[Hotel Review] The Ivens, Autograph Collection

On By Satu KosongIn Autograph Collection, Holiday, Lisbon, Marriott Bonvoy, Portugal

TAP Air Portugal Traipse

It was a rather difficult process selecting my hotel in Lisbon because I had only 1.5days in the city so I had to pick a convenient spot to maximise my time. And that’s how I ended up picking this rare choice of property with no club lounge.

Address – Rua Capelo 5, Lisbon, Portugal, 1200-224. Website.

Contact – Tel: +351 21-054 3135. Email: front@theivenshotel.com.

Location – The property is an iconic pink building in the heart of the city centre and located along the hilly slopes of the city. It seems it has an interesting history of being a former radio station as well as home to the first luxury warehouse in the city in the XIX century as well as of the first Portuguese public, which could explain its really quaint design.

After my stay, I can say for sure that the location is as good as all reviews point out – super convenient to shopping and restaurants though that requires a downhill walk but I didn’t mind it.

Price – I used 1x 85k FNA for the first night + EUR440 booked for a Capelo King under the Flexible Rate for the second which I prepaid. For what its worth, I think the price is a little high for its worth but figured since I have an expiring 85k FNA, why not.

Pre-arrival – I received a few emails prior arrival – one generic pre-arrival welcome….

then one more personalized welcome email letter where I took the opportunity to inform about ‘combining’ my 2 reservations into one so I don’t have to change rooms.

And then an upgrade offer which was crazy expensive in my opinion. I mean….a 68% premium of my room rate? Hah.

Getting There – I booked an airport pick up for my arrival for SGD48 (30-mins ride) as I was arriving in the evening and didn’t want the hassle of finding transport with luggage at that hour. But I later found out that an Uber works very well too at 1/3 of the price so I can save my $ next time.

Staff at the door front proactively helped with my luggage when the car pulled up, as it should be for an expensive property (below pic taken in the day time).

During my arrival at night, the building is a rather pretty sight but this also means the interior was way too dark for decent pics but here’s my attempt – I have to admit that the property is really quite unique as a Bonvoy property (as all Autograph Collections should) and has this luxe-vibe that some may like.

Check In – check in is done at one floor up from the arrival lobby – the staff said my luggage will be taken care of while I settle the formalities. So up I went to the similarly dark-ish check in desk and was done in 10misn which was great. Prosecco was also offered at this point – a tad sweet but definitely appreciated!

I was informed that I have been upgraded to the Ivens King, Balcony (which they call a Juliet balcony) as no Suites were available during my stay (the app checked that as correct).

Room – My room at 22SqM was really cosy but looks exactly like it is in pics – 2pax would definitely be a squeeze though in that space. The narrow walkway is an easy indication of the limited space to come.

They did still managed to fit a small wardrobe, safe, and small fridge with some shelving space to the right of the entrance way which I thought was quite impressive. There was a cute tote bag but I wasn’t sure if it was for taking or stay-use only so left it alone.

The main space fit the cushy bed, small bedside tables, a 2-seater sofa, and snack basket +luggage rack. On hindsight, that’s alot of stuff to fit into this space! The throw on the bed reminds of Edition’s MO but it is a creative touch nonetheless.

There were some turndown notes + scent bag (?) as well as welcome letter + egg candy (no idea what’s that) left on the bed and tables.

As a Bonvoy Elite (Platinum and above), the mini bar comes complimentary which I thought was quite generous even though it excluded the vodka and champagne – beers and snacks sound good enough!

The bathroom is kept classy and pretty adequate for 1pax, though the single sink comes with very limited countertop space. Toiletries are Aqua di Parma ones and has a woody scent if that matters.

I do have to point out that the ‘Juliet Balcony’ was quite hilarious in the sense that it wasn’t really useful. I realized that I didn’t remember to take any pics of it but it essentially is a little square space leading to a ledge with a door that can be opened up for some fresh air. If you are the type who prefers the curtains closed, this spot is pretty much useless.

Breakfast – breakfast is served at Rocco from 6:30am-10:30am and is a semi buffet style where you pick a main with a small buffet laid out. A rather peaceful spot at 7:30am, and the place is……….very much like the lobby where its.. just very dark for pics. But very pretty.

There is though a brighter sheltered courtyard area you can sit at which i later found out.

In terms of food, the small buffet spread is mostly cold apps, cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, and pastries.

It did take a while for the staff to bring me the menu which I thought was weird as I was only the 4th occupied table there. I selected the Avocado Toast with creamed spinach and disappointed to report that it was not good – they didn’t even have real avocados in the dish but just avocado cream which I didn’t expect from a property at this price point. Coffee was kind of weak too.

Rocco’s washrooms are also very …………interesting. Its not possible for me to like the over-the-top design but I suppose some may find it charming? Reminds me a little of Maxwell House in Singapore which is also an Autograph Collection. I don’t think I can last very long in this space without developing a headache.

Facilities – The property does have a small fitness centre located at the basement level – cosy but seemingly adequate.

Service – I would rate the property’s service quite high except for those in Rocco – staff were very polished and smiley efficient – much like what I experienced in Capella Singapore. The staff at the front door were also constantly alert – I did not have to open the main doors throughout my stay.

An example of alert staff was an occasion where I was waiting for my booked Tuk Tuk tour at the hotel lobby expecting the guide to come into the lobby to find me but they were actually waiting for me outside the door – the staff noticed it and approached me to alert. Niceee.

Others – I had an early departure for my final morning so requested for a breakfast box to be prepared and sent to the room at 430am – which they agreed! It was delivered on time, and way more generous than I expected”

Check Out – Empty lobby at 6am and painlessly settled.

In Summary,

A really expensive spot but I’m very happy with the location and its neighborhood so all good.

Onwards to Amsterdam I go!

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