Originally Posted by
ohmark
Thanks Rob for taking the time to post your review. Could you please comment on the rooms, building, and furnishings? What type of room did your SNA's get you?
My SNAs got me the Capelllo suite. I believe it's the "lower" end of the suites based on their website but it was definitely adequate and it came with two balconies. It had a living room, two full bathrooms (no bath tub, just showers), a large bedroom and a sitting area with a desk towards the back of the bedroom. The balconies are rather thin but plenty wide to fit 4 people on them. There was one from the living room and one from the bedroom.
Originally Posted by
arlflyer
Interesting to see another boutique property as an option, and to see a thorough review. I can definitely understand the appeal to many visitors of being in the heart of all the action, and of staying at a property with a bit more local flavor than a standard business hotel. Personally, I'll probably always keep heading back to the Sheraton, as it's tough to pass up all the amenities, and I rather prefer being out away from the crowds.
Yes, I get it. But when I'm there for a quick weekend and want to do a few things I haven't already done in Lisbon I wanted to be closer to the action. The Ivens was more expensive than the Sheraton but it was worth it to me for this trip.
Also, given Covid, the amenities between the two hotels are almost negligible. The Sheraton has a lounge but it's closed anyway. Breakfast at The Ivens was honestly better than the Sheraton - although totally different style. Sheraton you can eat as much as you want and serve it to yourself. In the evening the Sheraton does have their faux lounge in the lobby area but when I was there a few months ago the service was pretty awful because it was busy and unless you raised your hand and made eye contact with someone you weren't getting served at all. The rooms at The Ivens are nicer and more modern and the water pressure at the Ivens reminds me of Brazil.
-RM