Tech-heads and design freaks will love this spot. Power sockets and USB ports are a dime a dozen and a remote control lets you flick, switch and dim to your heart’s content.
The Evolution hotel is something of a revolution, and strives to be a hotel of the 21 st century with mod-cons and flexible service (including self-check- in). It’s got some quirk factor too, notwithstanding the fact that the hotel is supported by a giant stone hand. There’s also urban art displays about the place. Inside, the rooms are spacious and modern and include a sitting area, desk and a city view to boot. Bold coloured feature walls and mosaic bathrooms give a pop of character. From the comfort of your bed you can adjust the temperature, mood lighting and drapes as you fancy using the hotel app or your TV. The hotel strikes a younger vibe with a groovy neon-lit bar that transforms into a dancefloor as the night wears on and is pumped up by the resident DJ. If you get the 3am munchies post-boogie, you can wander down to the 24-hour deli for a snack. On the top floor there’s a fitness centre with a heated pool, a sauna with dang-fine view, and a Turkish bath. Everything is open around the clock.
Location: The hotel is located in Saldanha, which is a commercial area slightly outside the main tourist action. Your best bet is to jump on the metro at the Saldanha station (or walk 15 minutes to São Sebastião if you’d prefer not to change lines to get to the central Baixa station) and scoot downtown to hit the sights. The area is quiet and has a local feel.
Nearby:
Choupana Caffé: Choupana is a cool and casual place to feed your caffeine addiction. It’s also good for Sunday brunch, although it does get rather busy, so be prepared to wait in line at peak hour.
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian: This museum includes both the founder’s private collection as well as modern exhibitions showcasing Portuguese art from the end of the nineteenth century to the present day. Guided tours are available.
Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa: Lisbon’s renowned zoo is three kilometres from the hotel. Here you’ll find a diverse range of animals, including gorillas, elephants, dolphins and lemurs.
Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII: This lookout is located on the border of the park named after one of Portugal’s most famous fado singers, Amália Rodrigues. From here you can admire a sweeping city view across the manicured gardens.
O Talho: O Talho means ‘the butcher’, which should give you a clue as to what’s on the menu at this restaurant by well-known Portuguese chef Kiko Martins. There is in fact also a butchery onsite.
Good for: Tech-savvy travellers will like the modern nature of this hotel, as will those who like to be a little removed from the city bustle. The bathrooms lack privacy, so best to stay with your loved one or a very close friend to minimise awkwardness.
Amenities: pool; room service; free Wi-Fi; minibar; restaurant; bar; gym; laundry service; concierge; spa
Time Out tip: If you want in on the local scene, make like the students at the nearby Técnico university by grabbing a beer on a sunny afternoon and taking it to Jardim Arco do Cego.