Hotel Britania

The intimate Hotel Britania has the same ownership as the Hotel Lisboa Plaza and is to be found just off the Avenida Liberdade, but on the opposite side of the tree-lined promenade from its sister hotel. Designed in 1944 by the famous Portuguese architect Cassiano Branco, the Hotel Britania was in its heyday quite grand (peek round from the lobby to see the original barber shop) but under past ownership had been "modernized" and the splendid marble columns in the lobby shrouded in dark wood paneling. Happily, the original ambiance has been restored. The dark paneling is now gone and the marble lobby is gently illuminated by a handsome, large, hand-blown glass chandelier. The lobby opens into a handsome bar with gorgeous old parquet floors, beautiful ceiling murals, and an interesting display of colonial heraldic shields. In the spacious, comfortable rooms, the deco furniture combines with the warm colors of the modern fabrics. The terrace was recently rehabilitated, creating, on a set back storey, a suite and two rooms, all with a spacious terrace. All of the bedrooms have beautiful, marble tiled bathrooms. The cheerful breakfast room is especially attractive, with a skylight illuminating small tables surrounded by chairs upholstered in a pretty gray and white pattern. The family-managed Hotel Britania extends a warm reception.