Holiday Inn Lisbon – Continental

The inn’s high-rise glass building is especially modern compared to the old, partially dilapidated buildings surrounding the property. The contemporary look continues throughout the interior. The shining lobby, resplendent with silver pillars and mirrored ceilings, is filled with clusters of slick, modern love seats and coffee tables. Potted plants accentuate the space with a fountain and bar on one side, typically occupied in the evening by men in suits. A wide staircase with brass railings, a gift shop, and a set of stainless steel elevators complete the lobby. The restaurant, although well-illuminated with many small ceiling lights, is cave-like, as it doesn't have windows. The Continental coffee lounge downstairs is also a little dark. The gym is small with a few modern exercise machines and the hallways, although clean and thoughtfully decorated with a variety of prints, are dim as well.

The hotel is situated in the business district of Campo Pequeno, next door to a Pizza Hut. The Campo shopping area, with its restaurants and a movie theater, is less than a 10-minute walk east. Entrecampos train station, Campo Pequeno metro station, and a taxi rank are within immediate walking distance as well. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, with captivating exhibits and gardens to stroll through, is less than a 15-minute walk southwest. The downtown area can be reached by bus in about 15 minutes. The department store El Corte Inglés is a short metro ride away and Lisbon Portela Airport is about 25 minutes northeast by public transportation, or 10 minutes away by car.

There are a total of 220 rooms at the Continental, all with the same color scheme. However, in spite of the bright yellow accent walls, chairs, and ottomans, the space still looks dimly lit. The standard rooms are a bit small but come equipped with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, safes, desk areas, small armchairs and side tables, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The suites are considerably larger with separate living areas with larger desks, couches, and chairs. Suites are also situated on higher floors with fantastic views of the city and have larger bathrooms with dual sinks. All bathrooms are clean, contemporary, and basic with marble tiling and shower/tub combos.

Holiday Inn Continental is equipped with a variety of amenities geared toward business guests, including seven large, modern meeting and presentation rooms. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property and guests can use the small gym for free as well. An on-site restaurant serves Portuguese fare buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (not included in room price) with fabulous desserts. The hotel also has a large coffee lounge, a full bar that stays open late, and a gift shop with reasonably priced souvenirs. Room service is 24 hours and parking is available under the property for a daily fee.