Richard N.
Yelp
A Slice Of Heaven.....
The hotel is the Alfama district on a side of the tallest hill in Lisbon. It's been open for 11 years after 12 years of renovations on a 15th century mansion.
Pros:
- From your first step into the lobby, you'll notice top-of-the line finishes yet feel a casual elegance.
- Service from people at the front desk reflects those same qualities. Everyone and everything is at your beck and call. Our room rate included breakfast, but since we had to leave early for the airport, they volunteered to pack it in a box for us.
- For our 3 night stay after a cruise, we booked the Santiago Suite on the highest (4th) floor. Light filled the main room through floor to ceiling windows with a 270 degree view of the harbor. Reserve it if you can.
- Furnishings in our room were top of the line. The bed was made for sleeping. Towels were super soft and absorbent. Even the toilet paper seemed to be 3 ply.
- Location is excellent. Just 5 blocks uphill from downtown and 5 blocks downhill from a park overlooking the city.
- Their restaurant, Audrey's:
- Breakfast: The a la carte menu offered some of the best breakfast foods we've ever had. Examples: Fresh granola and berries with Greek yogurt. THE BEST EVER! Home baked breads and pastries. Orange juice that's pure and not too sweet. Bagel and lox to please the purists. Service was provided by a trio of very friendly, attentive and helpful young women.
- Lunch: We ate on the patio in front of the hotel. I had a super tasty vegetarian Thai dish while my wife had a big salad. They were accompanied by the best Sangria in ages. Sweet, but not too much.
- Dinner: The dining room is very attractive yet understated like the hotel. Food was impeccable. Tomato salad was large and amazing. My wife had a dish centered around baked cod which was large and filling. My polenta with mushroom ragu was immense and full of flavor. Breads are baked daily and almost as good as dessert. Speaking of dessert, mine was a fantastic chocolate mousse while my wife had fresh berries with a massive amount of the best tasting homemade whipped cream.
Cons:
- Santiago de Alfama is 1/2 block from a busy street with lots of revelers so noise can creep up the hill.
- While the food at dinner was fantastic, service was perfunctory. Our server, a pleasant young woman, covered the basics...but nothing more. During our 90 minute meal, she NEVER asked "how are you doing?" Can I get you anything?" We ordered a bottle of wine, but NOT ONCE did she offer to refill our glasses. She didn't speak an unrequired word. The man seemingly managing the room barely acknowledged us. The guy clearing dishes was the ONLY ONE to ask if we wanted coffee or tea. The restaurant was nearly empty. Did we not spend enough? Did we do something wrong? What a way to put a damper on a glorious meal. However, as well-behaved Americans, we left a 15% tip.
The next day, we spoke with Martim Neves Carneiro from Guest Relations who was very receptive to our information. He said "they are part of a new nighttime crew and will need remedial help". How very true.
Despite those wrinkles, Santiago de Alfama is certainly a 5 star experience.