Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Olissippo Marques de Sa, Lisbon's Hidden Gem?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Olissippo Marques de Sa in Lisbon, and trust me, it's a wild ride. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds, I'm gonna give you the REAL scoop – the good, the slightly wonky, and everything in between.
Let's Start with the Basics (and Maybe a Whimper of Anxiety): Accessibility & Security
Okay, so, I'm a worrier. I'm always scanning for the escape routes. And let me tell you, having a fire extinguisher visible (and a smoke detector that actually looks like it works, because, seriously, some hotels…) is a HUGE comfort. This place gets a gold star for CCTV in common areas and outside the property. They've got a 24-hour front desk AND security… it's less "stuffy" and more "I can breathe easy." And that elevator? Crucial. Elevator ✅. I'm not a mobility-impaired, but the thought of lugging suitcases up stairs after a transatlantic flight makes my knees ache. The facilities for disabled guests are there, but I'm not sure how specifically they are, so call the hotel direct and inquire.
The Accessibility as a whole? Gotta' investigate that further. I'm not sure how accessible the restaurants are for wheelchairs. It's super important to me, because I want to enjoy myself, not stress and feel like I'm a hindrance to other guests who have to wait on me. This includes Wheelchair accessible, but I can't confirm how extensive that may be. Call and ask.
Now, about those rooms… Non-smoking rooms are a must, and the fact that they actually stick to it? Air conditioning that works? Amen. Let’s be honest, I want the air conditioning in the public areas to work, too right?
Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID-Era Anxiety Test
This is where my (slightly neurotic) brain went into overdrive. Listen, I'm coming out of this pandemic a nervous wreck, and I need reassurance. Olissippo Marques de Sa mostly delivered. They boast Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also provide Hand sanitizer everywhere. I was honestly impressed by the Hygiene certification. The fact that the staff is Staff trained in safety protocol makes me feel like they actually care.
Here's the part that made me do a little happy dance: They offer Cashless payment service. I hate handling cash, so that's a huge win. Also, the Safe dining setup is good. Individually wrapped food options are a plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Carb Load or Healthy Bliss?
Okay, this is where it got interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, let's say it was a buffet. Good, not mind-blowing. They had the standard fare of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, a Coffee/tea in restaurant selection, and plenty of Desserts in restaurant. I’m super picky about my morning coffee, and it wasn’t quite up to my caffeination standards, but it was good enough, you know? (I may or may not have wandered off down the street for my real coffee fix one day.)
There's a Bar, a Poolside bar, and several Restaurants. I have to say the Asian cuisine in restaurant was surprisingly delicious, which I was not expecting. I was pretty much living on the Salad in restaurant and the Soup in restaurant. The Bottle of water was appreciated.
There's Room service [24-hour], which is glorious for post-sightseeing exhaustion. I did not partake in the Vegetarian restaurant, but I did scope the menu, and it looked decent.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Day, or Bust?
Okay, this is where Olissippo Marques de Sa seriously shines. The Spa is divine. I had the most incredible Massage. I actually drifted off and snored a little which I think is a true compliment to the masseuse!
There’s Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Steamroom, all the good spa stuff. The Pool with view? Spectacular. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is also a treat and the Poolside bar is super convenient. The Fitness center is well-equipped, and I might have tried the Gym/fitness equipment, after like, three pastries. (Don't judge me, Lisbon is a city for eating!)
Rooms – Comfort and Tech, or the Usual Hotel Struggle?
Alright, the rooms. Wi-Fi [free], hallelujah and amen! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, absolutely essential for my workaholism. The Air conditioning was a godsend. I'm also a big fan of Blackout curtains; so vital.
The Additional toilet was great because I was traveling with a friend. And the Coffee/tea maker was a godsend for those early-morning starts.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras that Make a Difference
This hotel gets HUGE points for its Concierge. Seriously, they’re amazing and super helpful with finding things and making reservations. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service? Okay, so I didn't need the ironing (wrinkle-resistant everything, people!), but knowing it was there was comforting. The Car park [free of charge] is a huge bonus. I also loved the Terrace so you can sit outside. The Doorman is another excellent feature.
The Imperfect, But Somehow Endearing, Bits
Okay, the truth serum: the Wi-Fi occasionally hiccuped. The Internet Access – LAN, was slow. Don’t count on it being lightning fast. And, just a heads up, the Coffee/tea in restaurant. It wasn't quite my perfect brew.
The Anecdote – The Moment I Fell For…
Okay, here goes. I was having a particularly rough day – delayed flight, missed connection, general travel woes. I stomped into the spa, ready to unleash my fury. The masseuse, bless her heart, didn't flinch. She simply led me to the treatment room, with its low lighting, soothing music, and that incredible aroma of eucalyptus. She worked wonders. I emerged an hour later, a puddle of bliss. It wasn't just a massage; it was a rescue mission. That's when Olissippo Marques de Sa truly won me over. It's not just a hotel; it's a haven.
For the Kids – Thinking about them?
They have Babysitting service, and they are a Family/child friendly.
The Pitch – Book It, Already!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits at Olissippo Marques de Sa, Lisbon's Hidden Gem?
Tired of the same old hotel experience? Yearning for a place that combines luxury, impeccable service, and a dash of authentic Lisbon charm? Look no further.
Worried about safety and cleanliness? Rest easy. Olissippo Marques de Sa goes above and beyond with rigorous COVID-era protocols, dedicated staff, and a focus on your peace of mind.
Need to unwind and recharge? The stunning spa, the pool with a view, and the delicious dining options are designed to melt away your stress and leave you feeling utterly pampered.
Craving authentic Lisbon experiences? The concierge service is your key to unlocking the city's hidden treasures.
Ready for a getaway that exceeds expectations? Olissippo Marques de Sa is waiting to welcome you. Book your stay now and claim your slice of Lisbon paradise!
Book your stay at Olissippo Marques de Sa today and experience the best Lisbon has to offer!
Escape to Paradise: Lorient Residence Pont-Scorff Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the gloriously messy, honest, and slightly hyperbolic Lisbon itinerary I wish I'd had. This isn't your polished travel brochure bullshit. This is real life, my friends. And Lisbon? Lisbon nearly broke me… in the best way possible. Prepare for emotional rollercoaster, and let's dive in!
Olissippo Marques de Sa: Lisbon, Portugal - The Almost-Perfect (and Utterly Chaotic) Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Quest for Pastel de Nata Perfection (Spoiler: It's a Journey)
Morning (ish): Landed at Lisbon Airport. Ugh, the flight. Never again, I tell you. This is the problem the flight was not good. I'm talking cramped seats, recycled air, and a screaming toddler directly behind me. I'm pretty sure that kid was plotting world domination. Anyway, finally, freedom! The airport itself was surprisingly manageable. Grab an Uber – surprisingly easy, even armed with my limited Portuguese (which is basically: "Obrigado" and "Um vinho, por favor!" – I'm a poet, apparently). Head straight to the Olissippo Marques de Sa. The hotel itself? Pretty damn classy. Nice lobby, helpful staff (which is essential after a transatlantic flight). Dropped the bags, stumbled into the room, and promptly collapsed. The jet lag had already taken hold.
Afternoon: The actual quest for pastel de nata began. I'd heard the hype. I'd seen the pictures. I was hungry. First attempt: Some random cafe down the street. Flaky pastry, creamy custard… good, but not amazing. A solid 7/10. Disappointed, but not defeated. Walked (wobbled, more like) down the Avenida. The sheer light of Lisbon hit me. Brilliant, dazzling, sunshine. Almost too much. My tired eyes! Found another bakery. Another pastel de nata. 7.5. Getting closer. But I wanted perfection. The hunt continues…
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant the hotel recommended. Fancy place, white tablecloths, the works. I was definitely under-dressed. Tried to order in my broken Portuguese (more embarrassing than I thought). Ended up accidentally ordering an entire octopus. It stared at me while I ate it. Delicious. But maybe a bit… intense for a first night back from the hotel. Wine helped. Tremendously. Slept like a log; even the jet lag couldn’t touch me after that experience.
Day 2: Tram 28, São Jorge Castle, and the Great Sardine Debacle
Morning: The famed Tram 28! Got there, ready to embrace the chaos. Okay, this was actually chaos. Tourists everywhere. Smelly tourists. Pushy tourists (I became one briefly, I'm ashamed to admit!). Managed to cram myself onto the packed tram. Stood the whole way. Bounced along the historic route, trying to appreciate the scenery while avoiding getting elbowed in the face. It was a beautiful route, that's true. It’s a really worthwhile experience. Definitely worth enduring the sardine-like conditions.
Afternoon: São Jorge Castle. Majestic, right? Amazing views of the city, the Tagus River glittering in the sunlight. Actually, the sunlight. The heat was incredible. I’m starting to understand the obsession with fado singers. Found a shady spot. Took a picture. Realized I'd lost my favorite sunglasses during the tram ride. The day started off well. Now I'm a mess. Sigh…
Evening: The Sardine Debacle. I decided I had to try the grilled sardines - it’s a Lisbon staple. Found a tiny, brightly lit restaurant in Alfama. Ordered my sardines with grilled vegetables. The waitress, she was a character; she had this mischievous glint in her eye. The sardines arrived. I’m not going to lie: They looked amazing. And they smelled… well, they smelled like the sea. The intense sea. Took a bite. That's when the trouble began. Strong fishy taste. It was a little too much. Let’s just say my stomach made a very loud, very unhappy protest. I quickly, and perhaps a little dramatically, excused myself. The rest of the evening was spent back at the hotel, battling the aftermath of the Sardine Debacle. Lesson learned: perhaps I’m not a sardine person.
Day 3: Belém Delights, the Jerónimos Monastery, and My Soul-Searching Coffee Addiction
Morning: Took a taxi to Belém. Beautiful! The Jerónimos Monastery was breathtaking, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Walked around in a daze, feeling like I'd stepped back in time. Admired the intricate carvings, the soaring arches, and the sense of history that clung to the air. This place had a soul and it was epic.
Afternoon: The real prize: PASTÉIS DE BELÉM. The bakery, the "Pastéis de Belém", is a Lisbon institution, the original purveyor of the custard tart, that I'd been pursuing since that first day. The queue was insane. But, I was determined. Waited for what felt like an eternity. Finally, I was inside. I ordered, oh, at least six. Found a table. Took a bite. And there it was. The thing I was pursuing. The perfect pastel de nata. The flaky pastry, the creamy custard, the hint of cinnamon. I went through all five in what felt like a matter of seconds. It was divine. Then I bought six more, because why not? My stomach and my heart were happy.
Evening: Developed a serious coffee addiction. Lisbon's coffee is strong. Found a little cafe near the hotel, and a small, incredibly good barista, and hung around for hours. I ended up writing pages and pages in a notebook, fueled by espresso, and watching the world go by. Lisbon had this way of making you want to write, to create. It felt like its own kind of magic.
Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, and the Wind-Swept Edge of Magic
Morning: Trains to Sintra. Oh, Sintra. Sintra is pure, unadulterated fairytale. The train ride was lovely. Went to Pena Palace, a technicolor dream. And the gardens! The gardens were a wonderland of hidden grottoes, exotic plants, and secret pathways. I got lost, completely and absolutely lost, and it was brilliant. I stood on the walls of the palace watching, as the wind whipped, the clouds dance by, and was reminded how small I am, which in this instance was a blessing. It's a surreal experience.
Afternoon: Explored the Quinta da Regaleira. The initiation wells! The tunnels! The secrets! I felt like Indiana Jones. Almost fell into a well once in all the excitement. The sheer creativity of it all was astonishing. Took a walk around gardens and the trails, it's so worth doing. Made more notes. Felt even more inspired.
Evening: Back in Lisbon. Another wonderful dinner and maybe a glass of wine! Reflecting on the incredible trip so far.
Day 5: Departure, Goodbyes, and the Lingering Taste of Perfection
Morning: One last breakfast. One last pastel de nata. Feeling a pang of sadness. This city, with all its chaos and beauty, had burrowed its way into my heart.
Afternoon: Headed to the airport. Reflecting on the trip. It wasn't perfect. There were the sardine-induced horrors, the jet lag-fueled grumpiness, the lost sunglasses. But it was real. It was vibrant. It was alive. And in its imperfections, it was perfect.
Evening: (Or, more accurately, the beginning of the next day): Finally, back home. Exhausted but exhilarated, my suitcase full of memories and possibly a few extra pastry wrappers. Lisbon, you glorious, messy, unforgettable city. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a bigger appetite and a stronger stomach!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Olissippo Marques de Sá, Lisbon's Hidden Gem? - Let's Get Real.
So, is this place *really* a "hidden gem"? I mean, the internet loves that phrase...
My first impression? Slightly overwhelmed, let's be honest. The lobby is beautiful, don't get me wrong. But the staff, bless their hearts, seemed a *teensy* bit flustered. Like, they were probably expecting a far more sophisticated clientele than a rumpled travel blogger who clearly hadn't showered in… well, too long. But! That awkwardness? It faded. They were genuinely warm, eager to please, and honestly, a little *charming* in their slightly chaotic energy.
What's the deal with the rooms? Pure opulence or just… nice?
I'm not gonna lie, I spent a good hour just… wandering around my room, touching things. The marble bathroom? Divine. The little Nespresso machine? Essential. The… the *robe*? Fluffy. And the shower! Powerful. So powerful it nearly ripped the skin off my back. Okay, that's hyperbole, but it was a good shower. God, I miss that shower.
The location. Is it actually "convenient"? Because that usually means a hike.
And the best part? It's near the Gulbenkian Museum! Which I totally meant to go to, and then… well, let's just say the bed intervened. Again. Priorities, people. Priorities.
What about the food? I’m all about the food. Tell me about the breakfast.
BUT. The service sometimes felt… stretched. There was one morning where I waited an embarrassingly long time for my coffee. Almost to the point of considering just *stealing* someone else's. I managed to get a refill eventually. Still, the quality of the food almost made up for any service hiccups.
And one more thing: the *orange juice*. Freshly squeezed. Divine. Seriously. I had three glasses. Maybe four. Don't judge me.
Okay, okay, you've hinted at this - what about the nearby restaurants? Any recommendations?
Also, a quick Google search will recommend a bunch of other top spots but I'm not going to shill them here. I'm just telling you my experiences.
The staff- how was the service really?
And that, more than anything, made the experience special. It wasn't just a fancy hotel; it felt like a place someone actually *cared* about.
Alright, the big question: Would you go back? Is it worth the price tag?
And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually go visit the Gulbenkian Museum next time... if I can peel myself away from that bed.
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