It was at the end of the 1990s in New York and then in San Francisco that boutique hotels developed. Indeed, the excessive standardisation of the establishments of the large hotel chains led to the birth of a type of establishment which designates a category of hotel with charm and character. The concept arrived in Europe at the beginning of the 2000s. This type of hotel is distinguished by its emphasis on a unique style and concept.
Ok ok… after this brief history of an often overused term. Let me give you an example, in some way a cursor that I recently discovered. This is the LX Boutique Hotel in Lisbon.
Why this one in particular?
Let me tell you about my experience… In a few key points that distinguishes it from other establishments with the same name in the town of 7 hills and elsewhere in Europe.
It has a strong personality. The intimate size of the LX Boutique Hotel gives the place a personalised five-star reception service and an intoxicating atmosphere. What’s more, you are within the walls of a family business, so everything is done to don’t make you feel like you are in a company hotel.
It is exclusive. While most hotel professionals agree that for a property to be considered a boutique hotel, it should not exceed 100 rooms (but this is not tiny: if it has less than 10 rooms, it is not a boutique hotel but a B&B or an inn). The LX Boutique hotel has 68 rooms. It has expanded into the building next door and now forms a corner on Rua Alecrim (Rosemary street) which brings a lot of light from the opposite bank.
He has a spirit that is both eccentric and modern. The LX Boutique Hotel is not stifling. Its decoration is a good compromise between the typical and the avant-garde. A delicate decoration realized with care down to the smallest details. The LX Boutique surprises with touches of charm and its corridors are filled with a sense of place inspired by elements of the city, from its Fado music, to its wide river Tagus and the literary giant Fernando Pessoa. The first floor is a large restaurant open all day with a bar at the end and a small reception in the neighboring building. The rooms have parquet floors, warm blue walls and bright blue tiled bathrooms. There are windows overlooking the Tagus River; others are nestled under the attic with sloping ceilings and white shutters. Ideal for early risers, the coffee machine to enjoy the first rays of sunshine.
He is often friendly to four-legged travellers like me. LX boutique has been particularly lenient with me, which a more conventional large hotel would not do under any circumstances. This does not mean that everything is allowed, far from it. Let’s just say that open-mindedness is in order. The service is excellent and the staff young and friendly. Anthonio has received me with the utmost attention and has done everything possible to make my stay enjoyable.
Another major asset is, of course, its location in one of Lisbon’s most emerging districts. And despite the proliferation of new hotels, it remains in the city and slightly off-centre. Here you are just minutes away from the most important places. You can avoid traffic jams if you plan to get out of the city quickly and the train station in the direction of Cascais is just 5 minutes away, that is, across the street. I would definitely classify the LX boutique Hotel in the practical category for lovers of no-frills luxury.
If you find a boutique-hotel with so many assets. Just call me!
Lx Boutique Hotel
R. do Alecrim 12, 1200-017 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351 213 474 394