Fodor's Expert Review Hotel do Chiado

The smart Hotel do Chiado occupies a prime spot in Lisbon's historic downtown and is within walking distance of most of the city's biggest tourist draws. The hotel has plenty of stories to tell--it sits on the top two floors of an upmarket mall, formally the famous Armazéns do Chiado department store--renowned as the most elegant department store in Portugal before it was destroyed by a fire in 1988. The building was painstakingly restored by the architect Siza Vieira some years later, and Hotel do Chiado is now famous for the stunning views from its terrace bar, Entretanto. Views from the hotel's rooms and suites have some of the best panoramic views in town--guests can see the castle, river and many other landmark buildings from the rooms' terraces and balconies. Public areas also have terrific views, and the 7th-floor bar attracts a fashionable crowd for sunset drinks. The buffet breakfast (included in room rate) is a huge spread, with any number of hot and cold options. Shopping, sightseeing, eating and drinking area all close at hand, and a metro station right beneath the building makes it easy to reach the airport and farther-flung areas of the city.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Local popularity means it can be hard to find a seat on the terrace of Entretant bar during the summer high season, but guests get a 10 per cent discount.

room

Rooms are decorated in a classic yet contemporary style, with muted colors and a minimalist feel. The cheapest rooms lack views, but stepping up a price range brings small French balconies and terrific views over the shopping streets and landmarks such as the castle and cathedral. Suites have living rooms, larger balconies, and the most impressive views. Free in-room Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-bars are standard in all rooms.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The cheapest rooms lack views--check when you book

bathroom

The spick and span bathrooms have tubs, complimentary toiletries, robes, and slippers.

lobby

Public spaces have floor to ceiling windows, making the most of those terrific view. Reception is open 24 hours.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The lobby is perfectly functional, but not particularly cozy or exciting.

dining

The breakfast spread is laid out in a stylishly-appointed dining room, with plenty of natural light, but the really spectacular views can be appreciated from Entretanto, the bar-restaurant that is often cited as one of the best spots in town for drinking and dining with a view.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The menu is more salads, sandwiches and light meals than high gastronomy, but it's perfectly palatable, and the mouthwatering views make it worth the rather inflated prices.

drinking

The terrace bar is in demand with chic locals as well as hotel guests and has a vast menu of cocktails, wines, and spirits as well as teas, coffees, and soft drinks.