HF Fenix Lisboa

The four-star Hotel Fenix Lisboa crowns the top of Avenida da Liberdade and overlooks the bustling Praça Marquês de Pombal and Parque Eduardo. As far as locations go, this is prime territory.

The giant boxy exterior of the hotel, with its 1960s utilitarian look, is at first difficult to warm up to. Plus, the building is huge, with 193 rooms, and it's made of concrete. Thankfully, the lobby is open and airy, and a shiny glass atrium leads to cheery downstairs dining rooms (three meals served daily).

Rooms are understatedly, though attractively, decorated in muted beiges and grays. All feature double-glazed windows, individually controlled A/C, minibar, flat-screen cable TV and telephone. Bathrooms are equipped with full-size bathtubs or large walk-in showers, plus hair dryer and toiletries.

Rooms either look out to the park, the traffic circle or the hotel's garden. One possible downside: Even with the double-paned windows, we could still hear traffic outside. Light sleepers should request a room overlooking the garden.

Rates fluctuate quite a bit, depending on season and availability. Given the level of service and the laundry list of amenities, we'd find the Fenix to be a very good deal if you can get a room for around €100.

Breakfast is sometimes included in the room rate—check ahead when booking. Wi-Fi is offered for free.