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Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection

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Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection - Selected hotel in Lisbon, Portugal

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Hotel Details

Brand

Vignette Collection

Hotel Group

IHG

Location

Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection · Lisbon, Portugal

Key Highlights

  • The hotel's main dining concept, Capítulo, offers Portuguese cuisine in a beautiful setting that retains the convent's original vaulted ceilings and large white marble columns.
  • The hotel boasts an "unrivalled" and "excellent" central location in Lisbon's Baixa neighborhood, situated on a pedestrian street.

Expert Review: Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection

Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Convent Square Lisbon, part of the Vignette Collection by IHG, is a luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Lisbon's historic Baixa neighborhood. Housed in a beautifully restored 13th-century Dominican convent, this property blends ancient charm with modern design, offering guests a unique and memorable stay in the Portuguese capital. It is recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, highlighting its quality and distinction.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with high ratings for its excellent location, friendly staff, and comfortable accommodations. The hotel is frequently described as a "quality hotel" and a "beautiful property." Many guests express a desire to return, calling it "the best hotel in Lisbon" for those seeking a central city experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Convent Square Lisbon:

  • Location: Its prime central location in the Baixa neighborhood is a major draw, offering easy access to major attractions.
  • Design & Ambiance: The hotel's historical roots as an 800-year-old convent are seamlessly integrated with modern luxury. The peaceful central courtyard, or cloister, with its original vaulted ceilings and stonework, is a beloved feature.
  • Service: The staff are frequently praised for being very friendly, helpful, welcoming, and accommodating.
  • Amenities: The unique daily tea ritual, tracing Portugal's spice trade legacy, is a memorable experience for guests. The comfortable beds and stylish rooms are also highlighted.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 117 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, ranging from Cosy Rooms (18-19 sqm) to Premium Rooms (24-29 sqm) and larger Grand Rooms and Suites. Rooms are described as relatively spacious and contemporary in design, equipped with modern amenities such as Nespresso machines, minibars, and workstations. Guests often comment on the super comfortable beds and large, soft pillows, adorned with sumptuous 300-thread cotton sheets for a luxurious sleep experience. A highlight for many are the pink marble bathrooms, which feature large walk-in showers and Karl Lagerfeld toiletries. Some rooms also boast beautiful arched windows that allow natural light to stream in. The TV behind mirrored glass is a distinctive design choice.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's main dining concept, Capítulo, offers Portuguese cuisine in a beautiful setting that retains the convent's original vaulted ceilings and large white marble columns.

  • Breakfast: Served in Capítulo, breakfast is a combination of a buffet and a la carte options. Guests praise the good quality buffet, which includes fresh orange juice, a daily selection of homemade cakes, and various hot items like eggs and pancakes.
  • Dinner: The dinner menu focuses on Portuguese flavors, with chef Vítor Sobral's signature dishes highly recommended. While the food is delicious, some guests note it can be pricier compared to other Lisbon restaurants.
  • Bar & Lounge: The rustic-chic Capítulo Bar and the adjacent Capítulo Lounge offer a casual atmosphere for drinks, all-day tapas, fine wines, cocktails, and occasional live music.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Convent Square Lisbon is generally regarded as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the staff for being very friendly, welcoming, helpful, and accommodating, often going out of their way to assist. The turndown service is a appreciated touch. However, some guests have experienced rigid service regarding late check-out, even for elite members, and a lack of communication about the daily tea ritual. There have also been instances of slow and chaotic service during breakfast, particularly when the staff count is insufficient during busy periods.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "unrivalled" and "excellent" central location in Lisbon's Baixa neighborhood, situated on a pedestrian street.

  • Nearby Attractions: It is within a short walking distance of numerous iconic landmarks, including Rossio Square (1 minute walk), Rossio Metro Station (2 minutes walk), Rossio Train Station (across the square), Santa Justa Elevator (3 minutes walk), Alfama, Commerce Square, and Avenida da Liberdade. Trendy neighborhoods like Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, and Chiado are also a small stroll away.
  • Transport: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is approximately a 29-minute drive away, and the hotel can arrange transfers for a stress-free arrival.
  • Parking: For guests arriving by car, parking is available at Hotel Mundial, located just 100 meters away.

7. Value & Pricing

As a relatively new luxury property (opened in 2023) and a Michelin Key Selected hotel, Convent Square Lisbon generally commands a higher price point. While many appreciate the luxury feel, some guests find it "pretty expensive for a 4-star hotel" and "slightly overpriced for the size of the bedroom" considering the somewhat limited facilities. Rooms can start from around €166 off-season, with IHG One Rewards points redemptions beginning from 33,000 points per night.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive feedback, some recurring criticisms include:

  • Limited Facilities: The gym is often described as small with limited equipment. The indoor plunge pool, while available, is noted to be very small and not heated, with some guests feeling the description of a "swimming pool" is misleading. The hotel does not have a full spa.
  • Room Design Quirks: Some guests desired a harder mattress and more charging points in the rooms. The bathroom layout, particularly the shower door's proximity to the sink, has been found awkward by some.
  • Service Inconsistencies: While staff are largely praised, instances of rigid service regarding late check-out and a failure to inform guests about the daily tea ritual have been noted. Breakfast service, particularly during busy times, can be slow and chaotic, with the buffet running low or empty.
  • Noise: Occasional noise from the downstairs bar or neighboring rooms has been reported.
  • Dining Costs: Dinner at the hotel restaurant is considered good but on the expensive side.

Sources

  1. michelin.com
  2. phchotels.pt
  3. ihg.com
  4. booking.com
  5. booking.com
  6. booking.com
  7. therantingpanda.com
  8. hellomagazine.com
  9. ihg.com
  10. expedia.com
  11. conventsquarehotel.com
  12. headforpoints.com
  13. flyertalk.com
  14. hotels.com
  15. conventsquarehotel.com
  16. conventsquarehotel.com
  17. ihg.com

Points to Consider

  • Despite the generally positive feedback, some recurring criticisms include:

Google Reviews

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4.7

411 reviews

Recent Guest Reviews

Tomasz Kugaudo

Local Guide3 weeks ago

We spent a weekend at Convent Square Lisbon and had a truly excellent stay. The location is perfect – right in the heart of the old town, with everything within easy walking distance. Despite being so central, the hotel felt like a calm oasis where we could fully unwind and relax after busy days of sightseeing. We stayed in a suite with a balcony facing the inner courtyard, and the sound insulati...

Response from the owner

Dear Mr. Kugaudo,<br><br>Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and wonderful review of your stay with us.<br><br>We are truly delighted to know that you had an excellent wee...

A. August

Local Guidea month ago

This hotel, once an old convent, was transformed and opened in 2023, so everything feels fresh and new. The décor throughout is simple yet elegant, and the rooms are thoughtfully appointed. Our room even featured a small balcony in the bathroom area, which was a pleasant surprise. Very clean and low on the noise level. The staff were exceptionally attentive, helpful, and friendly, making our stay ...

Response from the owner

Dear A. August,<br><br>Thank you for your thoughtful review and for highlighting the unique character of our hotel, from its history as a former convent to the elegant design and tranquil atmosphere. ...

Julie Diebolt Price

Local Guide2 weeks ago

We loved the convenient location of Convent Square Lisbon. It's within walking distance of key destinations, and the service is outstanding. This hotel does “service” so well. From the GM on down. We were struggling with the elevator because we forgot about swiping our room key to access our floor on the first day. A beautiful and professional woman was outside the elevator. I asked if she worked...

Response from the owner

Dear Julie Price,<br><br>Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed our location and that our team contributed to such a positive experience.<br><br>Your kind wor...

Sam

Local Guidea week ago

One of the best hotels we’ve stayed in. It’s in a restored convent building and the architecture and inner courtyard are absolutely stunning. The staff is cordial and very attentive. We were offered a glass of sparkling wine at check in. Our balcony doors opened on the busy square outside but with the doors closed we couldn’t hear a thing and I’d know as I’m a very light sleeper. The tea ceremony ...

Response from the owner

Dear Sam,<br><br>Thank you for choosing the Convent Square Hotel for your recent stay in Lisbon.<br><br>Thank you so much for your wonderful review!<br><br>We are absolutely delighted to know that you...

Dan Nunes

Local Guidea month ago

We stayed at the Convent Square Lisbon Hotel this month, and while the hotel itself is beautifully designed, it’s the service that truly sets this place apart. The restaurant team in particular made us feel genuinely welcomed. Pedro greeted us with warmth and ease, immediately setting the tone for a relaxed and memorable experience. At the bar, Danish impressed us night after night with exception...

Response from the owner

Dear Dan Nunes,<br><br>Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and generous review.<br><br>We are truly delighted to know that your stay at Convent Square Lisbon Hotel was s...

John Fredsall

Local Guidea week ago

Wonderful place to stay! Excellent ambiance! Staff is exceptional. Beautiful architecture and very comfortable rooms. The best shower! My friends said it was the most comfortable mattress they ever slept on. There is not a better location in Lisbon. Now don’t laugh at me. I know I am in Lisbon with great food. But this hotel serves up the best club sandwich I ever had. I have been in dozen...

Response from the owner

Dear Mr. Fredsall,<br><br>Thank you so much for your wonderful review!<br><br>We’re thrilled to hear that you loved the ambiance, architecture, comfortable rooms, and especially the shower and mattres...

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