I recently spent a long weekend at the Inspira Santa Marta Hotel in Lisbon, and it was a delightful experience. The hotel played a significant role in making my trip enjoyable. For me, a good hotel is crucial; I need more than just a place to sleep. Comfort and quality are top priorities, and the location is equally important, especially for short trips. No one wants a long commute back to the hotel after a day of exploring.

Lisbon was a perfect escape from the gloomy weather in London. My boyfriend and I decided on a weekend getaway to Portugal’s vibrant capital. This was my third visit, and I’m completely captivated by the city. Lisbon is bustling with life, full of color, and the aroma of pasteis de nata from local bakeries fills the air.

Our stay at the Inspira Santa Marta Hotel & Spa was fantastic. The hotel is conveniently located near the end of Avenida de Liberdade, a major avenue in the city. This central location allowed us to explore most of Lisbon on foot. We were just a 15-minute walk from the Praça do Comércio and the Rossio train station, which offers easy access to nearby attractions like Sintra. Numerous restaurants serving seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes were within a five-minute walk. For a longer walk or a metro ride, I highly recommend Cervejaria Ramiro for an amazing meal of prawns, clams, and parma ham.

We arrived late on a Friday night after a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport. The reception staff greeted us warmly and quickly checked us in. The hotel’s design is modern and clean, contrasting with the charming old-world architecture outside. The lobby and common areas have an open-plan design, making you feel like you’re outside even when you’re not. On sunny days, the main atrium is filled with natural light.

The Inspira Santa Marta promotes sustainability, which was evident in our room. Located on the fourth floor, our room was efficiently furnished and meticulously clean. Although we were disappointed with the lack of a view, the room was lovely. To reduce waste, the complimentary water and toiletries were in refillable containers, and the floor was bare to avoid the energy use of a vacuum cleaner. The dim lighting added a romantic touch, though it might be too dim for some.

The room’s open-plan design had a few quirks. The washroom initially seemed to lack a door, but we realized that the closet panel could be slid over to serve as a door. This was a clever idea, but the wall separating the bedroom from the washroom had a gap, allowing water from the shower to seep into the room. Additionally, the wall was sheer enough that I could see my boyfriend’s outline while he showered, which might be an issue for those who value privacy.

Breakfast at the hotel was hearty, with a variety of fresh pastries, fruit, teas, and juices in refillable glass bottles. The croissants were particularly fantastic. Coffee could be ordered from the attentive staff, and there was a station for made-to-order eggs. The hotel also has a small spa where I enjoyed a relaxing hour-long massage.

Overall, the Inspira Santa Marta Hotel & Spa was an excellent base for our weekend in Lisbon. It was clean, well-decorated, and perfectly located. The hotel offers great value for money, with rooms for two, including breakfast, costing under 115 GBP. If you prefer to have breakfast at a local bakery, rooms can be had for under 95 GBP.