Lisbon Luxury: Comtesse Lisbonne Apartment Awaits!
Lisbon Luxury: Comtesse Lisbonne Apartment Awaits! A Review - From "Meh" to "WOW!"
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. I'm about to spill the tea (or, you know, the vinho verde) on the Comtesse Lisbonne apartment. I'm talking warts and all – because nobody wants a perfectly polished experience. We want REAL. And trust me, I've got real.
First Impressions: Finding the Place & The Initial "Ugh"
Okay, fine, first impressions weren't stellar. Finding the place was a mission. Google Maps, bless its algorithms, led me on a scenic tour of Lisbon's cobblestone hills, which frankly, after lugging my suitcase, felt less "scenic" and more "torturous." Accessibility, it turns out, is a slightly relative term in this city. I'm not disabled, but let's just say if you have any mobility issues, this place isn't exactly ideal. Lots of stairs, narrow streets… Finding a taxi was another adventure. Just… factor that in. ( Getting Around = Airport transfer (yay!), Taxi service (needed!), Car park [on-site] (hmmm, if you can get there!), Car park [free of charge] (maybe, if you're lucky!)… Bicycle parking (pretty sure I didn't see any). So, yeah. Prepare. (Accessibility gets a "needs work" grade.)
The initial "ugh" dissipated the moment I stepped inside. And the Exterior corridor? Actually… kind of cool. Didn’t expect that.
Rooms – Glorious, Glorious Rooms (and THAT Shower!)
Okay, now this is where Comtesse Lisbonne really shines. My apartment – "A" (Apparently, a Comtesse is fancy. I'm not fancy. I'm glad it has a shower!) was… stunning. Think: high ceilings, that classic Lisbon light flooding in, and seriously stylish decor. They haven't skimped on the details, that's for sure. The Available in all rooms is a list long enough to choke a horse: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (didn’t try that, who does that?), Bathtub (yes!), Blackout curtains (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), Carpeting (a little too much, honestly. Give me hardwood!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (mandatory!), Complimentary tea (fancy!), Daily housekeeping (yes!), Desk (needed!), Extra long bed (YES!), Free bottled water (again, YES!), Hair dryer (vital!), High floor (great view! Except I'm terrified of heights!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available (didn’t need, thankfully!), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities (meh), Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (overpriced!), Mirror (useful!), Non-smoking (thank GOD!), On-demand movies (didn't use), Private bathroom, Reading light (perfect!), Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels (whatever!), Scale (JUDGEMENTAL!), Seating area (nice!), Separate shower/bathtub (…this shower was amazing. Seriously. MASSIVE rain shower head. Like standing under a waterfall. I could have stayed in there all day. Shower – 10/10 Would recommend.), Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa (comfy!), Soundproofing (thank you!), Telephone (useless, really), Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella (needed!), Visual alarm (never used), Wake-up service (didn’t need) Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens (fresh air!). I was a happy camper. And, the Additional toilet was a bonus for late-night snack runs.
Oh, the amenities… The "Relaxation" Stuff
Let's talk about things that actually matter after dragging your carcass up those hills. Comtesse Lisbonne offers a bit of everything, enough to make you actually want to stay in and relax. The swimming pool, Pool with view are gorgeous (pictures don't lie!), though I didn't spend much time there because I was, you know, busy eating pastries and drinking coffee. I'm not a spa person, but it does offer Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna. The Fitness center/Gym/fitness looked decent but… I was on vacation. I passed.
Then there's the food. I had a breakfast in room one morning. I almost felt guilty. The breakfast Buffet in restaurant was pretty good, if buffet-style is your thing (not mine). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good though, and let's be honest, Coffee shop = good. Desserts in restaurant definitely tested my will. And the Bar was a nice touch.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good)
The food situation at Comtesse Lisbonne is a bit of a mixed bag. The A la carte in restaurant option was a lifesaver when I wanted a proper meal without leaving the apartment. They also provide alternative meal arrangement, just in case they aren't hitting the spot. The Restaurants are awesome, the Poolside bar is a treat, Coffee/tea in restaurant is a necessity. I didn't venture into the Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast or Vegetarian restaurant (oops) but the Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant were pretty great. The Snack bar was perfect for late-night cravings. The Room service [24-hour], as you can imagine, was a godsend. Happy hour was decent. There's Bottle of water in the rooms. The major plus is the 24-hour which just can't be beat.
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe (Even Pre-COVID)
This is where Comtesse Lisbonne really made me breathe a sigh of relief (especially after having spent the early part of the pandemic stuck in the UK!). Yes, even before the whole COVID thing happened. The place is spotless. And I mean, obsessively clean. Of course, there's now the bonus of the whole COVID shebang: they've implemented all the usual Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hygiene certification, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol and Sterilizing equipment. I was impressed. They even have Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and provide Individually-wrapped food options. They've covered all the bases. The Check-in/out [contactless] and Cashless payment service were convenient. The Safety/security feature made felt safe as well.
The Quirks – The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Okay, here's the real gold. First, the elevator. Bless its tiny little heart. It's adorable. But it's slow. Be prepared to wait (or, you know, embrace the stairs).
Second, the Shrine. Yes, a literal shrine in the lobby. I still don’t know why.
Also, be aware that the walls are thin. I heard a couple having a slightly… enthusiastic late-night conversation. Probably from the other side of the door…
Things to Do – Beyond the Apartment
Comtesse Lisbonne is great, but remember this: you are in Lisbon. Explore! There are tons of things to do. You're a quick trip away from all the famous attractions (the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)). They also have a Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars and Meetings. Plus there are *Indoor venue for special events *and Outdoor venue for special events.
Services and Conveniences – Your Little Helper
The Concierge was lovely and helpful. The Daily housekeeping was meticulous. The Doorman was friendly. The Laundry service was actually useful. They also provide the Dry cleaning, Ironing service and Food delivery.
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor niggles (and the hills!), the Comtesse Lisbonne apartment is fantastic. The rooms are gorgeous, the cleanliness is impeccable, and the location, while a little tricky to access, is central enough to explore. This place leans towards luxury without being stuffy.
Final Grade: 8.5/10 (Would be higher
Unbelievable Views: Khokak Panoramas Hotel, Yunlin, Taiwan - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my totally-not-perfect, probably-a-little-chaotic, and definitely-opinionated Lisbon adventure from my base at the Comtesse Lisbonne - Apartment I. Forget those pristine travel blogs; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, my friends. Prepare for feels, fiascos, and a whole lotta pastel de nata.
The Comtesse Lisbonne Rant (Pre-Trip, obviously):
First things first, that apartment. The Comtesse Lisbonne… the pictures online? Stunning. Immaculate. Like, “lives in a Vogue photoshoot” level. My expectations, let's just say, were sky-high. (Spoiler alert: they were slightly adjusted upon arrival. More on that later.) But the location? PERFECTION. Right in that Alfama heart, cobbled streets, fado wafting through the air… swoon. So, initial excitement levels… a solid 8.5 out of 10.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Pastel De Nata Quest (Spoiler: Success!)
- Morning (the actual morning) : Flight from Dulles. Jet lag hit me like a brick. Airports are my own personal purgatory. Prayed to the god of smooth landings. We made it.
- Afternoon (Lisbon time): Okay, so navigating the metro with a suitcase and a general lack of direction is a sport in itself. Let's just say I may have ended up in a slightly different neighborhood (but hey, Lisbon is beautiful everywhere, right?). Thankfully, that lovely Comtesse Lisbonne was easy to find.
- Apartment Assessment: Okay, so the apartment? Beautiful. Really. The pictures didn't lie. The balcony? Glorious. The… tiny, slightly wonky shower? Let's just say I'm going to need a plumber by day 3. But the view? Unbeatable. Instantly bumped my overall happiness up to a solid 9.
- The Pastel de Nata Hunt: This was mission critical. My entire trip hinged on the perfect pastel de nata. The Pasteis de Belém was a must. Crowded as hell, but worth it. (Seriously, the crust! The custard! The cinnamon sprinkle! I might have eaten three. Don’t judge.) Followed by a local spot, Confeitaria Nacional. Pretty good too, but Belem won.
- Evening: Stumbled through the Alfama, got delightfully lost, nearly tripped over a cobblestone (standard), found a tiny, dimly lit restaurant with an amazing Fado performance. Tears may or may not have been shed. Fado, people. It gets you. Ate way too much grilled octopus. Absolutely NO regrets.
Day 2: Hill Hopping, Tram Traumas, and a Monumental Meltdown (Slightly) Over Sardines
- Morning: Woke up with a crick in my neck from sleeping in a poorly designed bed. Coffee immediately. Explored the Castelo de São Jorge: views were epic, but seriously, climbing those castle walls? I’m pretty sure I’m at least 5 pounds lighter (muscle pain from overexertion).
- Tram 28 Disaster: Okay, so everyone raves about Tram 28. I’m here to tell you, it’s a sweaty, sardine-can experience of epic proportions. Beautiful route, yeah, but crammed in like a… you guessed it, a sardine. I did NOT get any good photos.
- Lunch Saga: Okay, so here's where things went sideways. I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to try a canned sardine tasting at a trendy little shop. The concept was cool, the packaging was beautiful. The sardines? Okay, some tasted like the sea, some tasted like… well, something else. I'M NOT A FAN OF CANNED SARDINES, OKAY?! This led to a minor existential crisis fueled by jet lag and a lack of air conditioning.
- Afternoon: Found a shady park, ate my way through a bag of biscoitos bought from a local bakery, calmed the hell down, and watched the sunset. Lisbon, you sneaky devil, you always pull me back from the brink.
Day 3: Doubling Down on Fado, Port Wine, and Questionable Decisions
- Morning: The wonky shower finally got me. Called the Comtesse Lisbonne concierge. Fingers crossed they can perform some miraculous plumbing!
- Afternoon: Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia. HOLY MOLY. I may or may not have gotten a little… tipsy. The history of port wine is fascinating, though. I'm basically now an expert. Also, the views across the Douro River at sunset are just… chef's kiss.
- Evening: We went to another Fado house. I went to another Fado house. This time, I made a reservation, and it was much less touristy. Saw THE most extraordinary performance. The singer's voice was pure heartbreak and raw emotion. I cried again. (I’m starting to think I might just be a naturally emotional person.) Afterwards, I had a slightly regretful late-night conversation with a friendly local, and ate more grilled octopus. The night ended with walking home in the dark, singing along to some random fado. Good times.
- Day 4: Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Pastries, Twice!
- Morning: After a long day of adventure and fun, I finally had time to sleep deeply. So glad for the extra rest! Went back, (AGAIN) to the Jerónimos Monastery, as the first time was great.
- Afternoon: I ate my way through more of Belem. You know how I said the first time that the pastries were great? This time, they were AMAZING.
- Day 5: The Departure.
- Morning: The day I have to leave, and oh no, the shower is fixed. Just my luck.
- Afternoon: I am flying back home.
Observations, Random Thoughts, and Lisbon Musings:
- Lisbon is a City Built on Hills: Prepare your legs. And your lungs. And your sanity.
- The People: Generally, wonderful. Kind. Helpful. (Except maybe that one waiter who gave me the side-eye for asking for ketchup with my… you guessed it, octopus.)
- Language Barrier: While most people speak English in tourist areas, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases is HIGHLY recommended… and makes the experience much better. "Obrigado" (thank you) and "Por favor" (please) will go a long way.
- The Apartment: Still think the Comtesse Lisbonne apartment is perfect, but I'm requesting a better shower head when I come back.
- Overall: Lisbon is a city that gets under your skin. It's beautiful, crumbling, emotional, and delicious. I’m already planning my return. And next time, I’m bringing snacks, a strong sense of direction, and perhaps a therapist on speed dial. (Just kidding… mostly.)
So there you have it. My completely unedited, slightly messy, and totally honest Lisbon adventure. Go. Experience it for yourself. And don't forget the pastel de nata. And maybe skip the canned sardines.
Seattle Airport's BEST-KEPT Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Alright, spill it! Is this place actually *luxury* luxury? Like, caviar-for-breakfast luxury?
Okay, okay, settle down. Look, "luxury" is subjective, right? My definition involves a bathtub big enough to drown in (metaphorically, of course… mostly), a decent espresso machine, and a view that makes you want to weep with joy. The Comtesse? It hits *most* of those marks. The view? Oh, *chef's kiss*. Absolutely stunning. Makes you feel like you own a little slice of Lisbon sunshine. The tub... well, let's just say it's a *very* comfortable soak. The espresso maker... I think I may have overloaded it the first morning. Burned half the coffee. But hey, learning experience! That's luxury, right? Getting to make mistakes in a gorgeous place?
Location, location, location! Is it actually *in* the cool part of Lisbon? (And by "cool" I mean, can I walk to a pastel de nata without breaking a sweat?)
Okay, listen. Location is crucial. Think prime real estate, *not* the back alleys where the pigeons hang. The Comtesse is *close*. Real close. You can practically *smell* the warm pastries from this place. Pastel de natas? Yep. A short stroll. Also, the area's got a fantastic buzz. Loads of little shops, restaurants that actually know what they're doing (unlike that tourist trap I stumbled into last time… don't ask). It’s a *bit* uphill though. My fitness app probably recorded my walks as a marathon, especially after those pastel de natas. But hey, worth it, right? Embrace the burn! (and maybe book a massage...)
What about the apartment itself? Is it all pristine & perfect, or are there any… quirks? (And by quirks, I mean, "will the air con work?")
Alright, honesty time. Yes, it's gorgeous. Like, magazine-spread gorgeous. The furniture is stylish, the design is on-point. It *looks* incredible. But – and this is a big but – perfection is boring, and honestly, a little unsettling. Okay, so the air con? Worked fine… for the most part. One night it decided to take a break, which led to me wandering around in a silk robe that *definitely* cost too much, fanning myself with a menu from the restaurant downstairs. But hey, these things happen, right? Also, little imperfections are human, just like me! You know, the slight creak in the floorboards, the wonky handle on the balcony door… they add character! Okay, maybe not the creak at 3 AM. But still… character!
Let's talk about the *feeling* of staying there. Like, how did it *make* you feel? Actually make you *feel*?
Oh, the *feeling*! Okay, so, the first few hours? Pure unadulterated *giddiness*. Like, "OMG, I'm actually here!" type of thing. Then, you settle in, make a coffee (after the burner incident), and you start to actually *breathe*. The stress melts away. Lisbon is calling. It's this heady mix of history, sunshine, and that amazing smell of baked goods... and you're in a truly beautiful space. I felt… peaceful. Maybe a little luxurious, yes. I even wrote a poem (it was terrible, don't ask). It's just… it's a *good* place to be. You feel taken care of. *And* you feel like you’re living a little bit of a dream. I miss it already. Ugh.
The kitchen... is it actually usable, or is it just for show? I like to cook, okay?
Ah, the kitchen. A key question. Let's get real. Look, if you're planning on whipping up Michelin-star meals, maybe pack your own gadgets. But is it usable? Absolutely! There's a decent oven, a hob that actually heats up (unlike some places I've stayed, where you're basically cooking with crossed fingers), and all the basics. Okay, the fridge was a *little* small. I had to strategically arrange my supplies in a way I'm still proud of. Also, the lighting... could be brighter for serious chopping. But hey, I made a decent pasta dish in there, so… success! Don't expect to host a banquet, but you can definitely cook yourself a lovely meal. And there's a supermarket *right down the street* for impulsive purchases. I have a weakness for olives. And chorizo. And… well, you get the idea. Pack a good knife, though.
Alright, the balcony! The view! Tell me EVERYTHING. Did you spend twenty-four hours a day out there?
Okay. The balcony. Let's just… *breathe*. I’m getting that longing feeling even now. Imagine this: you've just woken up, the sun is *gloriously* shining, you've managed to brew a decent cup of coffee (miracle!), and you step out onto the balcony. The rooftops of Lisbon, the ancient buildings, the distant sound of a tram… it's intoxicating. I *tried* to spend twenty-four hours out there. Honestly, I did. My partner had to drag me inside for, like, food and sleep. The view is *that* distracting. You can watch the city *breathe*. The light changes throughout the day… it's stunning. It's the kind of view that makes you feel… connected. I'd go back *just* for that balcony. The memories. The peace and calm. Okay, I might cry now.
Service/Contact with property. Is there anyone available if you're in need and what are your takes?
Service is important. No matter how beautiful a place is, you need support if something gets wrong. In my experience, the support from the staff was great. They were very responsive, both before and during my trip. They dealt with my burned coffee episode with humor, which I appreciated. They were always available, which is the most important part. When I needed recommendations, they had a slew of good options as well. Definitely give them a shout if you need help.
So, the big question: Would you go back? Honestly?
HELL YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt. Okay, maybe I'd pack a travel-sized fan. But yes. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The Comtesse Lisbonne is a special place. It's not just a place to stay; it's an experience. It's a feeling. It's the kind of place that sticks with you long after you've left. It’s a mess, it's human, and it's *perfectly* imperfectBook Hotels Now
