We are taking our first trip to Europe this fall for our Honeymoon. The last stop of our trip is Lisbon, Portugal. We booked our hotel last night, HF Fenix Garden: http://www.hfhotels.com/gb/?s=3&ss=21 But, I'm starting to wonder if that was our best choice. The reviews were positive, however I've also seen a lot of good things said about Residencial Florescente.
Is anyone familiar with the location of these two hotels and can give advice on if there would be reason for concern for either choice? Thank you for any advice that can be given.
Posted by
Cary, NC
687 posts
I've stayed at the Florescente and love the location, which is right off the Praca dos Restauradores. The Fenix isn't as central, but it is right by a metro station, and looks to be more comfortable. For a honeymoon I think I might pick the Fenix. However, another option you could consider is this: http://brownsapartments.com/ - also right in the center. Hope you enjoy Lisbon - it's one of my favorite cities. Don't miss the trip out to Belem to marvel at the Monasterio, or to Sintra for the castle. And wherever you stay, the Bomjardin has the best chicken for next to nothing, and the Solar do Vinho do Porto is great evening stop for port by the glass. (Both very convenient to the Florescente.)
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
OK, I have not been to either of those hotels, but I am very familiar with both sections of town. To be frank- the area around the Fenix is ugly, in my opinion. That is, of course, my taste; maybe you like ugly 1970's office buildings? :-)
It is very close to a metro stop, but the location for the Florescente is so much better, I would go with that. The area around the Florescente is the heart of the sightseers Lisbon, and only about a block away from two metro lines, trains to Sintra, and the trams out to Belem. PM me if you want any more specific information on Lisbon or Europe, we just returned two weeks ago from Spain and Portugal.
Posted by
back in the Americas
723 posts
I stayed at the Florescente in a triple room and we were very satisfied with its location, price, cleanliness and breakfast. Our room actually had a very large bathroom. I felt like it was very well located for the sites and activities that we were interested in and I would stay there again. I wouldn't say it's a particularly romantic hotel for a honeymoon but rather a good, practical choice for travelers on a modest budget.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1548 posts
Agree the Florescente is a better choice. The location is more romantic as it's on a pedestrian street and you can walk to many scenic sites. It's also near a metro station, bus stops, etc. While it's considered a budget hotel you have all the amenities. The desk people speak English and the staff is friendly.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, United States
5 posts
Thank you for all the feedback and advice. I think we are going to see if we can cancel our room at the Fenix and book at the Florescente instead. I'm sure we'll have many more questions as we get closer to the trip. Thanks again!