Lisbon is a real gem. And the Lapa Palace is doing it in style. I stayed here during the European Cup in 2004 and remembered it as a discreet top class hotel, looks more like a little palace/chateau than an hotel. Was back for a 3day weekend & party in the city so decided to treat myself. This hotel is simply one of the nicest I've stayed in anywhere. The only gripe would be the air conditioner and with temp roaring towards 40 - it was extremely hot in the room on first night but they rectified and even brought a fan to ensure top comfort.
Breakfast is served in lovely room with tables on an outside terrace, spacious and tranquil and beautiful... even though selection might seem a little small compared to some resort hotels u may or may not be used to, the selection is top notch and everything, without exception, is fab. For example how many times have you gone for the fruit just to see apples, oranges and tasteless melon? Well here they had mango & papaya grown in Madeira if I understood correctly, Kiwi from Portugal, melons again local, strawberry, berries, pineapple -- such a selection and delicious. I found I was eating so much that at lunch a simple soup was enough. They even have free champs well sparkling wine but v nice!
Pool itself is not huge but it is marvelously quiet and staff top class. Restaurant at the pool doesn't have huge selection and could do with some more actual Portuguese food - but what they do have is excellent and I'd recommend their gazpacho... with jumbo shrimp and really fantastic. The gardens the pool sits in is just beautiful and its hard to believe you are in a city like Lisbon with so much going on outside the garden walls yet u sit in total peace. Its perfect to head there at the end of a long day sight seeing. Peaceful, tranquil beautiful. I even noticed a play set, u know for kids.
What sets this hotel apart from most others I've visited (w/exception of SixSenses) is that the staff treat the hotel as if they own it, as if they've a vested interest in making sure your entire stay is fabulous, even the drivers who collected me at the airport are the same as 6 years ago, the ladies taking care of the room, the staff at reception (especially Pedro, the excellent concierge) they all without exception treat you as a guest in their home. They are proud to work there it seems and everything is a relaxed, discreet ambience. Loved the bar! As I read on one of the guides you have to try their caipirinha and I did and it was excellent. I also had a Portuguese liquor which digest and it helped me... i zonked out within 15mins of drinking it! I didn't visit the spa but met a lady that had and she said it was fantastic. I did do the gym and has all you need to keep fit. Recommend room towards the top as then you get this amazing panoramic view... but having said that even if you get the garden level you can look at this garden for hours, it's just beautiful. I love this hotel Lisbon itself is a true gem and I found myself embarrassed that as an american in London I visit Paris, Rome, Milan endlessly yet on our doorstep is this perfect city. Clean, virtually everyone speaks English fantastic food. SO SO SO much to do. Really... you'll be amazed. I was there for a party so not much time but I can't imagine anyone being bored in Lisbon.
Pedro arranged for one of the hotel drivers to take me to Sintra for the day (my friends were sleeping & hungover) and though the price might seem a little steep (EUR165 I think for half day) - what you get for that is just great. The guy who took me knew all about the area, took me to mini-Versailles (Highly recommend espec if with kids as the gardens take ur breath away) and Sintra itself was somewhere so special I can't really take words to describe. Just Go!
A perfect perfect hotel. Lisbon a gem of a city. & I don't want to be trouble maker but not any bling bling show me the money types from eastern europe. Not one...
