HotelChatter

Perhaps it’s because the hotel was built in the 1950’s (though its style is more Art Deco-inspired on the inside), but like the Old-World enormous room we stayed in (complete with private foyer with minibar), the bathroom in our room was probably the largest we’ve ever seen in Europe—take that Paris bathrooms and London loos!

Not only that, but what we found slightly odd at first glance, but eventually completely conducive to our rather involved ablutions was the unusual configuration. The two sinks and vanities in there were perpendicular to one another and on separate walls. We’re more used to the side-by-side variety, but as soon as we put aside our conventional conceptions, we figured it was actually probably a better idea to do it this way since there’d be no jostling for mirror primping space or splashing (or spitting) from concurrent toothbrushing.

The other odd-slash-interesting feature was that in the WC, the toilet and bidet—also usually arranged in a side-by-side layout—were facing each other. Not that we’d ever plan on being in the WC at the same time, but hey, a change of perspective while attending to our nether regions seemed like it could be refreshing.

Apart from that, a few other hotel features we appreciated were the breathtaking views of the city and the mouth of the Tejo river from rooftop gym, the spa on the hotel’s ground floor featuring Sodashi and Espa products, the gargantuan orchid-laced flower arrangement in the lobby, and the positively palatial and palatable breakfast and lunch spreads in the restaurant (plus the extensive list of Portuguese wines in the lobby lounge and bar).

Take a look at our little photo gallery to check out our room and the rest of the hotel’s amenities.

Rates at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon start at $550 a night.

Full disclosure: Eric Rosen was a guest of the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon for two nights, but all opinions expressed are entirely his own.