Brown's Central Hotel, Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal - Explore & Book
"Cool, calm and collected, this trendy haven offers welcome respite from the bustling streets of the Chiado district. Stepping in through the big wooden doors we immediately felt at ease: mellow soundtrack, check. Bright velvet sofas, check. Cool art, check. Coffee-table design books, check. It isn’t a case of style over substance, either. The Fred Perry-clad staff are helpful and kind. Dropping your key at reception when you go out is the perfect opportunity to pick their brains for restaurant or gallery recommendations. Upstairs, dark and moody corridors lead to 95 bright and welcoming rooms, with cheery coloured chairs, statement wallpapers, Roberts radios and eclectic knick-knacks. There’s also some exciting tech: you can plug into your very own Marshall amp to play their Spotify playlists, plus there are USB charging points. Outside, you’re bang in the middle of the action - all the main sights are within walking distance or an easy hop on a tram or metro. A brilliant base for an easy city break. Highs Great style throughout: eclectic contemporary art and sculpture, along with velvet armchairs adding pops of primary colour Good value for Lisbon, and all rooms have Nespressos and Smart TVs Delicious brasserie fare for lunches - burgers, omelettes and steaks - and a cool cocktail bar Some rooms can be made up with twin beds, making it ideal for couples and friends alike A central location, close to metro and tram stops, and just 30 mins from the airport Lows No extra beds, so not ideal for families Some noise, both internally and outside; bring earplugs With 95 rooms, this is bigger than most i-escape properties, but friendly staff give great service and make it seem more intimate Some people bemoan the dark-hued corridors, but they’re well-lit and help emphasise the brightness of the rooms" - Anna Mullinder
