It had been 6 months since my last trip to Lisbon, Portugal. I missed it so much – not just the city and the way of life, the light and the food. I missed my family and friends too. And obviously missed the sun – so it was time for another Lisbon holiday.
So for a long weekend, which included a fab stopover in Alentejo and the Algarve, we returned to my hometown.
This time around, we stayed in a completely different part of town – and I have to tell you, what a nice change of scenery! The Mercy Hotel, located very close to Chiado and Bairro Alto was our home away from home, and its location completely changed our Lisbon experience. I did feel like a tourist, which was rather nice!
I love hotels (as you possibly know by now) – and what I love the most is how diverse they can be. Some people exclusively prefer boutique hotels, others only like chains – I like both. It is nice to see new projects opening up in town, and I must say I really liked this hotel. It was small and very personal, but the actual hotel product was good. Service was also very good (which is still one of my battles when I am in Portugal).
The room was lovely and spacious, the bathroom also very cool and black (which I love), but there was just a small but important detail: the hangers. Come on.. a sin according to Mrs. O’s hotel bible. The breakfast was great – and I loved the concept. The continental element of it is brought to your table and then eggs and fruit come later. Very nice and included in the room rate (we Portuguese know a thing or three about breakfast, that is all I can say).
On the next day, we did something quite different. I accepted Flytographer‘s challenge and decided to go for a walk around town with Mr. O. What was so special about it? We had Goncalo, Flytographer‘s photographer in Lisbon, with us.
I thought this was a great concept – you can hire a specially handpicked photographer in one of 50 locations around the world for 30 minutes, 1 or 2 hours. And you don’t pose, so it isn’t intrusive and you don’t really look silly. I loved my photos and they are, without a doubt, the best photos I have of yours truly and Mr. O in Lisbon.
It was lovely to go back to Lisbon for a day or so – with friends and family to see, I always find myself going between meals (this is how we meet!) and not really sure where time goes. I really hope I can visit soon, as no matter where I go in the world, it is still one of my favourite places ever.
But worry not, I am pretty sure I will be back. And you should really book your next Lisbon holiday.
Ate breve.
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Mercy Hotel (room rates starting at $200 per night) and also of Flytographer (30 minute sessions starting at $200), and both were great experiences. Please visit their websites for more information.
