In October, my husband and I visited Lisbon for 6 nights. For that number of nights, I prefer to stay in a flat. However, my husband likes the services of a hotel. Luckily for us, we found the ideal solution in an aparthotel in the Heart of Chiado, Chiado Arty Flats.
I have traveled a lot this past year in Europe: Italy, Portugal, and England and this has been one of my places to stay. From the time I booked, Tomas and Catarina helped me prepare for the trip, the hospitality was extraordinary.
Highlights
- Location: at the intersection of Chiado and the Bairro Alto, it is ideally suited for visiting Portugal. Located just a 7 minute walk from the Rossio Train station and the Gloria Elevator and 5 minutes from both Tram 28 and the Metro, it is a convenient location for exploring the city.
- Hospitality & service: extraordinary is all I can say. Great communication in advance, helped arranged transport when necessary, great recommendations for local restaurants (affordable and delicious food).
- Coolness & coziness of the rooms: Chiado Arty Flats is cool and contemporary with a touch of whimsy. Our bathroom sink for example was an old oil can. We had a private garden patio with table, chase lounge and lounge chairs. Because we had umbrellas, even in the pouring rain, could relax with a glass a wine and good book in the afternoon after sightseeing. The kitchen. is not large, but well appointed with the necessary dishes and cookware if you want to cook. Good storage for clothing.
- Amenities: came with Nespresso machine and coffee, bottled water, bottle of wine. They have an elevator. Daily breakfast, cleaning, and onsite staff during regular business hours.
- Breakfast: it was spectacular with a great variety from scrambled eggs and bacon (English rasher bacon), fresh fruit, cheese, yogurt, orange juice, pastries. It was delivered each morning at a pre-scheduled time. We often saved the leftovers in the fridge for a snack in the afternoon.
- Steps from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. When it wasn't raining, this was my favorite way to end my day, having a drink, watching the sunset, and the people. It was just a four minute walk from the hotel with a fantastic view each day.
Lowlights
There wasn't anything particularly negative, however, there are some things for consideration, especially if you prefer a hotel.
- No 24 hour staff onsite: this was not an issue for us, but some people like someone there 24 hours. We did have a 24 hour emergency number to call. Tomas joked that this could be we were out sightseeing and needed some advice.
- Location: while I loved the location we stayed in, it is on one of the hills. There are short-cuts to get up to the location (Gloria Elevator, Escalators in the Baxia-Chiado metro), but you are walking on inclines when you stay in this area. For those who want flatter access, staying in the Baxia would be a better option.
- No onsite restaurant or room service: for hotel loving folks like my husband, he only slightly missed this. Because there were such great food options within a few minutes walk, it was not an issue.