It had been a few years since my last Sheraton stay in Europe, so I was looking for a Sheraton property on this visit to Portugal. The timing of this trip was perfect for the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa in Lisbon, Portugal.
After a short taxi ride from the airport, which cost less than €15, I immediately liked the location of the Sheraton. It’s not in the middle of all the Lisbon tourist sites and downtown, but close enough to make sightseeing a brisk walk away.
For my multiple night stay I used a combination of Marriott points and cash.
Pro Tip: Be sure to get the best deals on hotels. If I’m paying cash for a hotel stay, I always use Pruvo to monitor for price drops!
Check-In
My check-in experience went smoothly and quickly. Thumbs up to the front desk staff! Since I am a Marriott level elite the hotel pre-assigned me a room. However, the room they had pre-assigned me wasn’t ready, so they gave me what they said was a better room on a higher floor.
When I got to my city view room, there was construction going on. A big crane was in full view, and construction workers could easily see into the room. I found this view unappealing and explained to the front desk that I was willing to wait until the other room was ready.
The room they had pre-assigned me was on the other side of the building, giving me the river view, one floor below (18th floor). It took them about an hour to get the room ready, but I liked this room much better.
The room was described as an upgraded room, I’m guessing because of the floor, and it came with a complimentary bottle of Port wine. If you read hotel reviews online, reviews of this hotel suggested the city view was the one to ask for, but I much preferred the river view. Especially from the higher floors. It gave me a view of the sunsets as well as a view of what Lisboetas (locals) call their “Golden Gate Bridge” (25 de Abril Suspension Bridge).
Great view of the famous 25 de Abril Suspension Bridge. Image by Starwood Hotels
Using my Hotel Room Scorecard I broke down the individual elements of my standard room at the Sheraton Lisboa, which scored a 34 of 40 points.
Location (5/5)
The location of the hotel is what people seem to complain about the most. People say it’s out of the way and away from downtown/waterfront. It’s about a 20-30 minute walk or quick two metro stop ride downtown.
I actually really liked the location. First, as you know, I love to walk. The walk down the main boulevards, or side streets of Lisbon, that get you to the city center is lovely and for sure helps you walk off all the amazing Portuguese food and pastries. I wouldn’t have wanted to stay in the city center as it’s too touristy and crowded. As I mentioned, the metro is right out the door of the hotel and even the one time I chose to use a taxi to go downtown, it wasn’t more than €5 (~$7).
Lighting (3/5)
The room had some natural light from the windows, a desk lamp, bright lights by the bedside, and a hall light. This room was on the dark side though. I was told the rooms were refurbished about five years ago.
Club Room at the Sheraton Lisboa. Image by Sheraton Lisboa
They were done in dark colors, mostly browns. Even the carpet was a dark brown.
Window Access (5/5)
The room had blackout window shades which were simple to operate. I always appreciate having great blackout shades in a hotel room. Another room feature I love and hardly ever see, is a window that opens! This room had a middle large window that opened, so each day it was wonderful to get some fresh air circulating into the room.
Bed Comfort (3/5)
I found the bed to be a bit too hard, but that’s often the case in hotels. I will say that I slept great, but attribute this more to all the walking around Lisbon than to the bed!
Bathroom (5/5)
The bathroom. Image by Sheraton Lisboa
The bathroom was large, modern, and bright. There’s was a see-through bathroom window with blinds to close for privacy. The nice thing about these blinds was that the bathroom had excellent lighting and with the blinds open, it provided good lighting into an otherwise dimly lit room.
There were abundant hooks for towels, a single sink and a shower and tub combination. The toilet area has a door for privacy.
Interior Appointments and Furnishings (4/5)
There was no artwork on the walls, which I actually prefer. Just off the bathroom area along the entrance hall is a large closet. The desk is adequate and fully functional as a workspace. Instead of a couch in the corner by the window is a chair and side table. Though I do prefer a chair and ottoman or a couch, this solo chair worked well. Across from the bed and underneath the television screen was a long counter. I appreciate the extra counter space and good use of what otherwise would be wasted square footage.
Rooms at the Sheraton Lisboa can vary./ Courtesy of Starwood Hotels
Electronics (5/5)
As expected in a recently refurbished hotel room, plugs and outlets were plentiful and well-placed throughout the suite. There were outlets near the beds and universal plugs and USB charging ports at the desk.
Snack and Minibar (4/5)
The room came with a refrigerator and good sized counter top. There were also cups, glasses, plates and cutlery to use. The Nespresso was a welcome treat!
Service
Both room service and housekeeping were excellent. I used them both, and they were always quick to respond. Housekeeping was very proactive in making sure I never needed anything. I appreciate when room service and housekeeping is above par, like this.
Club lounge
If you’ve been to the Sheraton Lisboa before, you might recall the Club Lounge. It was always one of my favorite lounges. Sadly, it closed during the pandemic and will not reopen. It is now being used as a meeting space that businesses can rent.
Now the hotel serves a full buffet breakfast. For Marriott elite members it is complimentary if your status is Platinum elite or higher. The offerings are all you could want in a buffet. The homemade pastries are especially delicious!
Club lounge is a wonderful place to eat, work, and visit with people. Image by Sheraton Lisboa
Enjoy pastries? You’ll love Portugal’s offerings!
Concierge services
Concierge service at hotels can vary widely. Over the years, I’ve had experiences with concierges that were memorable and stayed with me long after my hotel stay was over. That’s how it will be with the concierge staff at this Sheraton Lisboa Hotel and Spa.
If You Enjoy Coffee, Here’s My Review of the Coffee Scene in Lisbon
Armando has been at this hotel for more than 25 years and Ana Sofia for more than 10 years. They are both wonderful people and amazing concierges. From their suggestions, to how they responded to my questions (I asked a lot), to the stories we shared about my impressions of Lisbon, these two are world class professionals. Fun and engaged and doing their jobs with the best possible attitude, they both really enriched my stay in their home country and at the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel, Lisbon Portugal.
The spa
The hotel has a spa, which I did use. It’s a large, beautiful, peaceful space free for hotel guests. It has a sauna, steam, and jacuzzi, and I only saw one or two other hotels guests there besides me.
Many amenities in the spa, and it was never busy! Image by Sheraton Lisboa
Final Thoughts
Whether you explore downtown Lisbon or explore the areas that aren’t in the city center, the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel, Lisbon Portugal is very well positioned. There’s plenty of shopping, restaurants, and even a great cinema all near the hotel, so please don’t let the location discourage you from staying here.
Even though the room decor was too dark for my taste, I was super pleased with my hotel stay at the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel, Lisbon Portugal. You might think after reading all this I’m on their payroll or something! I’m a hotel guest who notices if the big things are done well. I also pay attention to whether the little things are done well, and at this hotel, it’s ALL done well.
Related Articles:
- My Favorite Travel Resources and Products
- Do you find it difficult to book award flights with your miles and points? I do! That’s why I turn to Point.me. They get me great deals and save me money and time.
- I Always Get the Lowest Prices on Hotel Rooms: Here’s How!
- 9 Awesome Travel Accessories To Pack for Your Next Trip
- Don’t miss out on the BEST current travel credit card offers!
- What if you could learn everything you need to know about your destination in just 15 minutes? Here’s how!
The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
6 comments
I’m sorry this is suppose to be a hotel review and there’s not even a single image taken from the hotel?! There’s are all from the website.
This hotel is fantastic. I’ve stayed there before and your review is totally accurate (although I agree I always like seeing actual photos taken by the blogger) but great and accurate review.
Thank you, Earl. Wish my photos had come out good enough for the review. I’ll get better photos next time, for sure!
Thanks so much for the review – I’m staying there for 6 days in March and was debating between the Marriott (which appeared to be very dated in the pictures Isaw) or this Sheraton. I’m an Ambassador level guest and appreciate your great review of the Club Lounge. I’m curious – did they offer you the option to have breakfast in the Lounge or the Restaurant?
Hi Ric, Lucky you:) Yes, they did offer that option. I tried the restaurant but it was busy (holiday season) so I stuck with the lounge. I actually just booked another stay there. Thanks for reading, and glad the review was helpful!