Dear Lisbon – Bordalo Palace Chiado

Fresh orange juice at breakfast was a real treat, and the service was extremely friendly. The bed was comfortable. Still, we were disappointed overall and wouldn't stay again. The cost didn't feel justified by what we got. The rooms are showing their age and need a refresh and deep clean. The shower drain needed a deep clean too, and the towels were thin and threadbare. Whenever a tap was turned on or the toilet flushed, the noise was unbearable, the walls shook, and it completely disrupted our stay. It seems clear the piping needs a full replacement. Breakfast items also could have been replenished more quickly, and the range could be better.

Check-in was easy, and the receptionist was friendly. There are no elevators, but she offered to help with our bags. I carried mine and she carried my wife's, which was no big deal since we were on the second floor. We booked three nights because of the high ratings and mostly good reviews, but I came away with mixed feelings. We may have had the hotel's worst room. Room #5 is right beside the breakfast area and the cleaning and dishwashing room. Breakfast starts at 8 am, but before that we could hear dishes and cutlery clattering and guests coming and going. The room smelled strongly of old pipe sewage as soon as we entered. The heat was blasting, so we opened both windows. That helped a little, but the smell kept coming back. I think it came from the bathroom and old pipes. Our balcony faced other buildings' balconies, the roofs of businesses below, and very loud AC units. The location and service were pretty good, so I gave it two stars instead of one. I won't book this hotel again.

A lovely stay, with a very large, grand bedroom, a wonderful breakfast, and friendly, efficient staff. Just perfect.

The noise was a huge problem. I could hear the hallway, silverware from the breakfast room more than four doors away, and the water pump and plumbing rattled through the whole building. At 6am, the cleaning crew in the room next door woke me up because the walls are so thin. Before I even arrived, they messaged me the day before to say the room I’d booked months earlier wasn’t available. It hadn’t been cheap, and they offered just €20 credit. I had to take a room I didn’t want and unpack and repack to move. They left it until my free cancellation period was over, so I was stuck with a downgraded room. I’m really unhappy. Believe the one-star reviews, and don’t stay here.