Many visitors to Lisbon opt to stay in the city’s quaint historic centre for easy access to its most important sights. But on checking into Corinthia Lisbon, we discovered it’s worth venturing a little north—towards the Bairro do Rego neighbourhood—to get a feel for the city beyond its famous centre.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of Corinthia Lisbon

Setting the scene

Set off a major thoroughfare and amidst a plethora of office buildings, the location of Corinthia Lisbon may not be an obvious choice. But, the hotel has great transport links—the Jardim Zoológico metro stop is less than five minutes away and puts guests in the district of Chiado in 20 minutes—and a courtesy shuttle bus, making it easy to zip around the city. And, of course, guests have the advantage of enjoying spacious rooms—there’s not a lot of space for big hotel rooms in the city’s historic heart—that have been newly renovated.

Step through the hotel’s revolving door, and you’ll enter a world of approachable luxury. Service is friendly and efficient—who wouldn’t love snacking on pasteis de nata at check-in, and the surrounds of an expansive, marble-clad lobby dressed in shades of cream and black, are welcoming, not harsh. While there is definitely an effort towards impressive design—especially in the restaurants—the hotel isn’t quite breaking the mould, rather it delivers effortless elegance in spades.

The room

Maritime suite at Corinthia Lisbon Portugal
The spacious Maritime Suite

With the recent refurbishment, Corinthia Lisbon now boasts 518 sumptuous guest rooms and suites designed for all types of travellers. While even the entry-level rooms are perfectly comfortable, it’s the suites that are designed to impress. There are several versions available, including a soon-to-be-revealed Fado-themed suite that promises to offer total cultural immersion in Portugal’s capital.

For now, though, the Maritime Suites are the suites to book. I check into one to discover the perfect pied-à-terre from which to explore the city. Inspired by Portugal’s seafaring tradition, these expansive 96 sqm suites are nautical-themed havens that cater to guests’ every comfort. In December, the suite is decked out in festive cheer with gift-wrapped presents on mantles and occasional tables, and appropriately festive foliage lying around – it’s thoughtful and cheering.

Dressed in a colour palette of blues, creams, and greys, the Maritime Suite offers total tranquillity, particularly in the beautifully appointed bedroom. Within these elegant surrounds, guests can simply lounge on the living room’s plush sofa while taking in panoramic views of the iconic Águas Livres Aqueduct through postcard windows. A personal favourite feature is the spa-like marble bathroom that features a free-standing bath stocked with ESPA products and framed by a cosy seating nook and views over Lisbon, though the elegant study—stocked with an old-fashioned globe and compass-inspired clock—and the quaint, fully-loaded bar cart, comes a close second.

Suites here also include access to the hotel’s spacious and tranquil Sky Lounge, which serves a full breakfast offering as well as a delightfully lavish buffet of canapés—and free-flow Champagne—throughout the day. This rare attention to detail is a lifesaver after flying through lunch and arriving at the hotel around 3pm.

Wellness wonders

The Spa at Corinthia Lisbon treatment room
Treat yourself to some pampering at the spa

Travelling can take its toll, and The Spa by Corinthia Lisbon, located in the hotel’s basement, offers blissful respite. There’s a full water-therapy circuit with a Jacuzzi, sensory showers, sauna, and steam room. You’ll want to book time in one of the tranquil treatment rooms, though—the Corinthia Signature Massage is an indulgent ritual that’ll have you floating on air for the rest of the day. For a little R’n’R, there’s nothing like spending a morning at the oasis-like heated indoor pool with a good book, though the well-equipped gym offers the chance to get the blood pumping—especially important before embarking on a 24-hour journey across the globe. In a clever touch, there’s a table near the pool and gym offering coffee, detox waters, and a host of healthy snacks.

Eats & drinks

Corinthia Lisbon caters to all palates and dining groups with three very different restaurants. Breakfast—and all-day dining—is available at Olivae Restaurant & Terrace, though this is usually filled with the luxe tour groups that check into the hotel. If at all possible, head for an abundant breakfast semi-buffet in the relaxing surrounds of the Sky Lounge, or indulge in room service to enjoy breakfast in bed.

Soul Garden cocktail and bartender
Be sure to sample the cocktails at Soul Garden

For lunch, book a table at Erva, which serves decadent contemporary Portuguese plates in a garden-like setting brimming with greenery. Expect to feast on plates like Tuna Tartare and a moreish Octopus Rice while watching the action in the open kitchen. This is also the spot for an evening aperitif – the bar area is cosy, and the cocktails and wines superlative.

If you’re tiring of bacalhau—it happens—the hotel’s Soul Garden is just the thing to bring your palate back to life. Drawing inspiration from across Asia and Latin America, the sophisticated restaurant offers a wealth of exotic dishes—the lamb bao, soft-shell crab tacos, and shrimp toast were particular favourites.

Final thoughts

Corinthia Lisbon delivers a truly well-rounded hotel experience on the fringes of Lisbon’s centre, so it’s worth staying just a little outside the historic heart to be able to access a functioning gym, take the stress of travel away with an indulgent spa treatment, and enjoy a really good meal—and a great night’s rest—all under one roof. And, with its recent makeover, the hotel—and its welcoming staff—stand ready to ensure that guests have a truly enjoyable stay in the city. Corinthia Lisbon is the kind of place you can book confident in the knowledge that you’ll have a stress-free, enjoyable stay with all the trimmings, and there’s a lot to enjoy about that.

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