The first sighting of this hotel, from the outside, is not necessarily inspiring. This may be Lisbon's finest hotel, it is a soulless, modern concrete block, far from the likes of the FS in Paris, or Florence.
But once you step in, you are warmly welcomed by rows of genuinely smiling members of the staff. I was a little concerned to hear from the hotel's driver, that there was a big event going on at the FS, as a famous jeweler was having an inauguration of a new boutique that day, and that the hotel was full. Well, in a typical hotel, that would mean battling through crowds, queuing at reception, coping with stressed staff... Not in a FS though; as soon as we walked in we were greeted by name, by a very nice receptionist who took us directly to our room, to carry out the check-in, and we could therefore relax straight away.
The deluxe room was very comfortable, and well furnished, a few local gifts awaiting. Only the bathroom was a little sub standard for a FS, but impeccably clean, with good amenities.
The common areas are very handsome, on a grand scale, with furnishing and floral arrangements to match. There is a very nice terrace, to enjoy lunch, or just a coffee. Inevitably though, there is the perpetual distant roar from the nearby road, but this is centre of a big city.
The tranquil indoor pool and spa were superb, with a very good changing room, well stocked up with amenities and beverages
In the evening, the bar is most pleasant too, in an 80's 'Wall Street' kind of style, with stylish, friendly barmen, who will improvise a tailor-made cocktail should you so wish, and where it is still possible to smoke, a rarity in Europe today.
The location is good, there are many restaurants and shops nearby, only a few minutes by taxi. A word on taxis though; unfortunately we have found that the majority were dishonest (there were happy exceptions). Even when we asked the hotel to call a taxi, some of them would lose their way, even when going to the easiest address on a main avenue, they took back streets, and once they got you where you need to be, are reluctant to give you back your change. Sad but true. There are dishonest taxi drivers everywhere, but I've never known as many as in Lisbon.
For this reason we were pleased to use the hotel's car and driver, to collect and take us back to the airport, for about 45euros one way.
To conclude simply, if back in Lisbon one day, this hotel would be a first choice again.
