Montecarmo12

Montecarmo12 in Lisbon, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently garners exceptional praise for its sophisticated design, impeccable service, and prime location, establishing itself as a top-tier adults-only boutique hotel.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Montecarmo12 consistently receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, often rated as "Wonderful" or "Amazing." Guests frequently describe it as the "best hotel" they have experienced, with a strong emphasis on exceeding expectations. The sentiment is one of quiet luxury, comfort, and genuine hospitality. The property holds a high score of 9.0 based on 231 reviews, with specific high ratings for cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.5), and staff (9.5).

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Montecarmo12:

• Design: The hotel's elegant and thoughtfully curated minimalist design, crafted by the prominent architecture firm Aires Mateus, is a recurring highlight. Utilizing local limestone, traditional tiles, and rich blonde wood, the aesthetic emphasizes light, geometric lines, and empty spaces.
• Service: The exceptionally warm, welcoming, and gracious staff are frequently lauded for going above and beyond to ensure guest comfort.
• Location: Situated in the historically chic and vibrant Príncipe Real neighborhood, the hotel offers both a central and quiet retreat, with easy access to shops, restaurants, galleries, and gardens.
• Breakfast: The "amazing" and "truly exceptional" vegetarian/vegan breakfast, often cooked to order, is a standout feature.
• Tranquility: Many guests appreciate the peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the hotel, a welcome respite from the bustling city.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Montecarmo12 are described as beautiful, spacious, and comfortable. They feature high ceilings, large windows, and pale parquet flooring. Beds are luxurious, set on custom wooden platforms. Bathrooms are notably spacious, lined with iridescent pearl-like tiles, and equipped with ultra-modern double vanities and standalone soaking tubs, along with rainfall showerheads and organic bath products. Some rooms offer French doors opening onto tiny wrought-iron balconies, while others boast more sizable terraces with views over the Tagus River and Lisbon's red rooftops. Rooms also include amenities such as air-conditioning, Nespresso machines, tea-making kits, minibars, and complimentary bottled water.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Montecarmo12 is a significant highlight, particularly the breakfast. It is consistently described as "amazing," "delicious," and "truly exceptional," with some guests even calling the scrambled eggs the best they've ever tasted. The breakfast is à la carte, featuring plant-based options and showcasing seasonal produce, served around a large oak table in a sleek open kitchen or in a sun-kissed courtyard. Afternoon tea is also available upon request in the reading room or on the patio.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Montecarmo12 receive consistent and effusive praise. They are described as "exceptionally warm and welcoming," "gracious," "attentive," and "very helpful." Guests commend their personalized service, with staff members like Daniela going "above and beyond" to accommodate and welcome arrivals. The team is dedicated to personalized service, available remotely to assist with any needs, and aims to ensure every detail of a guest's stay is met, including tailored turn-down service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Montecarmo12 is ideally located in the Príncipe Real neighborhood, considered one of Lisbon's "coolest neighborhoods" and one of the most prestigious areas. The hotel is situated on a quiet street just off the main thoroughfare, offering a peaceful ambiance while being centrally located. Nearby attractions like Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square are a short 5-minute drive away, and public transportation (R. Escola Politécnica Stop and Príncipe Real Stop) is within a 3-minute walk. The neighborhood is teeming with culture, gastronomy, commerce, and green spaces, and the hotel staff are proud to unveil local secrets to their guests. Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport is approximately a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests often express that Montecarmo12 offers an excellent price-performance ratio, making it a worthwhile experience. Prices can start from approximately US$166, with an average price around US$267, or EUR161. This pricing includes the à la carte vegetarian or vegan breakfast. Given the high level of design, service, and overall experience, guests frequently feel it is well worth the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring points of feedback or areas for improvement have been noted by guests:

• Limited On-Site Staff After Hours: Some guests have mentioned the absence of reception or concierge staff after 4 PM, leading to difficulty in requesting amenities like extra towels or hot water. The hotel has responded by clarifying that while reception closes, a remote team remains available for assistance.
• Solid Shampoo Bars: One guest found the solid shampoo and conditioner bars, while eco-chic, took a "really long time to wash hair with."
• Pillow Comfort: A rare comment mentioned that the pillows were "awful."

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. mrandmrssmith.com
4. michelin.com
5. trip.com
6. tablethotels.com
7. montecarmo12.com