What started as one of the most stressful travel days I’ve experienced in recent memory ended as one of the most memorable hotel stays I’ve had in Europe.
Arriving in Lisbon should have been straightforward. Instead, I found myself trapped in traffic for almost three hours as the city celebrated Corpus Christi, one of Portugal’s most significant religious holidays. Known locally as Corpo de Deus, the annual celebration honours the Eucharist and sees historic streets filled with religious processions, community gatherings and festivities that bring much of the city to a standstill. While culturally fascinating, it made for a challenging arrival, with road closures and diversions turning a relatively short journey into an endurance test.
By the time I finally reached the newly opened, Andaz Lisbon, my patience was wearing thin. Then the doors opened.
Within moments, the noise, stress and frustration of the city seemed to disappear. There was an immediate sense of calm. Soft lighting, thoughtful design and a relaxed atmosphere created exactly the welcome I needed after a chaotic afternoon navigating Lisbon’s crowded streets.
A Bank Reimagined
Located in the heart of the historic Baixa district, Andaz Lisbon occupies a building with a fascinating past. Long before it became one of the city’s newest luxury hotels, the property served as a bank. Rather than erase that history, the designers have embraced it, weaving the building’s heritage into the guest experience.
The most striking example is the magnificent original staircase that greets guests upon arrival. Once part of the bank’s grand architecture, it has been preserved and transformed into the centrepiece of the hotel’s artistic narrative. Above it hangs a contemporary installation by Portuguese artist Sofia Cruz, whose suspended glass forms create a dramatic contrast between old and new.
Elsewhere throughout the hotel, original heavy steel bank doors remain in place, offering subtle reminders of the building’s former life. These authentic architectural features give the property a depth and character that many newly built luxury hotels simply cannot replicate.
The building’s heritage reveals itself in other ways too. Unlike the uniform corridors and seamless layouts found in many modern hotels, Andaz Lisbon retains elements of the original structure. Guests will occasionally find themselves navigating short staircases between hallways and different sections of the property. Rather than feeling inconvenient, these transitions add to the charm of the experience. They serve as gentle reminders that this was once a functioning bank, thoughtfully transformed rather than completely rebuilt. In an era where so many luxury hotels feel interchangeable, these architectural quirks give Andaz Lisbon a distinctive personality and sense of place.
The wider design concept has been shaped by internationally acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola, whose work is celebrated for blending craftsmanship, culture and contemporary living. Throughout the hotel, carefully curated artwork, rich textures and thoughtful materials tell the story of Lisbon as a city shaped by centuries of trade, exploration and cultural exchange.
What impressed me most was how naturally this narrative unfolds. The art never feels forced. The design never feels performative. Instead, the hotel quietly invites guests to engage with Lisbon’s history and creative spirit.
Small Footprint, Smart Design
This sense of tranquillity extends into the guestrooms. Like many properties housed within historic buildings in central Lisbon, room sizes are not expansive, and at least the room I stayed in felt relatively compact. However, what it lacked in square footage, it more than made up for in intelligent design. Every inch has been carefully considered, with thoughtful layouts, integrated storage and well-planned furnishings creating a sense of space far beyond the actual footprint. The result is a room that feels comfortable, uncluttered and surprisingly generous. Soft earthy tones, natural materials and residential-style touches further enhance the feeling of calm, making it a welcome retreat after a day exploring the city.
Location is undoubtedly one of the hotel’s greatest strengths. Positioned close to Praça do Comércio and within walking distance of Rossio, Chiado, Alfama and many of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, it offers guests an ideal base from which to experience the city. Whether you’re visiting for culture, gastronomy or simply to wander Lisbon’s picturesque streets, much of what makes the Portuguese capital so special is right on your doorstep.
Rooftop Dining and Local Flavours
Food and drink are equally impressive. The rooftop restaurant, Luzzi, celebrates modern Portuguese cuisine while offering stunning views across the city skyline. The atmosphere is lively yet refined, striking the perfect balance between local authenticity and contemporary sophistication.
Meanwhile, the Andaz Lounge provides a more relaxed setting inspired by Lisbon’s traditional kiosks. Throughout the day it serves as a social hub where guests can enjoy artisan coffee, cocktails and Portuguese-inspired dishes while soaking up the hotel’s welcoming ambience.
The Verdict
However, while Andaz Lisbon excels in many areas, it would be remiss not to mention one notable shortcoming.
For a property positioned firmly within the five-star category, the absence of a spa is currently noticeable. Today’s luxury traveller increasingly expects wellness to form a central part of the guest experience, particularly in a hotel of this calibre. The gym is open and well-equipped, providing guests with everything needed for a workout during their stay, but those looking for a more complete wellness offering may find themselves missing the restorative experience a spa brings.
That said, I was advised that a significant expansion project is already underway, with spa and enhanced wellness facilities forming part of the next phase of the hotel’s development. If delivered to the same exceptional standard as the rest of the property, these additions will undoubtedly strengthen Andaz Lisbon’s position within Lisbon’s increasingly competitive luxury hospitality market.
Yet despite this, the hotel succeeds where it matters most. Many luxury hotels are beautiful. Far fewer have a genuine sense of place.
Andaz Lisbon feels intrinsically connected to its city. Through its preservation of the former bank’s architecture, its thoughtful artistic narrative and its celebration of Portuguese culture, it offers something more meaningful than simply a luxurious place to stay.
After three hours stuck in Corpus Christi traffic, I arrived frustrated, tired and desperate for a moment of calm. I left impressed by a hotel that understands the power of storytelling, honours the history of its building and delivers an experience that feels authentically Lisbon.
For a city built on centuries of reinvention, Andaz Lisbon feels like a fitting new chapter.
Rooms at Andaz Lisbon start from approximately €300 per night. Located just one minute from Praça do Comércio, the hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring the Portuguese capital, with direct flights to Lisbon available from most major UK airports.
Image Credit: Andaz Lisbon
