Holiday Inn Express Lisbon Airport

The Holiday Inn Express Lisbon Airport attracts tourists seeking proximity to the airport or people doing business in this industrial area that includes major multinational companies -- it's a place of transit, rather than socializing. The contemporary interiors are fairly bland, with typical chain decor. The open lobby includes a small sitting area and a bar off the reception desk that resembles an airport lounge with too-bright lighting and lime and charcoal armchairs on a magenta carpet. The dining space is a large, airy room with spare, wood veneer tables, white chairs, and big windows overlooking the hotel entrance and parking lot. Overall, it's a reliable and efficient chain property with clean-lined, contemporary furnishings. 

Just off the A-1 motorway in the Prior Velho industrial zone, this hotel is a five-minute drive to the airport. It takes nine minutes by car or about 30 minutes by public transportation to reach the conference center, Feira Internacional de Lisboa. It's also a nine-minute drive (20 minutes on public transit) to Estacao do Oriente railway station. The Parque das Nacoes is a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes via public transit. Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, is about a 20-minute drive from here or 25 minutes by public transit. Attractions like the Lisbon Oceanarium, Sao Jorge Castle, Rossio Square, and Praca do Comercio are about a 20-minute drive, while Bairro Alto is a 30-minute drive.

Rooms at this property are rather average and somewhat small -- lower-category rooms can feel cramped, with not much space between the bed and the desk on the opposite wall. Navy and white colors dominate the spaces, with striped navy carpets as well as blue curtains and bed runners contrasted by crisp, white sheets. Wooden furnishings include headboards with built-in reading lamps and nightstands. The windows are small, but allow for good natural light. Views are lackluster and include the parking area, entrance, and surrounding rooftops. All rooms have individual climate controls, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, ice buckets, and free Wi-Fi. Desks have multiple outlets for electronics.

The bathrooms are more generously proportioned than the rooms. Tiled in white with blue accents, they have porcelain sinks set in synthetic stone counters and include bidets and tub/shower combos with power head fittings and glass doors. Toiletries are in dispensers above the sink and in the shower. There is one handicapped accessible room available. Overall, this hotel has the amenities expected of a chain property and gets high marks from guests for its cleanliness. Its proximity to the airport makes for some noise, however.

Amenities at this Holiday Inn reflect what's expected from the mid-range chain, with a few exceptions. The hotel provides a daily breakfast included in room rates. The Express Restaurant also serves dinner, for a fee, while the Lobby Bar is open 24-hours. There are vending machines in the hallways for snacking in between. The business center, open 24/7, includes a copier, printer, and fax; and there's also a meeting room with space for up to 40 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There is no fitness center on-site, but guests have access to a nearby one (for a fee). 

A guarded parking lot on-site provides free parking for guests with their own car. The hotel also provides a shuttle bus to the center of Lisbon and the airport for a fee, but it doesn't run around-the-clock. A private car or limousine is also available for a fee, and the hotel has a rental car desk on-site. Dry-cleaning and laundry services are provided for a fee. The front desk has a safety deposit box for valuables. Pets are allowed for a fee, but guests should check with the hotel about size restrictions.