Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon: Classic luxury
Arrangements of fresh and dried flowers are so abundant in the elegant modernist lobby of the Four Season Hotel Ritz Lisbon that it feels as if you’ve entered a botanical garden. So many spectacular paintings, sculptures, and tapestries line the hallways and public spaces the hotel has the feel of a museum of contemporary art.
(In fact, there is so much art around the hotel that a free iPad art app was recently created to enable guests to take a self-guided historical and cultural walk through the impressive decorative art collection.)
The lobby in bloom
Backstory
Inspired by a consortium of ten Portuguese entrepreneurs who sought to build a hotel to meet the demands of surging international tourism after World War II, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon was expressly designed to be a show-stopper. No expense was spared to achieve that lofty goal. Rare marbles were used to create the facades, interior walls and floors.
A French interior designer, Henri Samuel, was tasked with creating a sophisticated ambiance that blends Louis XVI style furnishings with art deco architectural details.
One of the visionaries involved in building the hotel remarked that the hotel “through its existence, should provide luxury and comfort, dignify the city and, above all, honor the nation.”
The rooftop (as well as many guest rooms and suites) offers extraordinary views of Eduardo VII Park, St. George’s Castle, the Old Town, the Tagus River and the iconic 25th of April Bridge.
Our room
The classic style and design of the oversized rooms evoke images of the 1960s, an era when movie stars like Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe or Sophia Loren might have chosen to stay at a romantic luxury hotel like this.
Our room, Room 1029 was spacious, well-appointed and beautifully maintained with a comfortable king size bed, desk and sofa. There was plenty of space to stow our belongings with large armoires on one wall as well as two luggage racks (a rarity most of the time). Almost all guest rooms and suites have private terraces.
The bathroom walls were covered in black and pink marble. Twin pedestal sinks under a huge mirror had convenient towel bars on each side. Fluffy towels hung over the electric towel warmer in the bath. In addition to the tub, the bathroom had a walk-in shower and separate lavatory with bidet.
The retro medicine cabinet with a glass door was not only attractive but also extremely useful. Finding L’Occitane toiletries at a hotel is always a treat!
Service, public spaces and amenities
Service throughout our three-day was flawless. We had room service breakfasts each morning, and our orders were always delivered accurately and on-time. Twice-daily housekeeping was efficient and unobtrusive. Each time we walked in and out of the building, a doorman was one step ahead of us opening the door.
Instead of being relegated to a windowless basement or interior space (as happens in most hotels), the inviting and well-equipped gym occupied the top floor of the building with panoramic views of the adjacent park. The outdoor running track served as an excellent perch to stargaze and see the city lights at night. The hotel also had a large, indoor lap pool (also with views) located in the Spa area, that we didn’t have time to use.
Sunday Brunch at the Varanda Restaurant in the hotel is not-to-be-missed.
Bottom line
Although the property is a lengthy walk from the historic area of the city, taxis were always available and relatively inexpensive (compared to New York City). After returning from touring different areas of the city each day and having dinner at some of its fine restaurants, we appreciated the hotel’s quiet location in a residential neighborhood.
The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is a classic that lives up to its five-star rating and the high standards associated with the Four Seasons. It offers a perfect base for tourists to explore all the riches of this great European city.
IF YOU GO
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88, Lisbon
Previously on More Time to Travel:
Sunday Brunch at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Disclosure: We were guests of the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon but any opinions expressed in this article are our own.
The Lisbon Four Seasons looks like a great place to stay – beautiful and luxurious. It would be tempting to forgot exploring at times and just stay in and enjoy all the hotel had to offer.
Yes, it was so tempting to be lazy. The other temptation is to extend the stay! 🙂
We are just back from a week at the Four Seasons Residence Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. Many of your descriptions would apply to it as well. L’Occitane products are a treat aren’t they? We purchased our place here because of the amenities, location and the superb staff who can’t do enough for guests. . .a perfect combination! Your Hotel Ritz stay looks superb ~
We’ve had the pleasure of visiting several Four Seasons properties and have always been impressed! Would love to visit the one in Scottsdale this winter:-)
Wow, what a stunning property, I would love to stay there and then explore the city and retreat at the end of the day.
Always nice to return to a comfortable base!
Such luxury! The feet sculpture, though, I am not so sure about.
Art is personal taste, isn’t it? 🙂
It’s so easy to get used to the pampered feeling you get at classic European luxury hotels. I love the sophisticated lobby decor you’ve shown us at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. All the amenities would make a very enjoyable visit.
The patina of age sure adds to the grace of a hotel!
Most Four Season hotels are very special, and I would expect that one that also has Ritz in its name like the Four Season Hotel Ritz Lisbon would be over the top. I see it doesn’t disappoint. I love the marble in the bathroom–gorgeous!
Yes, this one has a rich history!
My sister and I went to the Four Seasons in Lisbon last month to interview their charming and very knowledgable sommelier, Pedro. Then we were treated to a 10 course tasting menu. We really wished we had stayed there rather than where we did (the Sheraton). The Four Seasons Lisbon is so elegant, the staff lovely and it’s a little oasis of perfection. Lucky you!
Now you have my mouth watering to go back for that 10-course tasting menu! 🙂
Spectacular! Love all the art, the decor, the descriptions…everything.
You would love this hotel!
Best, Irene
I’m a big fan of Four Seasons hotels — they always get it right. I love how each property reflects the character of the city. Fantastic view of Lisbon from the roof!
Yes, each one has its own sense of place!
Will definitely have to check out the Ritz during my next visit to Lisbon. We stayed at the Tivoli, which I thought was quite nice.
Hope you have the opportunity! The Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon is an impressive classic~
Spectacular! The accommodations are luxurious as well as beautiful and serene. Yes please, I am ready to stay!
Very special place, indeed!
Wouldn’t the art be something to see! It makes a hotel so much more interesting when there’s an added element to it (other than just a great place to sleep and eat). We’re Four Seasons fans anyway, so it wouldn’t take much arm twisting to get us to stay here :-).
I really love hotel art….even created a Pinterest page with hotel art I’ve enjoyed!
https://www.pinterest.com/ireneslevine/hotel-art/
I would want to stay there for the artwork alone! You had me convinced with the outdoor reflecting pool, and then to see a touch of whimsy with the food sculpture outside the spa. The Four Seasons always seems to get a ‘sense of place’ with each of their properties that I’ve been lucky enough to stay in. The Ritz Lisbon certainly confirms it once again.
Yes, it’s true about the sense of place. I’m currently at the Four Seasons East Palo Alto in the Silicon Valley and the hotel “feels” like the Silicon Valley!