The Lumiares Hotel & Spa

Go to the rooftop (Lumi) for sunrise (and a perfectly made cappuccino), sit quietly and really be there, listen to the church bells and watch the mist lift off the terracotta rooftops, it wakes you into the charm of the city. That experience, while simple, left me with an unforgettable imprint of the spirit of the city and of Lumiares.

As I walked through the trendy back streets of Lisbon’s Bairro Alto, I arrived at the Lumiares and walked through their stylish black gates and patio into the even more stylish lobby. My eyes feasted on the strikingly cool black and white marble flooring and brass detailing in the lobby, which made me feel like I was in a Vogue shoot.

The attentive and charming staff greeted me at reception and, since I was running early for the room (but late for my video shoot), they calmly explained that the room would be ready shortly and offered me a comfy seat on one of the chez lounge sofas in the lobby. I had to get changed and run, but the attentive staff were unphased by my unconventional check-in. They showed me to the Spa where I could change and freshen up in comfort and held my bags until I returned later for the full check-in.

This was characteristic of Lumiares’ approach - skilful, understated, and comfortably effective. Returning late from the video shoot, my bags were already waiting in my room. It was more of an apartment than a room - and that’s part of Lumiares’ offering. It’s a home away from home, fully functioning apartments for short- and long-term guests alike. I settled in instantly to the comfortable 2-bed apartment with all mod cons - kitchen, 2 bedrooms, sofas, dining table, 2 bathrooms, delightful toiletries, soundproofing for peace and quiet - I really could have lived there.

A good night’s sleep in the big double bed and healthy breakfast at their Rebel Café downstairs set me upright for the early start to the day. I returned to a fresh room at the end of the day and enjoyed a delicious meal in the Lumi restaurant, plus a freshly-made cocktail on their rooftop bar with a great view of the city below. My unsociably early check out time was greeted with bright eyes and knowing smiles as I thanked them and appreciated their warm goodbye. Overall, the Lumiares was a classy and comfortable base to explore the city; even my hectic 2 days in the city was seamless thanks to the Lumiares’ great location, well-thought-out approach to flexible hospitality, and top-level staff.