Once Upon Lisboa

The location worked really well for us, close to the city center but away from the crowds. We also found the staff genuinely welcoming. When water leaked in our first room, they sorted it out quickly and moved us to a bigger one, which we appreciated. The building has plenty of character, and the renovated rooms feel modern and comfortable. Ours had a nice place to sit, coffee-making facilities, a walk-in shower, and a beautifully decorated ceiling. That ceiling may be specific to some rooms. The bathroom had no shelf by the sink, though, and we had no working USB chargers, iron, ironing board, or bedroom mirror. A mirror in place of the picture above the table would have been useful. Breakfast was served next door. The high-tea-style presentation was nice, and the breakfast staff were friendly, but the food itself was a letdown: the choice was small and repeated each day, eggs only came scrambled with or without cheese, and the bread and pastries seemed dry. We’d give breakfast 4/10. Getting around the hotel may be tricky for some people with limited mobility. There is a lift, but it’s very slow, and the stairs won’t suit everyone. The old building has an unusual layout, so rooms may feel a little different from one another. The hotel itself gets 8/10 from us, despite the practical snags and disappointing breakfast.