During a recent press trip to Lisbon, I had the pleasure of being hosted at the exquisite Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon. My stay there exceeded all expectations! This luxurious business hotel is strategically located at the top of Avenida de Libertad, offering convenient access to the city’s attractions, including the nearby Gulbenkian art museums, and it’s just a leisurely 15-minute walk from the historic old town center.

The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is a masterpiece designed to impress from the moment you approach it. The entrance along the street is beautifully adorned with palm trees and vibrant flowers, creating an inviting and picturesque scene. Upon entering the hotel, guests are welcomed by a majestic marble lobby that seamlessly transitions into an elegantly formal dining area. The decor is nothing short of magnificent, featuring exquisite chandeliers and elaborate floral arrangements on opulent gilded furniture.

Throughout the hotel, you’ll find a remarkable collection of contemporary Portuguese art, encompassing a wide range of artistic expressions, from elegant tapestries and intricate sculptures to captivating paintings. The Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon is the epitome of luxury and sophistication, providing a truly memorable experience.

Photo courtesy of “Lobby, New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon truly lives up to its prestigious reputation, and its impeccable service left an indelible mark on my stay. From the moment I approached the front desk to my interactions with the concierge and restaurant staff, I met with a team of professionals who were not only well-informed but also consistently courteous. The seamless fusion of the inherent warmth of the Portuguese people with the efficiency for which the Four Seasons Group is renowned resulted in an exceptional level of hospitality. The staff’s unwavering commitment to ensuring guests feel genuinely welcomed was a standout feature of my visit.

The restaurant itself offered a delightful culinary voyage, enhanced by its exceptional location, which granted sweeping panoramic views of Lisbon. Its strategic positioning also offered convenient access to shopping, nearby museums, and a vibrant array of dining choices in the vicinity. The Varanda Restaurant, especially during the summer season, enchants diners with its picturesque terrace. It has earned a well-deserved reputation for its opulent lunchtime buffets. The breakfast at the hotel is a feast for the senses, featuring culinary delights such as luxuriously creamy scrambled eggs and delectable Portuguese pastries. Notably, the restaurant’s dedication to using only the freshest, top-quality ingredients ensures a consistently outstanding dining experience from breakfast to dinner.

Photo courtesy of “Varanda Restaurant Balcony”—New York Jewish Travel Guide

A visit to the rooftop gym is a truly magnificent experience. It not only boasts an impressively extensive array of equipment, including bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, a dedicated yoga and Pilates room, a designated boxing area, cardio machines, and a well-equipped weight room, but it also sprawls over a vast expanse of more than 7,000 square feet. What’s even more remarkable is the inclusion of a 400-meter running track encircling the rooftop of the hotel, providing a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Lisbon as you jog.

Spa Area/Pool: New York Jewish Travel Guide

Among the 282 rooms and 41 luxurious suites, nearly all of them feature private terraces offering sweeping views of Lisbon. I count myself among the fortunate guests who enjoyed a private terrace, providing a captivating vista of the nearby park and, in the distance, the charming buildings and town squares of Old Lisbon. The tranquility of the surroundings was a constant companion throughout my stay.

My room was generously spacious, adorned with a tasteful blend of peacock blues and creams in its décor. The opulent theme continued with meticulously crafted 18th-century replica furniture, plush carpets, and sumptuous, heavy curtains. The bathrooms were equally impressive, adorned with pristine marble finishes. The bedding was a true indulgence, with luxuriously soft sheets, and the renowned Four Seasons beds proved to be a guarantee of rejuvenating sleep.

I had the opportunity to visit and make extensive use of the 24-hour business center, which offered a seamless experience. The hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi extended throughout the premises and was not limited to just one or two devices, consistently delivering reliable connectivity. The business center was well-equipped with printers, fax machines, and copiers and, notably, provided complimentary bottled and sparkling water as well as coffee.

The serene spa is undoubtedly one of the hotel’s standout features. Tucked away in a network of winding corridors, it houses just four treatment rooms, benefiting from excellent soundproofing that ensures an atmosphere of tranquility and exclusivity. Even during my visit, it never felt crowded or bustling.

While there might not be an outdoor pool, the 18-meter wooden-decked central lap pool is a true gem. Bathed in natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the lush gardens, this 59-foot pool is heated to a comfortable 80 degrees. It is a peaceful oasis, rarely accommodating more than a few swimmers at any given time. The poolside is adorned with inviting beach chairs, each featuring towel-covered headrests, reflecting the thoughtfulness that permeates the entire spa experience. Guests can help themselves to refreshing fruit-infused water, a selection of teas, and fresh fruit.

The spa also boasts a serene, dark relaxation room and well-appointed changing rooms complete with saunas and marble steam rooms. Ample space between the loungers ensures a sense of privacy. Additionally, there are stylish upright seating arrangements, including two clusters of four chairs, adorned with attractive ornaments and modern art pieces, creating chic lounging areas that contribute to the spa’s overall ambiance of luxury and refinement.

Terrace overlooking the park, a sea of trees, and older districts of Lisbon—New York Jewish Travel Guide

For further information:

Visit Portugal https://www.visitportugal.com/en

Luxury Hotel Lisbon | Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Portugal  https://www.fourseasons.com/lisbon/

This story was contributed by Meyer Harroch, from the New York Jewish Travel Guide and New York Jewish Guide.com.

The author participated in a press trip sponsored by Visit Portugal.