Hotel

SANA Executive Hotel is in a quiet area on a wide, restricted-access street lined with trees and benches. Those looking to be in the middle of the city's touristy buzz will want to look elsewhere, but for travelers needing only a clean place to recharge amid a more authentic part of the city, this fits the bill. The contemporary lobby makes a pleasant first impression, done in autumn colors of rust orange and brown. Interiors feature modernized Art Deco elements in the rooms and public spaces, with a bold black-and-white geometric pattern on the floors and walls of the lobby. The breakfast room has a contemporary, but rather bland look, though the leafy outdoor courtyard is a nice spot to take breakfast or just sit and relax on a warm day. With its meeting rooms and proximity to business offices, the hotel draws business travelers. However, leisure travelers benefit from the location near the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and El Corte Ingles mall, and prices that are more affordable than similar-quality hotels in central Lisbon. 

The hotel's location is a mixed blessing, as it's far less touristy than the atmospheric neighborhoods closer to the river. That means more quiet and more authentically local dining and drinking, but also a little less to see and do. El Corte Ingles mall (one of Lisbon's largest malls) is under a 10-minute walk away, at the north end of the Eduardo VII Park, which has good views of the city. The Calouste Gulbenkian Art Museum and Calouste Gulbenkian Gardens are about a five-minute walk from the hotel. The Sao Sebastiao, Saldanha, and Campo Pequeno Metro stations are a five- to 10-minute stroll from the hotel, and lead to Alfama, Baixa-Chiado, and Bairro Alto in around 25 minutes. Campo Pequeno bullring and concert venue is a little over a five-minute drive, or a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Expect a 15-minute drive or 50-minute public transit commute to Belem. Lisbon Portela Airport is a little over a 10-minute drive, or 35 minutes away by metro.

Rooms have a pleasant look with modernized Art Deco flourishes and big mirrors. The color palette is white, gray, brown, and slate blue, though it's hard to say whether the style is vintage or just a bit dated. The dramatic geometric bed frames are certainly eye-catching, and marble surfaces are upmarket, but features like old-model flat-panel TVs don't do much to keep things up-to-date. All 72 rooms come with air-conditioning, safes, desks, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms don't have electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, and some double beds are two singles pushed together. Bathrooms are spacious, but again look a little old-school, with bright yellow walls and busy marble work around the mirrors. All come with bidets, make-up mirrors, shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers.

Features are limited at this simple hotel. A breakfast buffet is available for a fee and features scrambled eggs and an array of other hot and cold items. It's appreciated by most guests, though won't win any gourmet awards. In warm weather, head out to the patio for your morning meal -- it's a fine way to start the day. The SANA has no restaurant for lunch and dinner, but it does have a lobby bar. The two on-site meeting rooms feature good views of the city. The hotel also has a lobby computer and 24-hour front desk. Free parking is available, though space is limited. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.