With ample gourmet opportunities, exceptional staff and soothing spa facilities, there’s no better place to see and be seen than this poised five-star property, as Sophie Ritchie discovers
Sitting poised on the stylish Avenida da Liberdade, a wide avenue flanked by designer stores and leafy trees in the centre of Lisbon, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa is a five-star hotel that bustles from dawn until dusk with the energy of city dwellers and visiting tourists alike.
Full of glamour, warm Portugese hospitality and enough marble to make a sculptor soon, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa provides its guests with not only a luxurious stay, but also one of the city’s most covetable locations.
A landmark property first opened 85 years ago, its impressive surrounds are very much a place to see and be seen – so much so that they’ve even named their ninth floor rooftop concept ‘SEEN’ in honour of its suave magnetism.
A recent €15m refurbishment courtesy of architectural firm Broadway Malyan has further amplified the grand atmosphere, giving a fresh look to facilities, bedrooms and restaurants.
The impressive lobby is a shining example of this, an enormous high-ceilinged space filled with silky carpets atop white marble flooring, floor-to-ceiling matte gold gratings and stylish mismatched seating.
Its various couches and chairs are often filled with the city’s high-powered business folk – who work, meet and dine here daily. Evidently, it’s a hotspot for the locals just as much as it’s a hotel for the tourists.
The Room
Discover 285 rooms, decorated with elegant furnishings and calming, neutral colour schemes. The enormous beds are all too inviting (there’s even a bespoke pillow menu to dither over) whilst the handy working desks are useful for catching up on emails or planning out a day’s adventure.
Enjoy large TVs complete with in-house movies, as well as big bathrooms swathed in floor-to-ceiling white marble. Shower in the opulent space and make the most of beautifying toiletries, plus comfy robes and slippers.
If you enjoy a spot of window gazing, book one of the Deluxe City View rooms to admire views of the below Avenida da Liberdade – Lisbon’s own version of the ever chic Champs-Élysées.
Decadent Dining Opportunities
Offering a quartet of hotspots, foodies can choose from two sleek restaurants and a duo of bars.
Up high on the 9th floor, SEEN’S 360-degree space combines chefpreneur Olivier da Costa’s varied dishes with the creativity of Lucas Jaqcues’ designer cocktails. Live DJs, art deco style and a simply stunning skyline – it’s perfect for a taste of trendiness.
Seafood fans meanwhile should book a table at the ground floor Cervejaria Liberdade for a menu focused on succulent fish and seafood, with produce carefully sourced from over 800km of Portuguese coastline.
The menu also showcases a variety of iconic cultural dishes – such as the traditional pica-pau spicy chopped pork, the timeless prego steak sandwich and of course, drool-worthy patisseries.
The bars are equally divine. Open from April until the end of September, soak up summer at Sky Bar with incredible cocktails and views that stretch out across the endless horizon. If it’s simpler tipples that take your fancy, the Lobby Bar with its light bites and open space is perfect.
A complimentary breakfast is also served at Cervejaria Liberdade each morning. Eat your way through buffet tables laden with vibrant fresh fruit, creamy cheeses and different breads – the freshly-baked carob loafs are especially delicious.
Overseen by a friendly team of well-dressed staff, there’s also an egg station where plates of poached, boiled and sunny side up dishes can be ordered with the point of a finger.
Spa Time
Rest your weary feet after seeing Lisbon’s many beautiful and intriguing sights with a treatment at the downstairs Anantara SPA.
Combining ancient far-eastern therapies with indigenous Portuguese rituals, six treatment rooms await for both individuals and couples.
Spoil yourself in the modern surroundings with a massage complemented with exquisite Biologique Recherche products, or simply unwind in the sauna. The calming space is perfect for a spot of rejuvenation before heading back out onto the city’s sunlight-drenched streets.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Undeniably elegant, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa combines classic Portugese hospitality with luxurious interiors and sublime services to create a city break to remember.
With ample gourmet opportunities, exceptional staff and soothing spa facilities, there’s no better place to see and be seen than this poised five-star property.
Make it happen
Where: Av. da Liberdade 185, 1269-050 Lisboa, Portugal.
Cost: Rooms from £244 per night.
How: To find out more and make a booking, please click here or phone +351 21 319 8900.
Nearest airport: Approx. 15 minutes from Lisbon Portela Airport
Words by Sophie Ritchie
