Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection
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Hotel Details
Location
Lisbon
Portugal, Europe
Brand
Vignette Collection
Hotel Group
IHG
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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
Points to Consider
- •Despite the generally positive feedback, some recurring criticisms include:
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