The Tivoli wears its long history proudly on its sleeve. From the imposing façade and lobby with its modernist architecture, low ceiling and original artworks, crowned by a glass dome letting in lots of natural light, to the contemporary glitz of the 21st-century Sky Bar, the hotel has its personal story writ large on its walls.
Decorated in muted tones throughout, the hotel has a peaceful air. Rooms are spacious and comfy, with soft carpets, signature bed linen and marble-clad bathrooms. Views are either of the hotel patio or city panoramas. Look out for the suite named after the celebrated Portuguese actress Beatriz Costa, who lived here for 30 years during Portugal’s golden age of cinema.
Step outside the foyer to find yourself on the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, with its designer boutiques and achingly fashionable haunts. A short stroll will take you to many of the city’s main sights as well, including the stunning Neo-Manueline, Rossio Station. Explore typical Portuguese neighbourhoods such as Bairro Alto, take a tram or catch a cruise along the Tagus river in a sail boat. The hotel Experience Team can arrange a street art tour to uncover the corners filled with innovative urban art or take you on a photo safari with a professional photographer. Perhaps you’ll join a wine tasting with a sommelier or have the hotel’s Sushiman teach you the techniques for making delicious sushi. Maybe you’ll immerse yourself in Fado and enjoy an evening of Portuguese song at a traditional Casa de Fados with private backstage access. Alternatively, take to the air in an exclusive helicopter flight to see Lisbon from a different perspective. You might even fly to the spectacular, unspoiled Comporta beaches to ride horseback along the sand.
On your return to the hotel, hunt out the swimming pool, hidden in the garden; swim a few laps surrounded by century-old botanical trees and seek shade under a towering rubber tree. Above the pool are several cabanas where you can arrange a massage. Or slip into the attractive spa for a facial and tailored treatment.
If you’re feeling peckish, pop in to the hotel’s Café Liberdade to sample one of its celebrated pasteis de nata (custard tarts). For something more substantial settle in to Cervejaria Liberdade, the hotel’s approximation of a traditional beer house, where the menu celebrates all things Portuguese, from fish and seafood, sourced from the Portuguese coast but perhaps prepared in a Japanese or Peruvian style, to the timeless prego steak sandwich and, of course beer. Elegant afternoon tea is taken in the Lobby Bar. In the evening, ascend to the rooftop for a gourmet experience at Terraço, where a Michelin-starred chef dazzles with ingenious creations and combinations while you dine against a backdrop of the city.
Afterwards, head to the Sky Bar, the Tivoli’s much-raved about rooftop bar. Here, over a cocktail or pitcher of mojito discretely people watch and drink in the far-reaching views across Lisbon’s rooftops, all the way to the Tagus River.
