Holiday Inn Express Lisbon - Alfragide by IHG

I only stayed two nights before moving to another hotel. The location was handy, and the reception looked inviting and was nicely designed, but the service overall fell short. My room was small, with no fridge or iron, and felt damp and uncomfortable to breathe in. There was a musty smell as soon as I walked in, and visible black mold on the bathroom ceiling, so I had to leave the window open. The sheets and towels didn't look clean, and I don't think they'd been washed.

The staff were nice and tried to help with what they had, but the hotel's replies to complaints were generic, with no meaningful result or remedy. Housekeeping came daily, though they didn't vacuum during my stay. There's no room safe, but about five are kept behind reception at no charge. Be careful in the shower, especially if you're elderly: the floor is extremely slippery, and the hotel provides no rubber mats. There are no USB charging ports or air conditioning in the rooms. With Lisbon's summer highs reaching the upper 90's, you may want another option for summer. The hotel is around 25 minutes by car from the city center, and there's a bus stop in front of the property. Route 714 goes back and forth, though there's little nearby within walking distance. Uber and Bolt are available at reasonable rates. The photos are misleading about the furniture, which doesn't look as it did 8 years ago.

Breakfast was the biggest letdown. For a Holiday Inn, or even a typical 3-star hotel, the selection and quality were far below expectations. There were just two kinds of bread, frozen and reheated, plus sliced sandwich bread, which I wouldn't call proper hotel breakfast bread. The pastries were reheated frozen croissants and apple turnovers. Only two fruit options and two cold cuts, and the buffet felt sparse and poorly stocked. Its long line runs along one wall, so everyone has to queue together. Forget an item at the far end and you have to join the line again, which gets frustrating at busy times. No proper hot milk either, just a lukewarm water and powdered milk mix from the coffee machine. Three TVs showing football from 7 a.m. made the room feel more like a bar than a relaxing breakfast space. The rest of the hotel has some good points. Reception staff were friendly, professional, and attentive, and the place felt safe, quiet, and well maintained, in line with what I expect from Holiday Inn. It's a 3-star hotel in an industrial area, but it's close to shopping centers and major roads, so getting around by car is easy. Rooms are small but practical for a short stay. The mattresses are noticeably worn and have dips from previous guests, with a hammock-like feel that made side-sleeping uncomfortable. The rooms are fairly modern, though the TV is outdated. The bathroom was a highlight, modern and clean, with a large, pleasant shower. Sound insulation was decent, so nights were quiet. The air conditioning stays fixed at 25°C and can't be adjusted, which may not suit everyone. Street parking right outside is limited, with more spots a little farther away. Spaces fill quickly, so arriving late in the evening isn't a good idea. It's an acceptable short or business stay, but the worn beds and disappointing breakfast take a lot away from the experience.

A good budget hotel if all you need is a room for the night. The breakfast buffet was very good. Lisbon's city center is about 30 min away, if you're looking for a busier atmosphere.