Roma Hotel, Lisbon

I stayed at this hotel at the beginning of February 2008 and paid £50.30 per night for the room, plus an online booking fee. This was my first visit to Portugal and I chose this hotel as I thought it looked okay in the online photographs, because it had a swimming pool etc and because I thought it was close to the airport. Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed. The hotel was not within walking distance of the airport and so I had to get a taxi. I found that Roma was not the most upmarket of areas and as I was travelling alone felt rather nervous. The lobby to the hotel looks quite impressive and the staff are well turned out, but I did not find them particularly friendly. My room was pretty basic and very cold - no carpet and the heater did not work. Also, the view from the window looked down upon the dreary, grey back entrance to the hotel and other nearby retail premises. I also found that the swimming pool was very small and not often open! There is a bar and restaurant, though I was not especially impressed with my evening meal - soup is very popular in Portugal. On the plus side, my accommodation included breakfast and this was a good, 'eat as much as you want' buffet affair. Internet access is available in the lobby. There are some small shops nearby, but these really equate to local shops in England. There is a underground station not too far up the road and I was brave enough to use this, but it was quite a scary experience as I encountered drunks and beggars. I also found that most people here spoke very little English and my Portugese is non-existent. Overall, I did not have a good experience and would not be willing to stay here again.