At first glance, the Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade fits right in on the high-end shopping street of Avenida da Liberdade -- it looks like a modern luxury store with its white block, black glass, and gold-and-marble exterior. it's an expectedly upmarket look for this sophisticated brand. Inside, dark wood surfaces, deep blue and grey velvet furniture, and warm gold-toned walls give the lobby a plush, contemporary atmosphere with red-and-black accents throughout the rest of the hotel. Even guest room hallways are laid out in modern stripes and deep colors reminiscent of Portugal's Renaissance era of discovery, attracting guests looking for an upscale experience. The addition of a golden-ceilinged library lounge provides an extra touch of exclusivity to an otherwise average lobby bar. Guests range from families to older couples, although plenty of business travelers also take advantage of the prime location and reliably polished style.

The Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade is perfectly situated on one of the most famous streets of Lisbon: Avenida da Liberdade. The Fifth Avenue and Champs-Elysees of Portugal, the Avenida da Liberdade is home to many of the city's luxury brands, as well as plenty of other big, upmarket hotels. The Avenida Metro station is a three-minute walk from the hotel for access to the Azul line, but Lisbon is also a very walkable city -- especially in the center of town. Praca do Rossio, Restauradores, Ascensor da Gloria, and Palacio Foz, as well as the bustling narrow lanes of Chiado and Baixa, are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. It's a 15-minute walk to Praca do Comercio and the Tagus Riverfront, as well as the nightlife of Bairro Alto. Even during busy traffic hours, the airport won't be more than 30 minutes away by car, and cab fares there can be cheap. Alternatively, it will take about 50 minutes to reach Terminal One by metro, with a bit of walking and a transfer. 

Like the rest of the hotel, the hotel's smoke-free rooms are spacious and classy. The plush color palettes -- like deep reds and golden tans framed in black -- are undeniable handsome, but rooms can feel a bit dark as windows are also small. The Sofitel's own brand of MyBeds are comfortable and come in king or two twins per room, with the option of five different pillow types. Flat-screen TVs in ornate gold frames, a Bose sound system, private safe, and stocked minibars with an Illy (or Nespresso in suites) coffee machine are nice upscale touches. Suites come with additional living areas and pull-out sofas, and upgraded reservations also offer free airport transfers. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms. Bathrooms are also modern, and done in white porcelain, black tile, and stainless steel. Toiletries are either fancy Hermes or Lanvin, depending on room type, and all include a hairdryer and bathrobes. Both rainfall and handheld shower heads are convenient and pampering at once, but an en-face bidet makes the toilet nook of the bathroom feel cramped. 

Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade's restaurant AdLib offers Portuguese and French cuisine with live music on the weekends, and is a popular (if expensive) draw for both visitors and locals. Don't expect breakfast to be included in room rates, and the buffet can be pricey compared to other local options. Intra-Muros, the hotel's lobby bar, has a cozy library lounge to its side and serves light fares alongside standard cocktails. The free fitness room has limited cardio equipment and no windows, making it a bit disappointing for a hotel of this caliber. A 24-hour business center is free to access and provides two HP computers and printers, and nine event rooms with a max capacity of 150 people and the option of on-site catering. Guests may access newspapers and magazines for free via the hotel's online portal, and tourist information and a hotel-run monthly newsletter are readily available at the 24-hour concierge desk. Private indoor and valet parking are available for a fee, and additional public parking can be found nearby. Pets are also welcome for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.