The Pensao Londres is in a charming, light-green wedge-shaped building with wrought-iron balconies. Inside is a wooden front desk where guests are required to leave their room keys every time they exit the building. The stairways look old, with wooden steps and painted red-and-white railings wrapping around a wire elevator cave. Breakfast is served in a cheery room filled with tables draped in yellow and blue tablecloths. Colorful curtains, floral centerpieces, and a chandelier add charm to the space, while baskets offering bread items and fresh fruit sit on a buffet table for hungry guests. 

Panso Londres is located in a convenient spot for exploring the city on a hill near the Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara, which offers impressive views of St. George’s Castle. The hotel is located between Principe Real -- a neighborhood with plenty of shops and cafes -- and the Bairro Alto, a lively locale known for its nightlife. There’s a metro station within a 15-minute walk, making it an easy commute to most of the city’s attractions, and the airport is within a half-hour drive.

Rooms at the hotel are dated but homey, with wooden bedroom sets, candelabra chandeliers, and colorful, patterned bedding. All rooms have tube or flat-screen TVs. In addition to rooms with private bathrooms, rooms with shared bathrooms are available. Tile bathrooms vary from walk-in showers to shower/tub combos, occasionally including bidets, and some are more dated than others. Rooms with views of the river are available, as are family rooms with four beds. Some past guests have complained of outside noise from late-night revelers in the area.

There aren’t a lot of extra features at this budget hotel, and its best feature is its convenient location in the city center. There is, however, a free breakfast of bread, cereal, fruit, cold cuts, and cheese. There’s also an Internet corner with one computer for guests' use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.