Meraki #13 EN - Hotel Fontecruz Lisboa

MERAKI Hotels & Fine Dining

HOTEL FONTECRUZ LISBOA Modern and irreverent luxury Visual Stories by Carla Branco | Story #13

HOTEL FONTECRUZ LISBOA Modern and irreverent luxury In the center of Lisbon, more specifically on Avenida da Liberdade, one of the most emblematic boulevards in the city, is the boutique hotel Fontecruz Lisboa Autograph Collection, a charming five-stars that is an authentic homage to the city of Lisbon and its traditions. If the inside is stunning... the comfort is superb!

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We enter the lobby and leave the busy Avenida da Liberdade behind. From now on, moments of leisure, tranquility and some eccentricity follow. Fontecruz Lisboa is a five star but with a lot of personality and original in many aspects.

Traditional Portuguese decor is combined with modern luxury in the right dose. The extravagance of the red armchairs in the lobby, visible from the windows facing the avenue, does not leave anyone indifferent, and pull the imagination of those who pass by. Outside, the neon on the facade provokes us, the "Hot" becomes "Hotel" and the mirroring of the tiles seems to reflect the pulse of the city.

FOUR SEASONS RITZ SPA Viagem exclusiva entre Ocidente e Oriente

Estamos no spa de um dos mais emblemáticos espaços de Lisboa, o Hotel Ritz, um compromisso entre a modernidade e a tradição. Fomos conhecer um dos seus tratamentos de assinatura - “Sete Colinas de Lisboa” - um luxo clássico de puro prazer, inspirado pelos ingredientes portugueses mais naturais e tradicionais.

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DISCOVERING LISBON The central location of Fontecruz Lisboa is highly privileged and allows us to discover the city.

With just a short walk, we descend Avenida da Liberdade towards Baixa Pombalina, where we get lost in shopping in contemporary stores or traditional spaces, in the streets and markets, and find charms that are only possible to discover on foot and pass us completely unnoticed when we travel by car.

The hotel, an authentic oasis in the city center, has access to the best transportation options in the city, including a metro station right in front of the hotel and a direct bus to the airport.

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ROOMS AND SUITES When we arrive from travel, the comfort of the room is an essential element in our stay.

It is difficult to choose the view we want according to the tranquility we are looking for.

From the main facade we come across a panoramic and green Avenida da Liberdade, more cosmopolitan and bustling. At the rear, you can see the beautiful hills of Lisbon, the historic center, and also the inner courtyard where the terrace of the bar and restaurant is located. Here we are privileged with such a precious asset in the center of the city: silence and tranquility.

The rooms and suites are divided into several categories, Large, Deluxe, Balcony, Terrace, Suite and Presidential Suite.

The windows are soundproof, the spaces are wide, the amenities are of superior quality with aromatherapy, the furniture and all the decoration is elegant and the high-speed Wi-Fi is complimentary.

At Fontecruz Lisboa, every item has been thought out in detail. On the edge of the bed, an old postcard from Lisbon was waiting for me to read the phrase: “In the city of longing I remembered you”. And this small gesture is relevant. After writing and filling in the address, we deposit the postcard in a makeshift mailbox in the lobby and look forward to its arrival.

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BISTRÔA RESTAURANT & TERRACE BAR After a restful night's sleep, it is at the Bistrôa that we start the day for breakfast, which can be served both indoors and on the privileged outdoor terrace. Suddenly it seems that we are in a peaceful garden in the center of Lisbon where we can enjoy meals full of fresh and homemade ingredients.

In the middle of the afternoon, the Bistrôa Terrace became an open space oasis and a safe area to avoid crowded environments while drinking a cocktail.

But at dinner, in a more intimate and dimly lit environment, the Bistrôa gains a cosmopolitan experience. The decor is fascinating and very irreverent, elegance blends soberly with art and on t h e w a l l s we h a v e t h e co m p a n y o f S e r g e Gainsburg, Jane Birkin, Deborah Harry, among others.

Portuguese specialties were served here, made with the mastery of Chef Rui Borges, who was the perfect host during the Tasting Menu, explaining the concept behind each dish.

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Several dishes arrived at our table: Salamanca ham croquettes with mustard aioli; Monte da Vinha cheese (the most awarded in Portugal), Tomato coulis, Clam xarĂŠm and watercress; Grouper and broad beans with spare rib sauce; Cod confit with asparagus puree, butter and baby carrot; Oxtail, cherovia puree and a hint of red fruits or a tender Black pork rum with orange purĂŠe and kale - cooked at low temperature for 3 days.

The pairing was made with Pavina wines, red and white, reserves of 2018, with a rich flavor and ideal to accompany the intensity of the dishes.

And finally, a very distinctive and unusual but highly satisfying dessert Chestnut cheesecake with rhubarb broth.

We were awarded with a wave of flavor, Portuguese cuisine at its best with the recreation of typical dishes from our gastronomy reflecting flavors, traditions and authentic memories of Portugal.

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HOUSE RULES The Fo n t e c r u z Lisboa Autograph Collection is an entire experience that works 24 hours a day to guarantee amenities and ser vices that elevate this boutique hotel to a very personalized and special category for all its customers.

From the room service, to the parking ser vice, bar and restaurant, terrace, a modern gym, a space for events... a true five star.

And in times of pandemic, we feel safe knowing that all hygiene and safety rules are fulfilled, but there is another premise that must be fulfilled to integrate the spirit and respect the house rules: “What happens i n Fo n t e c r u z ‌ s t a y s i n Fontecruzâ€? . A well kept secret!

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MERAKI Hotels & Fine Dining

CEO/Editor CARLA BRANCO Text CARLA BRANCO Photos FONTECRUZ LISBOA Story #13 October 2020 www.marriott.com

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