Photography: InterContinental Lisbon
InterContinental Lisbon Hotel
Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop
Set the scene
Set foot into the lobby of the InterContinental Lisbon and you're immediately swallowed into a universe of unmatched opulence. Its modern design polished to a gleaming sheen, the decor is both understated and elegant, demonstrating a tasteful mix of classic Portuguese architecture and contemporary luxury. Drenched in daylight, the airy space is accentuated by the glistening marble floors and lofty, impressive ceilings. Ultra-modern art pieces tastefully dot the expansive lounge area, adding an urbane touch to the hotel's striking design.
Linger a while and watch as the lobby gently hums with life. A diverse mix of global travelers and local businesspersons can often be seen negotiating deals over cups of coffee, while excited families map out their day’s sightseeing adventures. Every nook and cranny of this prestigious hotel pulsates with an energetic aura, subtly extending an invitation for guests to socialize, unwind or simply admire its architectural grandeur.
What can we expect in our room at the InterContinental Lisbon
Each suite is spacious, yet it maintains a certain intimacy that instantly makes you feel right at home. The bedrooms pop with tasteful accents of navy blue and gold that contrast well against the minimalist walls. Premium furnishings, smooth dark wood finishes and plush carpeting combine to create a space that is nothing short of luxurious.
There's more! Beyond their keen eye for interior design, the hotel understands the value of a good night's rest. You'll be lulled to sleep on a king-sized bed with the added luxury of plush pillows and crisp linens. The en-suite bathrooms are a sight to behold themselves: marble tops, large mirrors, a walk-in shower, and high-end toiletries for a spa-like experience. Let's not forget the view - sweeping landscapes of Lisbon's skyline and the sparkling river Tagus seen through the expansive windows.
How about the food and drinks
Picture this, you've just checked into the luxurious InterContinental Lisbon and are raring to satisfy your taste buds with something mouthwateringly delicious. Head over to the Akla restaurant, the hotel's prized culinary gem which serves an array of international and Portuguese dishes. Here, the flavors are bold, vibrant and incredibly sumptuous. The menu, designed by acclaimed chefs, brilliantly blends the traditional with the contemporary. And whether it's the Pica Pau, a traditional Portuguese dish, or an elegant plate of Oslo Bouillabaisse, you're in for a real treat.
What’s a great meal without the perfect drink, right? Step into the chic and sophisticated Uptown Bar, the ideal stop for cocktails and conversation. A sip of their signature Passion Fruit Caipirinha or a classic Mojito, comfortably seated on plush sofas while soaking in the panoramic views of the city, is exactly how you should end your day. The wine enthusiasts aren't left behind too, with a vast selection of Portuguese wines which the friendly sommelier is more than happy to recommend.
What is the service like at the InterContinental in Lisbon
They’re a group of professionals whose smiles are like a ray of Lisbon's sunshine - warm, bright, and inviting. They’re always ready to answer your queries, cater to your room needs or provide local sightseeing tips.
Stellar service does not stop there, it extends beyond the lobby. Fond of late-night snacks? The room service operates 24/7, promising prompt delivery of delectable dishes to satisfy your midnight cravings. Worried about your laundry? They'll sort it for you. Need help with reservations at a restaurant in Lisbon? Just ask!
What’s the neighborhood scene like
Situated in the chic district of Campo Pequeno, the InterContinental Lisbon puts you in the heart of all the urban excitement. The vibrant neighborhood is kind of a lodestone for culture buffs, brimming with architecturally wonderful buildings, trendy boutiques, and restaurants offering a culinary whirlwind tour of Portugal's much-touted gastronomy
If you're a nightlife enthusiast, you've lucked out too. The pulsating heart of Lisbon’s nightlife - Bairro Alto, is a short ride away. As day turns to dusk, the scene gradually transforms from a lazy idyllic charm to a dynamic, energetic vibe. Jazz music spills out from the rooftop bars, and life-size statues stand guard at the multiple live music venues. Also, don't miss out on a visit to the Eduardo VII Park, offering fresh green expanses and panoramic city views, just a short walk from the hotel.
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What’s the backstory of the InterContinental Lisbon Hotel
Initially established in the 1970s as the principal hotel for those venturing to the glistening city of Lisbon from far and wide. Grandeur was a founding principle. It extends its arms in the form of 19 floors and 331 rooms.
And it gets more interesting. Imagine this - the hotel was originally referred to as the Hotel Le Meridien Picoas before it donned the name, InterContinental Lisbon. Inspired by the nearby Parque Eduardo VII, the grand structure is the brainchild of a renowned architect, Skidmore. And until today, it is hailed as an architectural masterpiece that reflects the effervescent spirit of one of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon itself.
Price Range
The price range of this Portuguese pearl is on the steeper side when compared to other hotels in the city, but worth every penny. Standard rooms typically range from €170 to €250 per night, depending on the season and availability. If you're after the Club rooms or Suites, though, you're looking at anywhere from €300 to over €1000 per night.
Amenities & Facilities
Close that business deal in one of their smart and technologically aided conference rooms. Cater to your fitness goals even on vacation, with a top-notch fitness center, equipped with state-of-the-art gym equipment. For your convenience, they also offer laundry service, a robust Wi-Fi connection, and a business center.
There's even a swimming pool where you can take a leisurely dip while drinking in the panoramic views of the bustling city. Know that you're being catered to by a dedicated concierge team that prides themselves in creating personalized experiences for every guest.
How to get to the InterContinental Hotel in Lisbon
So, you've just landed at Humberto Delgado airport in Lisbon. But how do you get to your luxurious haven from here? It's actually pretty simple. By public transport, just make your way to the Red Line Metro station at the airport and jump on a metro headed towards São Sebastião. Hop off at Marquês de Pombal station, and you're just a brief stroll away from the InterContinental.
Taxi your jam? Not a problem either. Grab one of the readily available taxis from the airport and let them take you straight to the InterContinental. Fret not, it's not a long ride. In fact, in less than 20 minutes, you'll be in the majestic lobby of the hotel. Just keep in mind to carry some euros for the taxi fare which might run between 10-15 euros.
What Customers Have To Say
The help and that makes a hotel good so yeah 5 stars everything and the breakfast delicious thanks to the guy in the balcony of the check in on 2 of October at 1:30 you saved me a lot of problems 👍🏼
There is plenty of seating downstairs and free Wi-Fi if your room is not ready yet, and they will store your belongings for you. I do wish there were outlets by the seats in the lobby, though.
Location is within walkable distance to touristy spots in Lisbon, but the park across the street can be sketchy, especially at night.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay, and it definitely felt like a fancy hotel.
There is a gym available 24 hours a day.
There is a bathtub in the room,
Byredo products are common to InterContinental.
In your room upon check-in
A small bottle of wine and egg tarts provided per person.
Breakfast is at the level of a luxury hotel.
Services: We booked 2 rooms via Expedia & we requested for the connecting rooms & on a higher floor. At first, their reply from the front desk (Joao) that we would need to pay for an extra €200/ night in order to get the 2 connecting rooms. However, we were so delighted to find out later at the check-in that the hotel had upgraded our stay & granted our requests for the 2 connecting rooms on the higher floor, for free of charge.
Every staff member that we encountered (except the one at the checkout) was fantastic, extremely helpful, polite, & super friendly! It's definitely 5 out of 5 for the services & everyone was doing so well at their jobs & made us feel welcome!
Rooms: The rooms were so clean & reasonably spacious. It has everything that we need. (I.e. USB ports by the bed, & provided bath robes, kettle, sofa...etc) Shower's switch was a nice touch & the shower water flow was strong, the beds & the pillows were comfortable, the air con was comfy enough to keep us cool all night, the daily rooms cleaning quality was brilliant.... there was nothing to dislike about the rooms!
The food menu for the room service (from the Akla restaurant downstairs) was wonderful & it offered lots of value for money dishes as well! The 2 connecting rooms offered us more space & privacy! it was a 100% 5 out of 5 for the quality of the rooms!
Location: The hotel is located in a quiet, safe & upscale neighbourhood. There are a few nice Italian restaurants nearby. It's also next to the Four Seasons & it's just opposite to the Parque Eduardo Park. Within 6 minutes walk, there is a small supermarket & the Marques de Pombal Metro station is just about 8-10 minutes walk away. (Although walking uphill from the station would take a bit longer). Despite it's not located in the downtown, it's in a convenient, open, & safe area. We loved it!
Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was €25/day/person. It offered both hot food & continental breakfast. I think if there's one thing that Intercontinental will need to improve, it'll be in their breakfast area.
The cold food section was fine, i.e. the ham, turkey, croissants, fruits...etc. were fresh & lovely. But the hot food section was not as nice, i.e., bacon was hard to chew, sausages meat quality was bad, the tomato sauce in the baked beans were too waterly, hash browns were not mushy or crispy as they were too soft...etc. I also didn't like the staffs always took away our glasses & cutlery before we even finished our breakfasts.
As soon as we sat down, I think the staff only offering us orange juice on the small glasses (instead of the bigger glasses that they set for water) were unnecessary, I.e. it gave us the feeling that they were just being a bit of mean. There also weren't alot variety of breakfast to choose from as well. As for the breakfast, it looked like an average 4 stars hotels' standard, but I know they can improve in the future. (They just need to pay a bit more attention to details of what customers need.)
Overall, 5 out of 5 for the experience on our 2 nights stay. We will definitely come back & thank you Intercontinental so much for giving us the most lovely & comfortable stay in Lisbon!
Contact:
Address: R. Castilho 149, 1099-034 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 381 8700
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.