The glittering lights of Lisbon twinkling in the night lent
the city a fairytale air. From the D. Fernando Grill, set on the 12th
floor of the Altis Grand Hotel, I lapped up the sweeping views.
There is something about being in a magical place to
celebrate your birthday and this restaurant definitely provides a sense of
occasion. A happy collision of formal sophistication and laidback charm, the
service is intuitive. If you want attention, you will get it. If you want
to take your time and relax you can.
Attention to detail is impressive. The menu comprises
traditional Portuguese dishes, all beautifully presented, that send your taste
buds spinning with smells and flavours. I plumped for the hot prawns to start
followed by a Dover Sole that was so fresh and succulent that it would
have put many top restaurants to shame.
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| The D. Fernando Grill, |
Wine lovers will be seduced by the Portuguese wines that
have been well chosen. Apparently, the owners of the hotel have won awards for
some of the wines they have produced which is obviously why the selection
is so good.
It is always the little things that make an evening
memorable. For me it was the unexpected birthday cake and a bottle of bubbly
served to me. This is a hotel that goes out of its way to make you feel loved
and wanted.
Walking into the newly refurbished five-star hotel, which is
in Lisbon’s business district and few minutes’ walk from the famed Avenida
Liberdade, I got the feeling that this was a typical business and conference
hotel. How wrong I was. The lovely warm welcome I received on check-in and the
invaluable help about the city that I got from guest relations made me feel
that each visitor was not a number but somebody to be cherished. The
Altis Grand has nailed Portuguese hospitality down perfectly.
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| The lobby |
Rooms are comfortable and modern. My deluxe room, done in a
palette of greys, ebony and stainless steel, had a sophisticated pared down
feel. There are lovely touches that mean so much, such as the welcoming
message on the TV screen and the mouth-watering pastel de nata, a buttery
pastry filled with custard, accompanied by a bottle of mineral water waiting
for you on arrival. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi.
The buffet spread at breakfast was rather good offering
plenty of goodies to entice you. And once again exemplary service, a
theme that echoes around the hotel.
Another great plus of this hotel is the free shuttle to and
from the airport (has to be booked in advance).
The Altis Grand blends Portuguese geniality with
elegance and charm. What more can you ask for?
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
British Airways offers a daily service from London to Lisbon three times
weekly from £110 return including taxes and charges. Hand baggage only from £80
return including taxes and charges. To book or for more information visit
www.ba.com/Lisbon or call 0844 4930787
It is hard to beat BA when it comes to service on short-haul flights
It is hard to beat BA when it comes to service on short-haul flights
Hotel Altis Grand is a member of Great Hotels of the World
Luxury Collection. For best rates and more information or to book
visit www.ghotw.com/hotel-altis or call 020 7380 3658
