Kristen
Hyatt Regency Lisbon
Having just earned Hyatt Globalist status in December, this trip marked our first real opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of this hard earned status. Since my husband — the official Globalist — wasn’t traveling with us, we set up Guest of Honor privileges through our concierge, which was easy to do.
We arrived in Lisbon tired after an overnight flight, so it was a welcome relief to find our room ready upon arrival. Even better, our Globalist status had earned us an upgrade from twin beds to a suite — spacious, beautifully appointed, and wonderfully comfortable, even without the coveted river or bridge view. My daughter claimed the pull-out sofa while I enjoyed the king bed in the separate bedroom.
What We Loved
The hotel checks a lot of boxes. The air conditioning was genuinely powerful — a blessing for those of us who prefer sleeping in a cool room and not always found in Europe. The kitchenette came equipped with a water filtering system, providing unlimited water, along with a washer/dryer combo that was unexpected for a hotel and was much appreciated. The beds had real comforters rather than the flimsy blankets that seem to have become an unfortunate industry standard. The on-site restaurant was delicious, if a bit pricey, and the staff throughout were warm, attentive, and helpful. The rooftop bar was a highlight, with an amazing view of the iconic 25 de Abril bridge and comfortable seating.
What Could Be Better
A $10 room service delivery fee felt a bit high, but was necessary one day when my daughter wasn’t feeling well and stayed behind while I went to a museum. The Globalist benefits were also a bit disappointing on this front — no lounge access or dedicated happy hour, just a single drink voucher with surprisingly restrictive terms. We also experienced several days of alarm testing, which, having once been evacuated from a hotel fire in the middle of the night, I found more unsettling than most might.
The Verdict
Despite these minor gripes, we left thoroughly impressed. The Hyatt Regency Lisbon delivers spacious, modern, immaculately clean rooms and genuinely gracious hospitality. Being outside the city center was no inconvenience at all — a quick Uber ride solved that easily. We will absolutely return, and next time I’ll be sure to request a room with a river and bridge view.
Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve
Our second Portuguese Hyatt was a more mixed experience, though it’s worth noting upfront that the property is newly renovated and clearly still finding its footing. Construction on the grounds was still underway during our March 2026 stay, and it shows — but the bones of a truly excellent resort are very much in place. **I neglected to take any photos of the hotel for some reason – my apologies!**
The location is a genuine strength: one block from the beach, steps from the marina, and surrounded by shops and restaurants, with easy access to the broader Algarve region. At check-in, our suite upgrade wasn’t offered automatically, but a polite request sorted that out quickly. The suites, while comfortable, were notably smaller than those in Lisbon and featured a somewhat quirky layout — the shower and sink were positioned in the bedroom, with a walk-through closet leading to a separate toilet area. The kitchenette amenities were also more limited, with just a small mini-fridge.
What We Loved
The staff here were nothing short of exceptional — among the warmest and most genuinely helpful we’ve encountered anywhere. The daily happy hour, running from 4 to 6 PM and including two drinks and a chef’s special appetizer, was a lovely touch that we enjoyed poolside both afternoons. The restaurant struck a great balance of quality and value, and the outdoor spaces — a pool terrace and bar, cabanas, and extensive landscaping — are going to be stunning once the renovation is complete.
What Could Be Better
The lingering smell of construction materials was noticeable throughout our stay — not overwhelming, but present enough to mention. The air conditioning situation was the bigger frustration: the system hadn’t been fully activated yet, making for some uncomfortably warm nights. We were relocated to a top-floor room with AC, though it too underperformed. For a property heading into peak summer season, this is worth addressing urgently. And while the bedding featured only thin blankets — admittedly at odds with my preference for cool temperatures — it’s a comfort touch the hotel could easily improve.
The Verdict
The Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve is a genuinely promising property that’s simply still in the process of becoming its best self. The issues we encountered felt like growing pains rather than fundamental flaws, and given the quality of the team in place, we’re confident they’ll be ironed out. We’d return without hesitation — and look forward to seeing this resort fully complete and running at its peak.
The Numbers:
