Arriving in Lisbon nine hours after we were supposed to, thanks to a big screw up from British Airways end of over booking my flight. Which meant we spent our first day in Lisbon in the Business Class Lounge at Heathrow, sipping on champagne and grafting away on the computers. It was the least ideal way to start our trip, especially arriving into our destination at 8pm, feeling rather exhausted after a 3am wake up. I was more than ready to reach our first of three hotels, Sheraton Lisboa.
Arriving in our Uber from the airport, we were greeted by tall door man whom greeted us on arrival and took our luggage straight into the hotel lobby. It was the first warm welcome we had in at least twenty four hours and it was much appreciated. Our check-in was completed in a matter of minutes, which is often unheard of and our luggage was already on it way up to our room.
We made our way to the 24th floor, the floor just under the top floor restaurant Panorama, which we had dinner booked at later that evening. There will a whole post on our wonderful experience in due course.
The lift opened out onto what was a lovely spotted lit corridor, with dimmed lighting presented all the Club rooms in an elegant manner. Each door was covered in the finest leather, giving a really elegant look and modern vibe. We entered our room to find the most perfect view of Lisbon from a great height, over looking the skyline. An even more perfect view, with the sun on its last moments of setting in the horizon.
After what was an incredible moment, I turned my attention back to the room. Where I saw two beautifully made up beds, as my sister was accompanying me on this trip – which was going to be a whole lot of fun. Especially, as we both have such busy lives in London that I barely get to see her.
The room was decorated with simplicity and modern decor – green plants, fabric arm chairs, a desk and a small flat screen TV which made it suitable for our short stay at Sheraton Lisboa.
Along with our welcome amenities, we were presented with our first opportunity to try the famous Pastel de Natas. The traditional custard tart pastry is one of the main things Portugal is known for. After much anticipation of wanting to try one, it certainly did not disappoint. It only got us more excited for the prospect of spending a wholeweek of eating these delicious little treats.
I was also pleased to see they had a coffee machine with pods next to it. It has become a necessity that all 5-star hotels should have, the old-school sachet of coffees just do not hit the spot anymore, especially after a heavy day of travelling and exploring. Everyone should have a quality pre-breakfast coffee available to them and put that inner unforgiving ‘morning monster’ back to bed.
The bathroom was split into two sections, one side was the toilet area which was separated by a frosted glass door and then the main bathroom itself presented a brown marble counter with a modern and minimalistic look. Next to the sink area was a long, large white bathtub with handheld shower head and a rainfall overhead shower. There was a glass pane between the bathtub and the room, that allowed you to suitably watch the TV whilst in the tub. However, assuming people travel as friends and family too, there was a blind that drew down for the required privacy. I have never seen something quite like it before, so it was very unique to the Sheraton Lisboa.
After a restful night sleep, we were ready to take on the new day. The black out blind allowed us to have just the right amount of sleep we required, before I flicked the switched next to my bed and up came the blind, slowly letting in the beautiful sun rays of Lisbon. We had plans to start our Lisbon sightseeing in the afternoon, but not before easing ourselves into the day with a relaxed breakfast and a spa morning.
Kick starting my day with a quick coffee from the espresso machine in my room, before getting showered and ready to head down for breakfast. As we were staying in a Club room, we had Club Lounge access, which was situated on the 22nd floor. The Club Lounge allowed us to have a relaxed and private breakfast area without the hustle and bustle of all the other guests first thing in the morning.
I would only have to walk through the door, before our dedicated waitress would greet me “Good morning, Mr. Pathan” and would know that I would want a latte and a freshly squeezed orange juice before ordering breakfast. My sister is an Americano fiend and she brought over a big stainless steal jug of coffee for her too, just as we sat down. Now, that’s what I call service!
There was a selection of fresh fruits, pastries, cold meats and breads on offer. Along with scrambled eggs, sausages and bacon. However, anything you wanted could be made. Poached eggs on toast? No problem. Champagne breakfast? Pass the flutes.
After a lovely, delicious breakfast I popped down to the spa to have a full body massage. My sister on the other hand just wanted to relax in the sauna and jacuzzi. We popped down in our robes, ready some relaxation before exploring the city later on.
The decor of the Spirito spa was decorated beautifully with mellow music to get you into the zen mood. My massage was just incredible. I could literally feel all the tension leaving my body and good energy circulating, just what the doctor ordered. I am a strong believer in having ‘me time’, whether it be on holiday or at home. I know many people would think it is wasting time whilst on holiday as you are there to see the destination, but I think self care is all part of the holiday experience.
After my massage I was feeling extremely zen, like I was walking on clouds. It is the best way to start your day, that’s for sure. I just took some time to explore the other facilities that are available in the Sheraton Lisboa’s Spirito Spa before getting ready.
From the fully equipped gym, to the outside pool with loungers, it is the perfect retreat to have some true relaxation. Whether it be a dip in the pool, a hardcore weights work out in the gym or a relaxing hour in the jacuzzi and sauna, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
A huge thank you to Sheraton Lisboa for making our two night stay an incredible one. They truly know how to look after their guests, offer them true 5-star service and make them feel at home. I honestly didn’t want to leave, but all good things have to come to an end. Be sure to stay tuned to read about my dining experience at Sheraton Lisboa’s Panorama restaurant, as it was certainly an experience you won’t want to miss reading about.
Until next time…
