Treats in store at Lisbon’s glam Ritz
IF you are going to visit Lisbon, you should stay at the Ritz Four Seasons, an enchanting, marble-clad property from one of the world’s best hotel operators. Its location and positioning is ideal; the hotel offers vistas of Eduardo VII Park, St. George’s Moorish castle, the Old Town and the Tagus River from atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills. The hotel is also a short walk to where all the tourist hop-on- hop-off buses congregate, making it an ideal and luxurious base to explore one of Europe’s great historic cities.
The location of the Portela de Sacavem International Airport means that the hotel can be reached remarkably easily. It took us just over a quarter of an hour in a metered taxi to get to the Ritz Four Seasons; the ride cost no more than €15. The fact that you can be in your hotel room in under an hour from the time of landing, especially if you only have hand luggage, ought to be a major selling point for weekend breakers and business travelers alike.
Several amazing restaurants, as well as all of Lisbon’s night life, are also a quick (and cheap) cab’s ride from the hotel. Just ask the friendly and knowledgeable concierges for advice, which we found to be spot on and extremely useful, especially when it came to eating out. One key piece of advice for the ladies: don’t try and wear high heels when visiting old Lisbon, even when going out for supper. The streets are cobbled and extremely hilly; even the most sophisticated and glamorous locals wear flat-heeled shoes. If you prefer a more traditional, formal European dining experience, try the in-house Varanda restaurant: the tasting menu is excellent and includes great regional specialties and seafood. In the mornings, the restaurant is used for breakfast; unfortunately, it can get crowded at times. The Ritz Bar is also well worth a visit.
One of the hotel’s highlights is its spa, which is exceptional. It genuinely conveys a sense of serene relaxation, thanks to its friendly and professional staff, its calming, Buddhist-inspired music, Zen design in marble and rich oak, and sensuous art pieces and luxe furnishings, from Italian poolside loungers to ergonomically designed oversized beds. The 18-metre pool is great and uncrowded and a perfect place to start off before enjoying one of the Spa’s signature treatments.
Most spectacular of all is the well-appointed gym: it is located on the roof, with an amazing outside running track which gives unparalleled views across Lisbon. Even if you usually hate going for a run, especially when on holiday, make an exception: this is an entirely unique experience.
The rooms are typically spacious and the special Four Seasons beds – one of the brand’s hallmarks – are as fabulous as ever. Perhaps the hotel’s only downside is its boxy, 1950s-style external appearance and architecture, which belies its sophisticated interior and beautiful lobby. So don’t be put off: this is a wonderful hotel in which to stay to visit Lisbon in style. It comes highly recommended.
The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88 Lisbon 1099-039, Portugal. + 351 (21) 381-1400. Rooms from €310.