LF Says: ★★★.5
Lisbon—high on my list of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited—is an easy sell in itself. The city is unique in every way. Known for its magnificent private houses, historic churches, vivid culture and fabulous markets, it’s hard not to instantly fall in love with its artistic facade and affable citizens.
Rising high above the heart of Lisbon, the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is located right at the centre of the city. To the east is the historic Alfama district and to the west is the bohemian street of Bairro Alto. Every major attraction is about a 30 minute walk or a 10 minute cab ride away. So if the logistical ease is not your criteria, the imposing façade, plush reception and the easy, affable staff warrant a stay at the Tivoli.
Renowned architectural firm Broadway Malyan, has carefully restored the property’s historical roots with its contemporary aesthetics through an intensive redecoration project. The legacy of a former era in Portuguese arts and culture is evident in every small detail of the turquoise, gold and mahogany decor.
Its charming ambience is welcoming, the staff is courteous and helpful, the algarve prawns at the Cervejaria Liberdade restaurant is the best in town, and the Sky Bar is truly mesmerising – offering an unmatched 360 degree view of the city.
Style and character
Timeless elegance and tradition are visibly paramount, but after the €15 million refurbishment ranging across the hotel’s bedrooms, leisure facilities and stylish restaurant concepts, the property exudes an aura of modernity and sophistication.
The real draw is the superbly designed lobby, where classic style meets art-deco inspiration. It is adorned with richly textured contrasting furniture, with a vivid colour palette that ranges from copper and navy to gold, black and beige – but somehow, it all blends in impeccably well. Most of the 250 guest rooms are minimal but warm. They are generously proportioned and come in tasteful shades of stone with pistachio-hued silk curtains and wooden antique style furniture. The in-room service offers a satisfying selection of comfort food to be devoured in bed.
Bathrooms showcase more marble and clinically clean aesthetics where you can marinate in the most decadent of toiletries.
Whilst the façade faces the main street, the rest of the building runs steeply down into the narrow, cobbled streets of Lisbon. The rooms to opt for are on the fourth floor, facing the street. The ones with the courtyard view leave much to be desired.
Food for thought
I started my day with a pristine breakfast spread with a variety of European and continental options. The property offers plenty of options for dining. One can make a reservation at the exclusive Terraço rooftop restaurant for a contemporary Portuguese gourmet experience. The Cervejaria Liberdade restaurant was my favourite. An elegant interpretation of Lisbon’s traditional beer houses – it celebrates all things Portuguese, from beer to fish and seafood. The chef and maître d' were competent and resourceful to our specific requests, thus the over-all experience was exemplary.
I had the most enjoyable afternoon tea at the Lobby Bar, where I devoured cakes, doughnuts and other traditional delicacies, including those famously creamy pasteis de nata (custard tarts). They also have a great selection of wine and signature cocktails. The Sky Bar made for the perfect setting for a serene sunset view of the entire city – you can even spot the River Tagus from the upper deck.
There’s a fully equipped gym, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool which comes with a pool bar and sun lounger service. There's also an attractive spa, adjoining the fitness centre, where a wide range of treatments are available. Massages can be organised in the cabanas above the swimming pool. I enjoyed a 60 minute aromatherapy massage at the Anantara Spa and ended my day sipping cocktails under the stars at the Sky Bar while admiring the twinkling lights of the vivacious city below.
While there isn’t an exceptional aspect that sets the property apart – the sophisticated luxury and compliant staff more than make up for it with comfort and warmth. All in all, the Tivoli experience is light, bright with a little bit of whimsy, and definitely worth a weekend stay during your trip to Lisbon.
LF Says: ★★★.5
Coordinates: Av. da Liberdade, 185, 1269-050 Lisboa, Portugal
Ph: +351 21 319 89 00
