PortoBay Marquês, Lisbon

Pros

• The location on a quiet side street near the top of Avenida de Liberdade puts you within walking distance of the historic center without the crowds. 
• A great breakfast buffet and a buzzy Italian-style restaurant mean you won't have to go far for a memorable meal.
• Rooms have a simple, restful aesthetic, with options ranging from a compact Standard to multi-room Family Suites.
• The rooftop provides a laid-back spot for relaxing with far-reaching city views, an honesty bar, and a small plunge pool.

Cons

• It's a solid 20 to 30-minute walk to most central landmarks, though buses and the metro will get you there faster. 
• The hotel doesn't have much in the way of local character—its aesthetic is neutral and modern.

Authenticity

There's not much distinctive Portuguese character that anchors the PortoBay Marquês to its Lisbon location, but there's still plenty to recommend this minimalist sanctuary just off the Avenida de Liberdade. Common areas have a cozy, welcoming vibe, with plush sofas and soft lighting, and the rooftop plunge pool is a welcome escape after a day of sightseeing. The on-site restaurant draws locals with its Italian-inspired menu, and you can pop into the tucked-away bar for lighter fare. The quality of the service is a particular standout; staff are consistently praised for going the extra mile to provide a perfect Lisbon experience.

Location

Tucked down a leafy side street between Praça Marquês de Pombal and the central boulevard of Avenida da Liberdade, the hotel is perfectly placed if you want to be within a pleasant 30-minute walk of Lisbon's most famous sites but a bit removed from the chaos of the historic center. The Rossio train station is a brisk 20-minute walk south, and it's another 10 minutes to the Praça do Comércio and the waterfront. The airport is just 20 minutes away by taxi.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 72 rooms are modern and comfortable, though they lack the more unique character of the common areas. A restful palette of browns, beiges, and light woods prevail throughout, and options range from compact Standard and Classic rooms to two-bedroom Family Rooms. Suites offer plenty of room for families and groups to spread out, with adjoining rooms, seating areas, and mini kitchenettes. Bathrooms are spacious but neutral, with beige tiles, large tubs or walk-in showers, and Rituals toiletries. 

Amenities

A favorite feature of the hotel is its small, heated rooftop plunge pool, accompanied by sun loungers, an honesty bar, and views of the Tagus River in the distance. There's also a compact but well-equipped gym complete with a steam room and sauna. Downstairs, the hotel's Bar de Baixo is a comfy spot for a glass of wine or a cocktail, while the Italian-inspired Il Basilico Lisboa serves a breakfast buffet before transitioning to lunch and dinner at tables that spill out onto the sidewalk. If you're an allergy sufferer, the first-floor rooms are a welcome refuge—complete with fully hypoallergenic linens and wood floors.

Family-Friendliness

PortoBay Marquês welcomes families, though there are no amenities specifically tailored to children. Family rooms sleep up to four, and there are adjoining room options for larger groups.