Does anyone have familiarity with both of these? We like a pleasant up scale hotel that is quiet but near the center of things. Thanks!
Avenida Palace is closer to the centre, right by the subway & train. We went there for drinks & their free predinner concert in their lounge. Looks beautiful. We stayed a little further up between these 2 hotels on Sao Jose & loved the area.
Taxis are very cheap in Lisbon.
I'm only familiar with Avenida Palace. We were very pleased with our experience. It serves several travel companies, but during our stay the service was excellent, the rooms were quiet and the included breakfast was profuse. The concierge desk is well-staffed. During our stay, the turn-down service lowered the quiet/blackout shades without our realizing it and we overslept.
I'm not sure whether this would be considered "upscale", but I found Hotel Lisboa Tejo to be very comfortable and it was definitely "near the centre of things". It was only a few short walk from numerous restaurants, taxi stands, trams, etc. The staff were great and they served an awesome breakfast.