Found at the corner of an unassuming street just behind the Memoria Church, Wine and Books is a bit of a hidden gem in the Lisbon district of Belém. It is a surprisingly short walk, past the Tropical Gardens, and down to the riverside of the wide Tagus. It’s on a hill. So the walk back is a little longer and after a heavy lunch the bus is welcome. We did walk up numerous times so not too daunting.
It’s a modern hotel and has embraced all the benefits of digitalisation. Our room was very comfortable and well appointed, although the shower with three sides of clear glass was a bit of a challenge to our English conservatism.
I liked the décor which was a clever hybrid of hi-tech modern and, with the book lined shelves in the dining room/lounge, the indulgent comfort of a private gentleman’s club. Breakfast offered everything you might want, including a really creamy porridge and honey. The restaurant provided excellent food although, from our point of view the vegetarian options were limited.
But for all the physical and environmental attractions of the hotel, its crowning glory was the staff who were excellent with every single one of them treating us as if we were the only guests at the hotel. I had, inadvertently, brought a chest infection with me from the UK and while reception were tracking down clinics and pharmacies for me the catering staff were plying me with ‘special tea’ made to Bruno’s family recipe. We would definitely return to a Wine & Books Hotel.