We were looking forward to our 4 night stay at Torel Palace Hotel based on the rave reviews. Reading reviews that all rooms have a view was unfortunately not true for us. We made the reservation for 6 nights already back in October via a booking agency with special offer, standard room with possibility of free upgrade, when available. We changed the reservation in February from 6 to 4 nights as we decided to visit Cascais (Albatroz, reviewed separately). We arrived late evening due to flight delay and we managed to eat in the restaurant before going to the room. It had been a long travel day and we were eager to get to bed and sleep. It was only next morning that we saw that our view from the room was overlooking rubbish containers. The room was located next to the gate at entrance of the property, and not at the back where everyone is sharing comments on the spectacular view from all rooms, towards the sea or across the city. Unfortunately we’ve been wakened a couple of times each night due to rubbish containers being emptied and the street cleaners. Also street cleaners standing opposite front entrance of hotel having a chat at 4 am in the morning. Our nights have not been peaceful. The room itself was small, and also a queen size bed did not lend to any type of extra comfort. The hotel advertise the standard room as good for a short stay. I don’t think 4 nights stay would fall under this category and would have imagined having made the reservation already last year, a better room would have been available. Also, avoid ordering a cocktail. Perhaps the normal bar staff had the night off but I returned a Bloody Mary and asked them to remove the charge as it was nothing more than a tumbler of ice vodka and tomato juice, without any garnishes. I asked the waiter if he could bring a bar spoon to stir the drink and he appeared with a napkin containing a wooden fork and straw. Really I expect much more from a luxury boutique hotel. This hotel would be better described as an upscale B&B. To end with some positive notes we found the staff to be excellent, very friendly and very service minded. The outside grounds of the hotel are also very beautiful. It was a pity that here was no waiter service outside as the weather was hot and sunny. At night there is also no atmosphere sitting outside on the panoramic lounge area. Enjoying a nice drink at this area of the hotel needs attention. Would we go back? No, there are much nicer hotels for this price right across Lisbon.
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