Review of Hotel Lisboa Plaza, by Marc Zakian

Opened at the beginning of the 1950's, the Hotel Lisboa Plaza is a practical and comfortable boutique hotel for a stay in Lisbon. Located near around the corner from the expensive Avenida da Liberdade and its parade of designer outlets, it is convenient for downtown Lisbon - which can be reached on foot, or by the nearby subway system.

The décor in this boutique hotel is an eclectic but clean blend of neo-gothic and classical, with the occasional humorous nod to 50s chintz. The reception and communal areas are furnished in different themes: from the Mediterranean marble entrance, to the blue lounge with its Japanese styling. A dining area looks out onto a small courtyard garden and fountain. Hotel breakfasts offer the full range of cold and cooked foods. Free internet points in the reception are backed up by wireless hot spots. The staff are laid back, multi-lingual and attentive to the needs of clients.

Mahogany furniture, soft furnishings, carpet underfoot - the bedroom themes are classical comfort from the pages of Homes and Gardens. This boutique hotel boasts rooms that are all generous in size, with lots of storage. Views from the back rooms - though not postcard contenders - overlook one of Lisbon's hills. Well-sized marbled bathrooms are scrupulously clean and stocked with towels, soaps and shampoos. A complementary port decanter welcomes you.