Tryp Lisboa Caparica Mar by Wyndham

The location is peaceful and right by the ocean beach, with restaurants and shops nearby. I loved the ocean view, and the hotel itself felt welcoming, from the stylish modern lobby to the beautiful breakfast room. Breakfast was excellent, with plenty of choice, fresh fruit, and everything well organized. The room was clean, modern, and comfortable, and housekeeping came daily. Staff were polite, friendly, and helpful. For my birthday, we got a bottle of wine and a cake, such a lovely surprise! 🌊🎂🍷 It really felt worth its stars, and we'd love to come back. 🩷

The room upgrade gave us an ocean view, but both rooms initially had safes that didn't work. Maintenance fixed them quickly, and the technician was friendly and professional. The toilet also kept running and needed constant fiddling to stop it, which got frustrating. We weren't told that coffee, cups, and a water container were available only on request. We found out by asking a housekeeper, who kindly explained and brought regular coffee to the room. Things other hotels usually provide automatically had to be requested here. From check-in, the front desk staff seemed disengaged and uninterested. We'd read good things about the breakfast buffet, but the food quality was below expectations. At least it was complimentary. This was our first stay, and a disappointing one. The hotel fell short of four-star standards, and sadly we won't return.

The staff made me feel looked after from the start. Before arriving, I emailed and messaged with a few questions, and they replied quickly despite the time difference. When I returned after a couple of nights at a hostel with friends, they remembered me, welcomed me back, and upgraded me again. On my last day, the front desk even drew me a map to help me find a luggage shop when I needed an extra bag. I’d been unsure after reading mixed reviews, but the moment I walked in, I felt I’d made the right choice. Check-in took under three minutes, the lobby smelled lovely, and I was upgraded to an ocean-view room. It was beautiful, with a huge closet, a big mirror, and a very comfortable California king bed. Breakfast was included, delicious, and had plenty of choices. I also ordered room service several times, and it was quick and friendly each time. The views were stunning, and the location was hard to beat, close to the beach, restaurants, ice cream and dessert spots, little beach bars, a small shopping area, and a farmers market held every Saturday and Sunday within walking distance. I really loved my stay and would recommend the hotel. I can’t wait to come back with friends or family.

The manager on duty the next morning really helped turn things around. He brought us all the water we needed and surprised us with a sweet little date night setup in our room. The breakfast was plentiful and delicious too, though some of the bar staff were rather rude. The manager and a few staff members were genuinely hospitable, but I wish he’d train the rest of the team to be polite and helpful, and make sure they follow through. Our first room was extremely basic despite our Diamond Status, the highest level, so we went back to the desk. A young man who seemed much happier to help guided us to a more suitable suite. It was spacious and had an ocean view, but the cleanliness was questionable, with hair in the bathroom and lube on the bedroom lights. The beds felt like bricks, so if you want a plush night's sleep, this isn't the place. We were initially greeted by a surly, rude blonde woman with curly hair who seemed to hate people. All told, it was a three-star stay, probably best for people who don't plan to spend much time at the hotel. Without that manager's help, this would have been a one-star review.