By Gayatri Bhaumik
A Hyatt Regency in the neighbourhood of Belém isn’t the obvious choice for a stay in Lisbon. Belém might be a short tram ride away and popular for its many tourist attractions, but visitors to the Portuguese capital are more likely to stay in its historic centre. And, as a brand, the Hyatt Regency is better known for providing an efficient business-focused offering rather than a design-forward stay focused on leisure guests. But the Hyatt Regency Lisbon, a recent addition to the city’s hospitality line-up, is hoping to change that.
First, there’s the location. Hyatt Regency Lisbon is tucked into a quiet spot away from the tourist hub of Belém, but a short stroll takes you to all the major local attractions. Within minutes, you can be browsing the royal conveyances at the National Coach Museum, perusing the art at MAAT, checking out the historical Jerónimos Monastery and iconic Tower of Belém, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Tagus River.
A Hyatt Regency in the neighbourhood of Belém isn’t the obvious choice for a stay in Lisbon. Belém might be a short tram ride away and popular for its many tourist attractions, but visitors to the Portuguese capital are more likely to stay in its historic centre. And, as a brand, the Hyatt Regency is better known for providing an efficient business-focused offering rather than a design-forward stay focused on leisure guests. But the Hyatt Regency Lisbon, a recent addition to the city’s hospitality line-up, is hoping to change that.
First, there’s the location. Hyatt Regency Lisbon is tucked into a quiet spot away from the tourist hub of Belém, but a short stroll takes you to all the major local attractions. Within minutes, you can be browsing the royal conveyances at the National Coach Museum, perusing the art at MAAT, checking out the historical Jerónimos Monastery and iconic Tower of Belém, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Tagus River.
Then, there’s the hotel design. Step into the lobby and it’s immediately clear that this isn’t the average Hyatt Regency. While it’s not pushing the limits for design and luxury, there’s a subtle elegance that comes from the earth-toned hues, light-wood partitions and display shelves, and natural light filtering in through floor-to-ceiling windows.
A similar aesthetic dominates the Deluxe Queen Suite I check into, one of 204 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms at the hotel. Throughout, the suite features whitewashed walls, smooth light oak wood floors, and cream and grey tones brightened by splashes of calming blue.
A similar aesthetic dominates the Deluxe Queen Suite I check into, one of 204 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms at the hotel. Throughout, the suite features whitewashed walls, smooth light oak wood floors, and cream and grey tones brightened by splashes of calming blue.
The suite deftly combines functionality with simple elegance. The sprawling living area is furnished with a six-seater dining table, and a comfortable seating area by the balcony overlooking the hotel’s courtyard. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen—perfect for longer stays—a restful bedroom dominated by a queen-sized bed, and a spacious bathroom with a separate soak-tub and shower.
The rest of the Hyatt Regency Lisbon offers other similar glimpses of comfort, style and leisure offerings throughout its public spaces and amenities, including extensive wellness facilities and gastronomic offerings.
In the basement, the 1,000sqm spa, Serenity – The Art of Well Being, is reminiscent of a modern Moroccan hammam with its whitewashed long, arched walkways. It’s worth spending a few hours enjoying the Thermal Oasis, which includes an indoor swimming pool and a full complement of bathhouse facilities. If working out is your form of self-care, the spa also runs the Active by Serenity gym, which is easily one of the best-equipped hotel gyms around.
In the basement, the 1,000sqm spa, Serenity – The Art of Well Being, is reminiscent of a modern Moroccan hammam with its whitewashed long, arched walkways. It’s worth spending a few hours enjoying the Thermal Oasis, which includes an indoor swimming pool and a full complement of bathhouse facilities. If working out is your form of self-care, the spa also runs the Active by Serenity gym, which is easily one of the best-equipped hotel gyms around.
But the indulgent treatments are what you’re really here for. Book the “Sentir Lisboa,” an ode to the city which incorporates local ingredients and scents into an 80-minute scrub and massage ritual that is thoroughly restorative and will leave you zoned out then put a spring in your step.
Currently, there’s one restaurant at Hyatt Regency Lisbon, the all-day dining destination named VISEVERSA. Inspired by Europe’s grand cafés—albeit with far less fuss—this is the perfect spot to refuel.
It’s worth slipping in for a post-workout breakfast in the form of a plentiful buffet and hot dishes made to order. For lunch and dinner, the a la carte menu has solid Portuguese-inspired dishes like the Fish & Seafood Bisque, and Octopus with Lentils & Peppers.
From here, guests can take the dedicated lift up to Icon, the hotel’s rooftop bar which, in summer, is a convivial gathering place with incredible views over Lisbon.
In all honesty, expectations weren’t high when checking into Hyatt Regency Lisbon. But the hotel has been carefully crafted to create a welcoming experience. And they’re not done yet. At lunch, the hotel’s General Manager, Javier Soler Muñoz reveals that he has grand plans for the hotel.
Among other ideas, a new iteration of ZEST—the hotel’s healthy food and juice bar—will become a mainstay of the lobby, while a chic new restaurant concept will host what aims to be Lisbon’s most lavish brunch. There are even plans to be more family-friendly, with suites that include “kids’ rooms” and activities that’ll keep the littles busy during check-in. It’s already a comfortable stay, but with so much more in store, Hyatt Regency Lisbon is aiming to become a sought-after booking in the city.
From here, guests can take the dedicated lift up to Icon, the hotel’s rooftop bar which, in summer, is a convivial gathering place with incredible views over Lisbon.
In all honesty, expectations weren’t high when checking into Hyatt Regency Lisbon. But the hotel has been carefully crafted to create a welcoming experience. And they’re not done yet. At lunch, the hotel’s General Manager, Javier Soler Muñoz reveals that he has grand plans for the hotel.
Among other ideas, a new iteration of ZEST—the hotel’s healthy food and juice bar—will become a mainstay of the lobby, while a chic new restaurant concept will host what aims to be Lisbon’s most lavish brunch. There are even plans to be more family-friendly, with suites that include “kids’ rooms” and activities that’ll keep the littles busy during check-in. It’s already a comfortable stay, but with so much more in store, Hyatt Regency Lisbon is aiming to become a sought-after booking in the city.
This write-up is based on a complimentary two-night media stay. No money has been paid for publishing this piece which is entirely based on the genuine opinion of its author.
About Gayatri Bhaumik
Always ready for her next adventure, Gayatri Bhaumik took her first flight at 10 days old and hasn’t looked back since. After long stints in Bangkok, Melbourne and London, she's now based in Hong Kong. She contributes travel and lifestyle content to titles like Travel + Leisure SEA, ECHELON, Elite Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide and Destination Deluxe. She also founded The Wordsmith’s Ink, a corporate copywriting and social media agency, where she works with clients like Shangri-La Hotels and Shopify.
Always ready for her next adventure, Gayatri Bhaumik took her first flight at 10 days old and hasn’t looked back since. After long stints in Bangkok, Melbourne and London, she's now based in Hong Kong. She contributes travel and lifestyle content to titles like Travel + Leisure SEA, ECHELON, Elite Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide and Destination Deluxe. She also founded The Wordsmith’s Ink, a corporate copywriting and social media agency, where she works with clients like Shangri-La Hotels and Shopify.