Name: Hotel Métropole
Address: Praça Dom Pedro IV 30, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1100-200, Portugal
Telephone: 21 321 9030
Price range: $$

Fodor's Expert Review

It makes no pretense at modernity, but with its balconied late-19th-century facade, '20s-style lounge-bar, and antique-filled rooms, this small hotel will appeal to those who value offbeat charm and a great location over luxury. The lounge and guest rooms in front overlook the Rossio—with its flower sellers and fountains—and the Castelo de São Jorge; other quarters have views of the Baixa's constantly changing tableaux. The ornate Romantic facade of the hotel stands out amid the more austere Pombaline design of the surrounding buildings, and the hotel has been hosting visitors to Lisbon since 1917.

You Should Know This three-star hotel has plenty of historic charm, but some fixtures and fittings are simply old and outdated.

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Room

The 36 rooms at this vintage-chic hotel are individually-styled and vary in shape and layout. All are decorated in a shabby-chic fashion, complete with original 1920's Art Déco or Art Nouveau furnishings and prints by Almada Negreiros. Rooms on the higher floors face the bustling Rossio square, and some have private balconies that are perfect for people-watching and taking in a dramatic view that stretches right up to St George's Castle.

Tip Ask for a room facing the square--those at the back look onto less appealing alleyways and can be noisy early in the morning.

Bathroom

The bathrooms are large and with a retro feel, with tubs, bidets, traditional Portuguese tiling, and plenty of marble. The hairdryers are old-fashioned but functional, and amenities are basic.

Lobby

The retro decor of the first-floor hotel lobby will thrill guests with a taste for vintage-chic stylings--everything harks back to the 19th Century, from the two-tone floor to the drapes, deep sofas and endearingly old-fashioned bar. The lobby is also the setting for the hotel's buffet breakfasts, and large windows looking out onto Rossio square mean guests can peek out at the lively street scene outside.

Dining

The hotel has no restaurant, but there are many places to eat nearby. A decent breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and served in the vintage-chic hotel lobby

Drinking

The hotel bar anchors one end of the spacious lobby, and feels like taking a drink in another era. Guests can pull up a bar stool or sink into one of the arm chairs or sofas to sip a glass of good Portuguese wine from the very well-stocked cellar, and enjoy the great views over Rossio, Alfama and the castle. and lobby with a great view of Rossio square, Alfama and St. George castle.

Tip The hotel bar is one of very few places in Lisbon that stocks the revered, and elusive, Bussaco wine.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

A superbly-central location is key to the hotel's appeal. Airport shuttle buses stop virtually at the front door, and Rossio metro station is just steps away. Rossio train station-named one of the most beautiful in the world-is right next door, and is the starting point for the 25-minute journey to fairytale-esque Sintra. Lisbon's famous yellow trams rattle along the streets nearby, but many guests choose to explore this scenic, compact city on foot. The waterfront is a short walk away along the scenic Rua Augusta, stylish Chiado is mere minutes' away, and even the hilltop castle and the lively nightlife of the Bairro Alto are less than 25-minutes' (hilly) stroll away.

Restaurants

The hotel is literally surrounded by restaurants, some of which offer much better value for money than others. For simple eats with lots of local flavor try O Pinóquio (5-minute walk), where standout seafood dishes and pica-pau (shareable chunks of garlicky marinated steak) can be enjoyed at outdoor tables overlooking Restauradores Square. More upmarket is Bairro do Avillez (8-10 minute walk), the double-Michelin-starred restaurant where Portugal's leading Chef Jose Avillez showases his skills in an elaborate tasting menu.

Bars

No stay in Rossio Square is complete without a visit to one of the plaza's famous ginja (cherry liqueur) bars, where little has changed for centuries. Sip a shot at the tiny A Ginjinha (2-minute walk) as you take in the street scene. For sit down drinks, Cafe a Brasileira (5-10-minute walk) dates back to 1905, and has plenty of tourist appeal thanks to its ornate interior, and the sidewalk tables and chairs that are perfect for sipping a cocktail and watching the impressive street performers on busy Rua Garrett.