Well, despite doing a lot of homework, sometimes you just end up picking a hotel that really doesn't live up to expectations, and the Sheraton Lisboa unfortunately falls into that category.
Let's start with the rooms, which have been remodeled but are a bit on the dark side due to a low overhang right above the window that hides some of the room's indirect lighting - but, in the process, blocks out a good amount of the natural sunlight. In an attempt to be somewhat mod, the closet doors have been replaced by a silver shimmery curtain, but it just gives the room a bit of a cheap look. The room is on the average side for a European hotel, with a large glass wall separating the sleeping area from the tub/shower. Yes, it has a shade for privacy, but the tub is a little hard to get in and out of the way the glass barriers are positioned.
I really wonder who designed these rooms, especially when it came to the power outlets. There was only one free outlet in the room, and that one was in the corner under the desk, meaning you'd have to crawl under the desk to plug something in or unplug it. I gave up on that after two trips under the desk, just deciding that I'd do without one of the lamps... making the dark room a bit darker. The television set was the smallest flat screen I've ever seen in a hotel room, and who thought putting the clock radio on the dresser under the television was a good idea? Have you ever seen a hotel room where the clock radio wasn't on one of the night stands? Well, here, it's far away from your bed, and you can't read the time while you're laying flat. Imagine it's morning, the alarm goes off, you want to hit the snooze bar and... oh, wait, you have to get up out of bed to do it!
Now, to dining... the Club Lounge also falls into the worst-in-class category, the size of two guest rooms that were converted without much forethought to making best use of the poorly decorated space. The oversized furniture meant very little seating, the second room being cave-like, with peeling wallpaper in the corners. The staff seemed more concerned about checking whether you were allowed into the lounge than on keeping the food stocked - but, honestly, the way the Club was catered, there wasn't much that was very appealing. One sad but funny thing had to do with a dessert serving plate that was put out, plastic wrap still firmly in place (see pictures). Perhaps they put it out for show but didn't want us to actually eat it? Bottom line - don't pay for a Club upgrade, as there's no value there.
The breakfast buffet was better than the Club Lounge, but it was pretty disorganized. Getting someone to even come to our table when we needed anything was difficult, and ordering a simple omelet turned into a bit of an ordeal. The worst part was when a manager bumped into me while I was walking to the buffet... and kept on walking without even the slightest apology. I'm sorry, but that's unforgivable, especially from senior staff.
The one positive of our experience was the spa which, while also cramped, featured a nice outdoor pool, something rare in any city, a nice 'health pool' which is basically a huge, relaxing whirlpool, and a nice indoor area with wide recliners that was quite comfortable. The spa staff was quite nice and courteous - a great example for the rest of the hotel staff to emulate.
The final example of how much this hotel just doesn't have it together had to do with check-out, taking about 15 minutes - computers not working, then needing rebooting, then printing problems...
I'm a Starwood Lifetime Gold member, so I know my way around a Sheraton - and, based on my previous experience with the brand, this one falls into the lower tier. My advice would be to choose a hotel a little bit closer to the Avenida da Liberdade, one that you'll look forward to returning to after a long day exploring Lisbon. read more