Hotel Açores Lisboa

Despite its setting in a stark gray building, Hotel Acores Lisboa features a modern interior that evokes zen-like calmness with its eco-friendly Azores-themed design. Greenery peppers the exterior of the property, with shrubs and trees growing over balconies and rows of potted plants enclosing the outdoor deck. The sleek, contemporary lobby comfy brown chairs and red couches on a red area rug. Macro photography from Azorean photographer Cristina Ataide hangs on the black walls, and many other of her works are displayed throughout the hotel and in guest rooms, adding to the Azorean theme. The restaurant and bar area features wooden floors, futuristic trendy chairs, and glossy wood tables. Large windows bringing in natural light and a chic blue map add to the overall calming atmosphere. Despite its more business-oriented location, the clientele here tend to be couples and families drawn by perks like free breakfast and parking, as well as affordable rates. 

Hotel Acores Lisboa is located next to Lisbon’s financial district, and a bit removed from the city center. It’s nestled between a hospital and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which houses Portuguese and modern art. There are some dining options in the area that are within walking distance, and an El Corte Ingles shopping mall can be reached in 13 minutes on foot. Nearby attractions include the zoo, which is a 15-minute walk away, and the Palace of the Marquises Fronteira, which takes 25 minutes to reach on foot. The Praca de Espanha metro station is just a two-minute walk away, giving access to the city center and its attractions in about 15 to 20 minutes. Lisbon's Portela Airport is under a 15-minute drive, or a half-hour by public transportation.

The hotel's modern rooms are bright and sleek, with a soft color palette that includes taupe carpets, white beds with brown accents, and clean-lined furniture and headboards in blond wood. Large windows fill the spaces with natural light, while framed photos of the Azores adorn the walls. All guest rooms have work desks, flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Executive Rooms and Suites add tea- and coffee-making facilities as well as balconies, while Suites also have Nespresso machines. Bathrooms are modern, and most have light gray tiles, though Suites feature a sleek dark gray marble. All are outfitted with shower/tub combos and vessel sinks, along with hairdryers and toiletries. 

One of the hotel's top features is its Atlantida Restaurant and Bar, which offers an Azorean menu, buffets for lunch and dinner, and drinks. A deck in the front offers seating, and it's a nice spot to have a drink and linger. A free basic breakfast buffet is offered in the mornings and includes some hot items like eggs and mushrooms. Room service is available as well. Business travelers can take advantage of four fully equipped meeting rooms, a public computer, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Most hotels in Lisbon charge for parking, so it’s refreshing to find one that offers free garage parking on-site.