We just couldn’t decide where in Lisbon we wanted to stay. All the neighbourhoods sounded equally enticing and we trawled through a vast number of hotels on the internet before we stumbled upon the Browns group. They have three hotels in Lisbon, we very nearly booked the Browns Downtown Hotel but then switched at the last minute to the Browns Central just because it seemed to get slightly better reviews on Trip Advisor. Not a cheap option but we loved the look of this place and were not at all disappointed once we got there.
Our plane from the UK was super early, by the time we arrived in Lisbon we were keen to get to the hotel, get rid of our luggage and start exploring.
Very close to the Baixa-Chiada underground station, we easily found it when we emerged from the station on our way from the airport. Relief that it was just steps away, we’d already had a thirty five minute train journey and didn’t fancy having to drag our cases too far along those mosaic pavements.
The hotel is in the Baixa neighbourhood and for us this could not have been a more perfect location. This is the lower part of Lisbon, built in French neo classical style after the earthquake of 1755 it is gorgeous and has a lovely atmosphere. Close to that metro but more importantly we found we were able to walk just about anywhere in the city. On those few times when we didn’t fancy hiking up those hills the tram stop was nearby as were the bus stops. We found a plethora of bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the hotel and stacks more just a short stroll away.
The staff at Browns Central were so incredibly friendly and helpful. Right from check-in we felt completely at home here. Walking through the door from the street I instantly loved the quirky lobby and bar area. Furnished with loads of books, 1950’s music playing and an Art Deco style bar we loved relaxing in the mismatched colourful armchairs and found it inviting and beautiful.
Our room on the second floor was just gorgeous. Not huge but plenty big enough for us to have space to relax and unwind, we again loved the decor and the attention to detail.
A huge double bed with the most comfortable mattress ever plus a camp bed for Son which also got the thumbs up – sleeping was not a problem here.
We had three large windows looking out into the lovely streets below and the room was bright and airy.
A Roberts radio on the bedside table, vintage Marshall speaker and subtle flat screen television meant all entertainment needs were covered. Free WiFi in the room was welcome but it was a little hit and miss at times.
There was a tray of cups and crockery ready for tea and Husband was more than happy to find a Nespresso machine and selection of coffee pods. We had a little sink, couple of rings for heating things up and a fridge. We used that and the wineglass cupboard which was very well stocked.
The bathroom was tiny but all marble with a super powerful shower and lovely toiletries.
We had breakfast each morning which was included in the rate we paid. This was served downstairs in another quirky room and we enjoyed the selection of bread, cheese and ham plus scrambled egg and bacon. There wasn’t a vast choice but it was definitely adequate for us.
The receptionist offered us a welcome drink on our first evening – Ginja – a Portuguese speciality and it was rather nice – I’m not normally partial to these types of drinks. I am partial to custard tarts though and they gave us one of these as well which was delicious.
We enjoyed the bar area and its ambiance so much we returned another night for a pre-dinner cocktail – the mojitos are top notch.
All of us loved staying in this hotel. It had a lovely atmosphere, a beautiful room, we had a great night’s sleep every night and the location was superb. Everything we could have wished for.
Joy, what a lovely hotel with a wonderful vibe. A beautifully appointed hotel is a major part of travel for me and to find a lovely one with impeccable service can be a daunting task! Looks like you hit the jackpot!
We really did Pam, this hotel was one of those special places you just don’t find that frequently – a real gem.
What a lovely hotel! Lisbon was our home for 3 years, looking forward to more photos from you 🙂
It was a gorgeous place to stay, we loved the city and its atmosphere. Must have been wonderful to be living there.
Your choice of looked perfect and I liked all those quirky bits and pieces. Such a good location too, making it convenient to explore the city centre. How nice that you even got a custard tart there, too but of course cocktails are preferable if I had to choose! Hope you have a good weekend, hope it’s going to get warmer.
It was such a great find – we were really lucky with this hotel and everything about the room was just perfect. I would go back there again in a heartbeat!! Seems like we’re in for some better weather after the Bank Holiday – typical!!
We’ve just been watching the Tour de Yorkshire but the cyclists whizzed past in the blink of an eye!!
One of my favorite cities! I usually stay just off Praca da Restauradores, but that hotel looks great.
It was a great find, we were a bit overwhelmed with hotel choices when we were planning this trip but this one suited us perfectly. It’s nice to have a favourite place you can go back to.
Looks good, a shame that I have already booked my accommodation in Lisbon!
I’m sure you have booked somewhere equally good. This was a lovely place though, a bit quirky and different which I loved.
I think I have booked an apartment just for a change!
Looks like you made a fantastic choice!
It was a gorgeous place in a great location, we were very lucky with this hotel!
I love the look of that hotel room. I am a sucker for mid-century furniture anyway but I also love how homely and comfy it looks. It’s always great to find a hotel that is in the perfect spot for public transport.
Me too Laura, everything about the decor in the room was right up my street, I loved it. The location was just the icing on the cake.
Sounds great.
It was so perfect for us Terry, we couldn’t have chosen a better hotel.
Do they speak English in Lisbon, Joy, or do you have to use a lot of hand signals?
No everybody spoke perfect English Coral – no issues at all anywhere we went.
Lisbon was such a quick stop for us, and I definitely want to go back. I’ve thought about renting a house there but not sure how much time to devote there.
Kind of a tricky one to know how much time might be too long!! We had 5 days and thought this was a pretty good amount of time to explore, I would go back though and do things at a more relaxed pace!
Oh we had that early flight too!! Your hotel looks wonderful. Must remember it when I can return kid free!
It was just gorgeous – everything about it and I would definitely recommend. There were plenty of families staying there too – older kids than your little ones but it was very family friendly.
Thanks for the t(r)ip. We’re thinking hopping to Lisbon from Paris this summer for a few days.
I will check the Browns.
Son is growing!
Be good.
He is growing too fast!!
We loved Lisbon, such a great city with so much to see and do. Hope you enjoy it if you make it there!
Thanks Joy. Will let you know. Yes they grow fast. You turn around and next thing you know they’re in College. 😉
Hope all is well.
B.
I love the character of the room! Very nice decoration!
Lisbon is a destination I’ve never had the chance to visit!
I’ve long wanted to go and it did not disappoint!! We had such a great time there and this hotel was the perfect base. I was in love with the room too – so gorgeous.
Loving the wallpaper!
Me too! The attention to every little detail in the room was superb.
Oh! This place looks so fun! I love hotels with a character! We liked our Lisbon accommodations a lot, but this looks even better!
This was such a lucky find Hilary – we loved it, it had character by the bucket load and a great location. If we ever get back to Lisbon this would be my first choice hotel.
Sounds like you found the perfect place to stay Joy- looks very comfortable with lots of character in a great location! Hope this comment gets through – not finding my iPad vey user friendly on the road! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend 😀
It was superb Rosemary – I would go back and stay there again if we ever make it back to Lisbon. Hope it’s still sunny where you are – we’re loving these blue skies.
It’s gone rather cold and grey this past couple of days Joy with a very cold wind! I think it’s getting a bit warmer mid week and off to London on Thursday where it should be warmer but think it’s due to rain! Think the west side of the country has been getting the best of the weather recently.
Love the look of this place! Looks so homey and inviting. Always a bonus when you love coming back to where you’re staying – can really make or break a trip.
This one definitely made our trip for sure Corey – it was gorgeous and had all our needs covered. We loved coming back here in the evenings, a very special place.