They're both OK - bit out of the way in terms of historical centre, but well-placed for short taxi rides to the airport, within easy reach of Metro stations - and weirdly enough just ten-minutes' walk between the two hotels.

The HI is the more modern, and probably has the edge in terms of smartness as a business hotel. It's located between two Metro lines, served by Campo Pequeno station (bull ring) and Alameda (shopping street Guerra Junqueiro). It's on a busy-ish side road, trafficked by cars in the day and hookers at night.

HI Continental is larger, a bit more tour-groupish, and just a tad more worn than the HI.

Neither is big on comfortable public spaces, but HI does give you an odd little roof-top swimming pool.

Both have suites and exec rooms for upgrades.

The rates at both are very reasonable via the ICH website, and I'm happy to stay in either. If the travel budget allows (i.e. someone else pays!) I'd always go for the Tivoli or Avenida Palace (bang in the centre). But at both these, the standard rooms will not be anything special, although public areas are grand.

The Sheraton is certainly a plusher hotel than the HI, but only marginally better situated, over a metro station, but just three stops closer to the centre. And a lot pricier. Oh - and a neat health club and pool