Selina Secret Garden Lisbon

The hotel offers a vibrant and social atmosphere, making it a memorable choice for many guests. Its signature feature is the inviting pool area and the lively rooftop bar, which, when open, provide excellent spaces for relaxation and socializing. The hotel is particularly well-suited for solo travelers looking to connect with others, digital nomads seeking a dedicated workspace, and young people or backpackers who appreciate a dynamic environment. While the hotel fosters a strong community vibe, some guests note that this aspect has diminished over time. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm the availability of all advertised facilities, especially the rooftop bar and pool, as they are sometimes closed for maintenance. Additionally, bringing earplugs is recommended due to potential noise from social areas and surrounding streets.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally appreciate the range of facilities available, which contribute to a social and comfortable stay. The pool area is a popular spot for relaxation and a refreshing dip, though some guests noted it can be cold or occasionally closed. The rooftop bar, when operational, is a highlight, offering a great atmosphere and views. For those needing to work, a dedicated co-working space is available, which is well-regarded for its comfort and reliability, though it comes with an additional daily fee. The communal kitchen is often praised for being well-equipped and clean, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. Other amenities include 24-hour reception, various lounge areas, and yoga classes. However, some guests found the provided lockers to be too small for suitcases, and basic in-room amenities like water bottles or glasses were sometimes missing.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed, with many guests finding the rooms generally clean and the beds comfortable, especially those with privacy curtains. Housekeeping is available daily, and many appreciate the provision of fresh towels. Shared bathrooms are often described as clean and well-maintained, with some featuring a convenient separate layout for the sink, toilet, and shower. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues such as dirty floors, stained bedsheets, and signs of wear like mold or water damage in some rooms. A major recurring complaint is the lack of air conditioning, leading to rooms being either too hot or too cold, especially during extreme weather. Noise is a frequent concern, stemming from thin walls, the rooftop bar, street activity, and even building work, making a restful night's sleep challenging for some. Additionally, some guests reported uncomfortable mattresses, fluctuating hot water in showers, and unpleasant smells.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive generally positive remarks, particularly regarding breakfast. Many guests describe the breakfast as good, with a decent variety of options and high-quality, tasty food, with the scrambled eggs and tumaca sandwich often singled out for praise. The on-site restaurant and bar are also noted for their good food quality and drink selections, complemented by a live DJ at sunset. However, some guests found the breakfast to be somewhat plain or with limited variety over longer stays. A common point of frustration was the slow service at breakfast, leading to long waits for food and coffee, which some found to be inefficient. While the food quality is appreciated, some guests felt the overall dining options were not extensive enough.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Guests find it to be in a vibrant neighborhood, offering easy walking distance to many popular attractions, including the Time Out Market, Baixa, Chiado, and Barrio Alto. Its proximity to public transportation, such as the train station and the Tram 28 route, makes exploring the city highly convenient. The area is generally considered safe, and guests appreciate being close to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shopping opportunities. While the location is excellent for accessibility to key areas, some guests noted that reaching the hotel might involve an uphill walk, and a few mentioned the immediate surrounding streets could appear somewhat dirty.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives commendation for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, with many guests praising their willingness to assist and their proficiency in English. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient. However, there is notable inconsistency in service quality. Some guests reported encountering rude or indifferent staff members, particularly at the reception, and expressed frustration with a perceived lack of empathy or professionalism. Issues such as poor communication regarding facility closures, unaddressed complaints, and unresponsiveness to inquiries via WhatsApp or phone calls were also mentioned. While some staff members go above and beyond, others are perceived as unmotivated or clueless, leading to significant dissatisfaction, especially concerning booking discrepancies and maintenance issues.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel operates with a distinct social atmosphere and a digital nomad vibe, which may not suit everyone. A recurring issue is the unannounced closure of advertised facilities, such as the rooftop bar or pool, which can be disappointing for guests who booked based on these amenities. While the hotel has a no smoking policy in rooms, some guests reported strong smoke smells from outside. For those staying in shared accommodations, a fee for towels may apply. There have been reports of significant booking and payment issues, including transactions not going through or overcharging, leading to considerable frustration and disputes. Guests also noted unexpected construction noise and occasional alarm system activations. The hotel's classification as a "hotel" versus a "hostel" can lead to mismatched expectations, particularly regarding privacy and noise levels.