Hotel Avenida Palace

"So, can you tell us a little about this place?This opulent Chiado hotel dates to 1892. Rich colors and textures greet guests from the moment they enter the lobby, where black-and-white tiles play off tufted red velvet seating. The deeper into the hotel you go, the more pampered you’ll feel. Ooh—sounds fancy. Who's staying here?Well-heeled travelers love this hotel, which has developed a loyal stable of regulars. It’s the kind of place where people pack a wardrobe that blends with the decor—you know they take their vacations seriously. Yup, we know those people. How was check in, and the service in general?With a five-star hotel comes five-star service. The hospitality here is top-notch, with professional staff seamlessly guiding guests through the check-in process and the rest of their stay. Perfect. Now, onto the good stuff: Tell us about the digs.Rooms falls in line with the rest of the hotel’s neoclassical architecture and sophisticated décor. The 270 Suite comes with views of Praça dos Restauradores and Avenida da Liberdade, and the Presidential Suite has a king bed and plenty of room. We love a good view. Now, how about the little things, like the mini bar, or the shower goodies? What makes a stay here more comfortable?The 82 rooms and suites are filled with thoughtful amenities that strike a balance between home and vacation, like plush bedding, espresso machines, soaking tubs, and well-stocked minibars. There's nothing like a good soaking tub. What's the F&B situation?An intimate bar lined with mahogany offers a mellow spot for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap. Excellent—thanks for the tip. Any other services or features you'd like to shout out?Be sure to ask about live music—the low-key performances are the perfect way to kick off an evening. Will do! So, bottom line: What's the main draw of this place?This hotel offers posh luxury in an intimate setting." - Jenna Scatena