Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Is Lisbon's Best

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Is Lisbon’s Best

In October 2020, traveling mid-pandemic to Portugal, I enjoyed a stay in Lisbon’s classically elegant Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, on the capital’s most fashionable tree-lined boulevard.

The deluxe hotel, built in 1933, was redesigned in 1950s renaissance style by renowned architect Pardal Monteiro. Today its 285 rooms and suites are climaxed by its rooftop Sky Bar and SEEN Lisboa restaurant, the most star-studded hangout in the city.

Flanked on Avenida Liberdade by designer shops like Gucci, Zegna and Gianni Versace, the hotel’s central location, just 15 minutes from the international airport, makes it a visitor favorite.

Just a stone’s throw from the stunning Rossio railway station, built in Neo-Manueline style in the late 1880s, the Tivoli blends blends various historic elements into its architecture. Most visible is its modernistic interior garden lobby, whose original artwork was commissioned to global architectural firm Broadway Malyan.

Rooms and relaxation

Eight room categories have panoramic city vistas or patio views, beginning with Deluxe rooms whose sofa beds allow for up to four guests. The exquisitely designed Presidential Suite displays the Milly Possoz Art Collection and decorative art from the Ricardo Espirito Santo Foundation.

Painted in soft mustard tones, the rooms boast marble bathrooms wih walk-in showers and luxurious sprawling tubs, as well as signature-brand toiletries, bathrobes and hair dryers. They also have executive desks and workspaces, comfortable beds with signature linens, and (in many cases) views of the opulent Avenida Liberdade. Other amenities include free WiFi, iron and ironing board, LCD televisions, safes, turndown service and private bars.

Tivoli’s Anantara Spa, taking a hint of Eastern influence from Thailand-based Anantara, a fellow Minor Hotel Group brand, is one of the world’s best hotel spa brands. Lotions and exfoliators from French skin-care line Biologique Recherche are used in its wide range of treatments.

An oasis-like swimming pool is hidden in a tropical setting surrounded by verdant plant life and trees nearly 100 years old — clandestine solace from the buzz of Avenida Liberdade. Massages can be arranged at the Shangri-la cabana pool area.

SEEN on the rooftop

With Tagus River and Atlantic Ocean views, the SEEN Lisboa rooftop restaurant is known to locals and visitors alike as the hottest spot in Lisbon. A fusion of innovative Portuguese and Brazilian dishes, including locally sourced seafood and Wagyu beef, are prepared by master chef Olivier (who needs no surname) and his team. A sushi bar headed by Chef Thalles Boniatti dos Santos lends an artful twist to Japanese cuisine. Stylish mixologists handcraft designer cocktails at the bar as DJs play a selection of the hippest beats.

Tivoli hotels and resorts, now part of the extensive portfolio of fast-growing Minor Hotels, have been 88 years in the making. These fine hotels exist in Portugal, Brazil, China and Qatar.

As one of the first travel journalists to visit Portugal during the pandemic, I was impressed by Portugal’s Safe and Clean protocol of cleanliness for hotels, restaurants and other such establishments. All hotel staff wore masks; surfaces were constantly cleaned, and hand sanitizer was found throughout the property.

Citing the importance of tourism to the Portuguese economy, “We were quick to act, taking measures to combat Covid,” said hotel general manager Miguel Garcia. He noted that the property closed last year from mid-March to June, and guests were refunded or credited for later stays. “Partnerships between the president, the ministry of health, and political parties came together,” Garcia said. “In the end, we want our guests to know that we are with them throughout the pandemic. I still believe that travel will return as people will always want to travel.”

—Nicholas Kontis, publisher