Fontecruz Lisboa, Autograph Collection

Although it is part of the Marriott’s Autograph series, the Fontecruz in no way fits the uniformity of a chain hotel and has a look all its own. With its floor to ceiling pillars dipping into deep, lighted pits, metal salon chairs, black walls, and fuzzy rugs, the reception area of the Fontecruz Lisboa has a creative vibe. The restaurant is equally artistic, featuring an industrial style ceiling with exposed pipes and vibrant, original oil paintings adorning the walls. The futuristic-feeling bar is located adjacent to the reception desk. There is a nicely landscaped terrace and enclosed courtyard, where guests can be found sipping drinks and enjoying the sun in warm weather. The business and leisure room resembles no conference area anywhere, with a chandelier comprised of jointed desk lamps that looks like a spider and a sculpture of a human figure trapped in a web on the floor. The atmosphere is modern and polished with an artistic edge throughout.

Situated on the wide, busy street of Avenida Liberdade, the Fontecruz is central to all neighborhoods in Lisbon, with luxury shops like Prada and Michael Kors, plus the Hard Rock Cafe and many popular restaurants within a 10-minute walk. Baxio and its many bars and nightlife is less than a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute metro ride away and the Avenida metro stop is two minutes from the hotel. At the bottom of the street the Elevator of Glory brings you to the Bairro Alto, the city’s most historic neighborhood. Lisbon Portela Airport is a 15-minute drive or taxi ride away or 37 minutes by metro. Sintra is less than an hour away by train from Rossio station, which is also down the street, less than a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Similar to the rest of the hotel, the color scheme in the rooms is dark; all walls are painted either black or gray with white bedding and interesting black and white landscape and cityscape prints embedded into the headboards. A few rooms do have a splash of color -- a bright red wardrobe or an aqua-colored shower screen in the bathroom. Most rooms have nice views of the tree-lined avenue below and in spite of their dark look, are airy and comfortable with plush mattresses. The bathrooms are compact with walk-in showers and artistic basin sinks. The balconies in The Balcony rooms are narrow, designed for standing but not sitting on. The Presidential Suite is spacious with double windows looking out upon the surrounding city and faux fireplace with a round table. Terrace Rooms offer the addition of a terrace. There is free Wi-Fi access in all rooms, plus a 32-inch flat-screen TV, minibar, and iron.

There is free Wi-Fi access in all rooms and throughout the hotel. The Bar serves Portuguese and Spanish cuisine and a large selection of Iberian wines while a Champagne bar offers an enormous and exotic collection of bubbly. The breakfast buffet (not included) serves hot and cold dishes including eggs and omelets. There is on-site parking for an extra fee. The hotel has four meeting rooms, designed in dark colors with interesting wall art and sculptures. No pets are allowed.