Occidental Lisboa ★★★★

One of the main landmarks in central Lisbon is the vast Parque Eduardo VII, named after Britain’s Edward VII, who visited the city in 1903 to reaffirm the Portuguese-Anglo alliance. To the west of this park, filled with sculpted hedgerows and patterned flower gardens, is the elegant tree-lined Rua Artilharia, where you’ll find your contemporary four-star hotel.

Your room matches the elegance of the area and the park with its modern style, light creamy décor and bold patterned carpets, while the sumptuous leather chairs and large comfy bed are inviting after a long journey.

Your first day begins with a vast breakfast buffet in the modern dining room, followed by a short walk into the centre to catch the classic old yellow Tram 28. The tram takes you on a journey through some of the city’s finest districts, past the Sé Cathedral and the magnificent Basilica da Estrela. It also takes you up the steep narrow winding hill to the castle, the Castelo de Sao Jorge. Later, you make your way to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, built to herald explorer Vasco de Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India in 1498. You spend a few hours marvelling at its ornate design, before treating yourself to a heavenly custard cream tart at the Pasteis de Belém pastry shop next door. Now world famous, this traditional recipe has been a monastery secret for years.

For a spot of shopping, you’re in luck as your hotel is located close to some of the best shopping centres in the city, including famous Spanish department store El Corte Ingles and the Avenida da Liberdade, full of boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants.

Portuguese cuisine, while perhaps a lesser known European cuisine, is surely a highlight of your holiday. Delicious traditional dishes include salted cod, grilled sardines and wild boar, among others. The hotel’s restaurant is an excellent choice, a light and airy space offering traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes, as well as à la carte themed meals once a week. You then finish up your day with a drink at the hotel’s Vicius Bar Lounge located on the 6th floor, offering spectacular city views and an elegant roof garden.