The Azores was our summer holiday destination and in the brochure there was an option to spend a few nights in Lisbon on the return journey. We decided it would be worth doing, as we had only had a bird's eye view of Rome on our one trip to Sardinia, so decided to check out a bit more than Lisbon airport, as we changed planes.
#Where is the hotel?#
In Lisbon of course! Our choice was the Real Parque., described as being comfortable and well located in a small residential area and also conveniently close to the heart of the City.A 4 star hotel. Two minutes walk will take a guest to the renowned Store "Corte Inglesa", which is beside the underground and the Eduardo VII Park and its "Estufa Fria" (Biological Gardens). A further ten minutes walk will bring the visitor to the fascinating collections to be found in the Calouste Gulbenkian Museums.
#Arrival thoughts#
The taxi passed many large hotels on the way from the Airport and we feared we had made the wrong choice, but we soon pulled up on the corner of a tree lined street and before the driver opened the door of the taxi, our cases were being taken out of the boot by red waist-coated staff at our hotel. The journey took about 10 minutes returning early morning, but 15-20 in the afternoon when we arrived. Possibly we took a more scenic route! The entrance was marble tiled and comfortable chairs in front of large windows were occupied by guests. Further on there was a Bar, and plenty of comfortable settees and chairs. We had coffee served here one evening, and business men seemed to pop in for a coffee and a drink. There was a classic feel about the area with an antique table and lovely pictures. Check in was very efficient and we soon had our room key. The Red coated( I felt undressed in a sleeveless top!) receptionist enquired if it was our first visit to Lisbon, and as it was, gave us a map of the city and pointed out places of interest and the nearest underground station. This proved to be very useful and the map is now rather travel worn! One of the bell boys escorted us to our room and the luggage was delivered within minutes.
#The Rooms#
There are 153 rooms on ten floors consisting of twins, doubles, singles and 6 suites. A few rooms have terraces and many had lovely views over the City. A number of rooms are also prepared to receive disabled guests. We were on the fifth floor, and could look out to the castle and the river. The room was a reasonable size, with a fitted wardrobe with drawers and a safe, which was extra, two large 4ft. beds, a desk and dressing table with chairs, which had a phone and computer connection, two arm chairs, a coffee table, standard lamp, bed side tables with lamps and second phone and a stand for cases. There was also a mini fridge with bar, which we used for our own water. Cable / Satellite TV had good reception although we weren't in our room long! The air conditioning was essential, as Lisbon is hot in the summer, the corridors were not air conditioned and the heat hit you, the moment you stepped out of the door. A nice touch was free magazines in the bedrooms - an August edition of Elle, as well as basic hotel information.
#The Bathroom#
The bathroom was a reasonable size, with a shower over the bath and toilet, plus bidet and wash basin. Plenty of space for toilet bags and a good selection of bottles of toiletries were supplied. The towels were large, white and fluffy. Just as I like. There was also a hairdryer Pus if I remember rightly an alarm cord in case of accidents and a telephone..
#Facilities#
Downstairs in the basement, the coffee shop and restaurants were found, plus a Business centre. A small Gift shop with papers and cigarettes, and souvenirs was also on the lower ground floor. There was a Health Club including a Sauna, Turkish, Jacuzzi and Massage, but I didn't have the time or the energy to discover it. As we only had a short time to explore we headed off into Lisbon, and returning early evening decided to eat in at the hotel. There were two restaurants, the Cozinha do Real and another which doubled as a coffee shop. It had the most wonderful selection of cakes! plus snacks and also served meals in the evening. We were slightly disappointed on going downstairs, to find that the dining room was expecting a large coach party, and a buffet was set out for them, but the MaitreD, soon accommodated us and we were well looked after. The menu was excellent, I tried a Melon soup with crispy bacon and then we decided to have a Monkfish risotto, which was served up from a trolley. It had huge prawns and other shell fish too, more like the fish casseroles we had sampled in the Algarve. Our choice of wine was unavailable but they gave us two half bottles at the same price. As in most places in Portugal when they bring the bread, there is cheese or Pate and you are charged for this. I was very contented and decided I didn't need a sweet, but my husband had opted to see the sweet menu and staring me in the face was a favourite! Crepes Suzettes! Well! As it was for two, I just had to help him out! By then a French couple were sitting near us and they along with many others in the dining room enjoyed the flambé as the MD prepared our dessert. A wonderful end to our delicious meal!
Breakfast was a wonderful concoction of hot and cold dishes, fresh fruits and juices, meat and cheeses and lovely bread and cakes. I didn't really need it after my huge dinner, but as it was included in our deal, then I had to sample it! Tea and coffee was in flasks, but as they proved awkward to pour the lovely white tablecloth on that table was very stained when we went down. One of the few faults I could find.
On our second night we decided to eat in the hotel again, as we had an early morning start, but discovered the main restaurant was closed. There had been no notices in the lifts or reception but the coffee shop had a larger menu to choose from. We had a lovely meal with delicious fish and tender lamb ,but noticed that local people came in for a huge bowl of chunky soup and bread, as most eat a main meal at lunchtime when shops and offices are closed. I'm so glad I had the Crepe Suzettes the first night!
#Parking?#
We didn't have a car, but the hotel advertised underground parking was available, although there seemed to be spaces in the centre of the nearby roads. The area also seemed quite safe.
#Cost#
The price for bed and breakfast as part of our holiday was £125 per person for 2 nights. The meals were quite reasonable considering the quality and quantity we consumed! Our bill was just under £100 for 4 dinners with wine and water , plus coffees and tips.
#And finally#
Reception said it wasn't necessary to book a taxi for our early morning departure and they were quite correct , the door man stepped outside and a taxi appeared as if by magic from a queue waiting down the road! The staff were really helpful and friendly and all spoke English , although some waiters only had a little understanding, but we were happy to speak our limited Portuguese, and it always brought a smile (I wonder what I said!) and they would help more then. Lots of Red coats but not a bit like Butlins!
One of the remarks I read about the Real Parque is that it is a hotel "Retaining the charm of a classic atmosphere combined with the comfort and technology of the millennium, the hotel provides a sensation of unique wellbeing along with an excellent service" and I can certainly agree. This is one hotel I would be happy to return to, but not in August, as Lisbon was too hot!
PS I have only rated Good for standard of Service as I thought there should have been a notice up saying the Restaurant was closed.
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