The glamour of the 1950’s is elegantly preserved in this classic hotel. Old world charm & the type of service that only comes from Four Seasons, awaits you in Lisbon
Stepping into the Four Seasons (known as the Ritz) in Lisbon, is stepping back in time. Yes it’s modern, and contemporary touches fill the space, yet there is this undeniable sense of old world charm. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about the Ritz but the ambiance totally exudes an era of glamour and prestige. Maybe it’s the oversized tapestries hanging on the walls, the dark ambient lighting in the bar, or just the sense that the walls carry a lot of secrets. It's the type of place where you can easily get glammed up or walk around in your favorite pair of jeans. Regardless, the service and ambiance will make you feel important and relaxed and it’s easily one of our favorite hotels!
Comfortable and spacious accommodations is what you will receive and plenty of dining options and unparalleled service is what to be expected. Four Seasons, Hotel Ritz is the perfect place to call home, when you want to explore Lisbon in comfort and elegance.
Location
Centrally located on top of one of Lisbon's seven hills, sits the white washed building known as the Ritz. Friendly concierge await your arrival, opening the doors while giving warm greetings. Immediately you’re welcomed by a grand lobby, with large exotic flower displays, reminding you you’re somewhere special.
Overlooking Eduardo VII Park, St. George's Castle and the Old Town, this is the place to get incredible views of the city below, or a great starting point to explore Lisbon. Although the Ritz is located in the business district, all the major sights are just a few minutes away by taxi or sidecar (if you’re looking for adventure). Or if you’re like us and appreciate a good view, the scenery is one of the best we’ve seen in Lisbon. Panoramic views can we be seen from the rooftop and your private balcony. Although most rooms do come with a balcony, just make sure to request one to be on the safe side.
TIP: If your taxi driver give you a funny look after you say Four Seasons, just say “The Ritz” and they will immediately know where you’re talking about.
Our Room
As we stepped into our suite, we were greeted with an array of treats and chilled Portuguese wine - the perfect welcome to our new home...for the next few days. Our room was pretty spacious by European standards, complete with a sitting area ,desk space and balcony. The room was impressive, but the balcony stole the show. Stepping out, we had endless views of the city below, making this the perfect place to enjoy our wine and take in our surroundings.
The neutral palette was offset by dark wood furniture and basic prints adorned the walls. The design itself was elegant, yet very comfortable and not overdone. We had a large bathroom with a separate shower and bathroom, with an array of L'Occitane products to choose from.
Throughout our stay we received various welcome amenities, whether it was for turndown service, or just because. Our favourite was a large box of homemade truffles…which I of course left in the room. Chris still won’t forgive me for that!
“The Four Seasons, Hotel Ritz went out of their way to make us feel welcome, spoiling us with delicious treats and refreshments throughout our stay.
”
Dining at Four Seasons
Typically not a fan of buffets, the Varanda Restaurant has changed my mind, at least when it comes to dining at the Four Seasons, Hotel Ritz. Breakfast was an incredible array of traditional Portuguese dishes mixed with all the international favourites. Fresh juices (go for the mint and pineapple) are available and the granola is fantastic if you’re feeling healthy; there is even honey dripping from a real honeycomb to drizzle on top. Not to be missed are the fresh pastries lining the table and bagels with smoked salmon. Come to breakfast hungry and remember it’s okay to miss lunch.
If you’ve managed to have a normal sized portion at breakfast, make room for the lunch buffet, because again the Ritz outdoes themselves. During our lunch an array of fresh sushi was available, more Portugese dishes and of course all the usuals like salads, cheese and meats, with a gourmet twist. Make sure to ask when they will be serving the roast - another dish not to be missed!
Dinner is also served at Veranda offering an à la carte menu of mostly fresh seafood. Or if you’re full from breakfast and lunch and want something a bit light, head to the Ritz Bar for a lighter, yet equally as satisfying menu. No matter where you go, you must try the smoked salmon at least once. They smoke their salmon in house and it’s definitely the best we’ve ever tried!
The Ritz Bar
For a perfect night in or quick stop before an evening out head to the Ritz Bar to be completely amazed by bar manager Luís Mendes. If you know us, you know that we have a soft spot for a well crafted cocktail, so when we heard Luís was creating concoctions like a Smoky Oaky Old fashion and has an appreciation for gin, we knew we were in for a treat.
The atmosphere was sexy, yet elegant and the ambiance was totally comfortable, perfect for lounging in after a long day exploring. You can choose to sit at the bar, or one of the small dimly lit nooks. The Ritz Bar is a place where locals frequent, so say hello to some of the characters sitting around. You’ll have fun listening to their stories and getting lost in their world. The only downer is that smoking is allowed in-doors. So depending on who’s around you, you might get a tad bit smokey
Extraordinary Experiences by Four Seasons
Apart from the expected bells & whistles of a 5 star property, the Four Seasons offers the wow factor in extraordinary experiences. You can arrange to be taken around Lisbon in a vintage sidecar, making sure to hit all the major sites as your experienced guide shares some history. It’s a pretty spectacular experience and if you’re into photography, it’s an easy way to get the best scenic shots. Check out some of our favorite images captured here.
You can’t not go to Lisbon without taking a day trip exploring the surrounding towns like, Cascais, Sintra and Mafra. The Four Seasons, Hotel Ritz arranged for a private driver to take us around, showing us all the highlights. We went through the fairytale town of Sintra and the baroque beauty of Mafra in style and got a fantastic look into Portugal's rich past. We spent the entire day, exploring the beauty of these UNESCO sites and learned so much from our witty and informed driver. Check it out here.
“If you’re not into mass organized tours and want to see as much as you can, definitely book a sidecar tour and spend another day being taken (in style) to the best spots outside the city by a private driver.”
or more information about the hotel, please follow the link below