Palácio do Governador - Lisbon Hotel & Spa

The fruit was fresh and the dessert was good, but the bread and viennoiseries didn’t seem fresh. That was surprising for a hotel with this rating and reputation. I’d booked the spa and brunch for my friends, and the experience left me disappointed. I’d expected a five-star hotel to have something like a jacuzzi or a heated or leisure pool, but there wasn’t one. The visit didn’t feel up to the standard I associate with a five-star place.

Everyone at the hotel was so friendly and helpful. They made our anniversary feel magical, setting up roses and champagne in the room. They also printed and framed a photo I’d texted them. It was perfect.

We felt safe walking around both early in the morning and late at night, and there are plenty of restaurants within a 15-minute walk or a quick tram ride. The area has lots of options, and it was nice being away from the busy downtown. The location worked well: Belém Tower is a 6-minute walk away, though unfortunately it’s completely closed, so you can’t go in or take pictures. Tram 15E stops right outside and gets you to the city center in about 25 minutes. The staff were awesome, attentive, kind, and very accommodating. The grounds are beautiful, there’s a nice pool, and the bar was excellent. Food was decent. Rooms are spacious, the bed is comfortable, and there’s even a pillow menu so you can pick your style. It’s a pretty cool place, built atop the historic Belém wall. We had an excellent stay and look forward to coming back.

Every person on the staff was wonderful, kind, helpful, and incredibly accommodating. They really went out of their way to make us feel welcome, and the spa was lovely too. The hotel is gorgeous, with a boutique feel. It’s a little outside the city center, but I loved it.