Heritage Avenida Liberdade is one of the most distinctive small hotels on the boulevard. The booking page describes a powder-blue eighteenth-century facade and says the building dates to 1789, at Avenida da Liberdade 28, with interiors that mix preserved details and contemporary design. The lobby has restored blue-and-white azulejo tiles and a historic herbalist counter that now serves as reception, a lovely detail. The bar serves complimentary tea, coffee, port and pastries, and a basement jet pool is framed by frescoed Victorian seaside scenes. The hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of Europe and the Restauradores railway station is about fifty metres away. The booking page shows four room types, from the Baixa Double and the Lisboa Double to the Heritage Double and the Junior Suite Avenida, across one building of six floors. Facilities include an indoor pool, a gym, a library, a bar and lounge, a daily buffet breakfast from 7:30 to noon for a fee, 24-hour front desk, business centre and room service, a concierge, free Wi-Fi in rooms and some public areas, and self parking for a fee. Rooms are air-conditioned and include bathrobes, slippers, a pillow menu, a minibar and blackout drapes. The booking page labels it as a 4.0 class property and a luxury choice. Pets are not allowed, and children are welcome.
The location could hardly be more central. Restauradores Square and the station are at the door, Rossio is a few minutes' walk, and the Baixa, the Chiado and the Bairro Alto are within reach on foot. The Avenida's shops and cafes begin immediately, and the airport and the Sintra line are both easy to reach by rail and metro.
Living in it
The hotel's charm is in the details, from the tiled lobby and the herbalist counter to the frescoed pool room. The complimentary tea, coffee, port and pastries at the bar are a good touch, particularly after a day of sightseeing. Because it is a historic building, room sizes and layouts vary, so check the room type and ask for a quiet room if you are sensitive to noise on the boulevard. Cards are accepted but cash is not, according to the booking page.
Base math
The hotel is in the middle of the market, with a good price-to-character ratio for such a central address. It suits couples, history lovers and travellers who want to be at the centre of things with a pool at hand. If you prefer a bigger pool, a spa or a full restaurant, the large hotels on the Avenida offer more; if you want an atmospheric, convenient base with a story, this is a fine choice.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor basement jet pool
- ✓Gym and library
- ✓Bar with complimentary tea, coffee, port and pastries
- ✓Daily buffet breakfast (fee)
- ✓24-hour front desk and room service
- ✓Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- ✓Concierge and tour assistance
- ✓Restauradores station about fifty metres away
Good questions
What is special about the building?+
The booking page says it dates to 1789, with a powder-blue facade, an azulejo-tiled lobby and a historic herbalist counter used as reception.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, the booking page mentions an indoor basement jet pool framed by frescoed Victorian seaside scenes, plus a gym.
How close is public transport?+
The booking page says Restauradores train station is about fifty metres from the hotel.
