The Historic Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon Reigns As The Grand Dame Of The Portuguese Capital

The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz is one of the only luxury hotels in Lisbon—and it certainly sets the stage for what five-star experiences can look like in the Portuguese capital. The mid-century architecture and timeless service lend themselves well to discerning travelers in search of a high-end establishment to check into while on the road but its modern conveniences and hospitality also earn the property major accolades with vacationers in search of creature comforts and unforgettable experiences both on and off the property.

In order to better understand the significance of the historic property, we spoke to Guilherme Costa, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, to get his insights on how to hotel has shaped its neighborhood and what else to do and see after you’ve dropped your bags at the Four Seasons.

What sets the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon apart from other hotels in the neighborhood?

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is the city’s most iconic hotel. We have local guests who have come to the hotel with their parents, their grandparents, and today with their children., And International guests who come back year after year.

Our landmark hotel was built in 1959 at the time of Dictator Salazar to prove that Lisbon could do luxury as well as any other European capital. More than half a century later it is still setting the bar, managed by the Four Seasons, with its inimitable service and impressive spa and fitness facilities and fine dining.

What are your favorite things about working in the Marques de Pombal neighborhood?

We are close to the action, but far enough that we can really feel like an urban oasis in the middle of the city of 7 hills. We are close to tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade and the many kiosks – Lisbon’s equivalent to Avenue Montaigne in Paris. There is also a nice kiosk for a casual lunch in Eduardo VII Park, or you can have a light lunch at the nearby Praia do Parque with a lovely view over the park, buy flowers at Decofloralia around the corner, grab a coffee at Mercearia Pachecas and buy some creamy Portuguese cheese, bio cookies or palmiers from renowned bakery, Careca,

Is there a specific room or suite that is the most requested? What makes it so special?

Our newly refurbished specialty suite, Almada Negreiros with three private balconies, a spacious living area with a fireplace and original tapestry from Portalegre by the renowned Portuguese artist himself, a separate dining room, and with 175 m2.

The personality of a hotel is so important. What would you say the personality of the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is?

We are the city’s grand dame hotel, yet we have been refurbished and have a young soul. We are the perfect oasis in the city centre, with a unique urban resort feel. The perfect balance of history and sense of place with our unique Portuguese modern art collection, alongside newly refurbished rooms, a new heated outside pool and pool bar and a very trendy 1 Michelin Star Portuguese restaurant, paired with a 5 star Forbes Spa and a state of the art rooftop fitness centre and outside running track.

Our hotel is beloved by locals and international guests alike. The lobby is grandiose with high ceilings and flooded with natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular flower arrangements, yet guests feel comfortable sitting and reading a book, enjoying a coffee or glass of wine or meeting friends for afternoon tea.

Are there any attractions or restaurants within walking distance from the hotel that you recommend guests check out?

Absolutely. There is a little gallery just opposite the hotel’s main entrance I like to visit, run or walk down Eduardo VII Park opposite the hotel and take a walk through the gardens of the Estufa Fria, a unique place in the centre of Lisbon where the lush vegetation coexists with caves and paths, water courses. Take a morning to visit the one and only Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation – if you don’t have time to see the collection take a stroll in the gardens or book an open-air concert in summer. Have dinner at Kabuki, the 1 Michelin Star Japanese restaurant just behind the hotel, go shopping down tree-lined Av da Liberdade where you can find Loewe, Vuitton, Gucci and the like, and have a petisco (Portuguese tapas) at Pinoquio (I suggest the stuffed crab, pica pau and Bulhão Pato clams), before heading down to the river.