TRYP Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel

The hotel has a striking angled exterior, the entrance and lobby enclosed in geometric glass. It's heavy on the aviation theme, with a long, runway-like carpet running from the hotel entrance to the lobby. A bright red, old-fashioned airplane -- a replica of the first plane that landed in Portugal -- hangs from the ceiling above sofas upholstered in gray velvety fabric. The all-white walls, floor, and columns extending from floor to ceiling, along with geometric windows wrapping around the room, make it feel something like the inside of an airport lounge. Likewise, the Terminal 1 Bar wouldn’t look out of place in an airport, with space-age-looking stools lining a silver bar, a panorama of the city behind it. Outside is an infinity-edge pool right by a busy main road, lined with brown plastic loungers. Guests tend to be business travelers, tourists, and families waiting out a layover, though the hotel could also appeal to guests planning to stay for a short break in Lisbon. 

The hotel is located right next to Lisbon Portela Airport, and some terminals are only a few minutes’ walk, though the hotel runs a free shuttle in the mornings and evenings. There’s a service station opposite the hotel with an ATM and snacks. The location is also convenient to some tourist attractions. The Parque das Nacoes, site of the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition, has a shopping center and oceanarium and can be reached in 20 minutes by bus or a 10-minute drive. It’s also about 25 minutes by bus to Baixa de Lisboa, the historic center.

The hotel’s 168 rooms have a stylish, travel-focused design, with furniture that looks like old-fashioned suitcases. The color scheme of pale grays, bright white, and pops of vibrant red feels modern and fresh. Over the beds are artsy sepia-toned photographs of Lisbon monuments. The bathrooms are separated from the bedrooms with a curtain -- bathtubs are right next to the bed, and toilets are in a small room with frosted glass doors -- which doesn’t provide a great deal of privacy. There are also small stall showers. Suites add living areas and wet bars with microwaves. Family rooms with bunk-beds in separate bedrooms are also available. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffeemakers.

A buffet breakfast is served early in the morning for guests who have to catch an early flight, with a coffee station open even earlier. The Colinas de Lisboa Restaurant serves Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine for lunch and dinner, and it has a "healthy menu" with options for guests with dietary restrictions. The Terminal Bar is open late and serves snacks as well as cocktails. Room service is available. The large gym is equipped with cardio machines and free weights. The on-site spa has a hot tub, Turkish bath, and sauna, as well as an indoor pool in a space that’s partially private and also has walls of glass overlooking the grounds. Massages are available. Outside is an infinity-edge pool lined by loungers. The large congress center has 21 meeting rooms and holds more than 400 people. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Outdoor parking is free for hotel guests, but there's a fee for indoor parking. Flight information is displayed in real time in the lobby.