Hotel Borges Chiado

The hotel’s best feature is definitely its location — it’s close to all the major highlights of the city and within walking distance to everything. The room, however, was very small and narrow. Some amenities were missing, such as bath and shower soap, though the staff responded quickly once informed. Only two to three tea bags were provided, which wasn’t quite enough. There were also not enough power sockets; we even had to unplug the fridge to use the kettle. On the positive side, the breakfast room is beautiful, and there is a good variety of food offered. However, the service staff could be more attentive and careful. The reception could also be friendlier and more accommodating, as the current approach feels rushed, almost as if guests are being processed like soldiers passing through. All in all, the location is excellent, but there is room for improvement in customer service and amenities.

It’s important to remember this is a 3‑star hotel, so expectations should be set accordingly. The location, however, is absolutely excellent — a safe, pleasant area with everything close by, including the metro just a short walk away. My room was clean and comfortable, though quite dated, with some noticeably rushed workmanship in the bathroom. Still, cleanliness was consistently good. Reception staff were disappointing, but the housekeeping team were fantastic. The included breakfast was underwhelming. Nothing appears to be made on-site, and the setup feels more like a school canteen than a hotel dining area, which makes it unappealing so I got own elsewhere. Overall, I’ve been reasonably satisfied with my stay, but the intermittent sewage smell was a major downside. It seemed to come from either the drains or the ventilation, and even the surrounding streets had a similar issues intermittently. Noise wise it’s not bad - but it’s near a busy street / piazza that has great nightlife and buskers it’s the area for arts so don’t expect no noise - great atmosphere outside.

I am not one to write hotel reviews for no good reason. However, there was a serious health and safety issue with Hotel Borges Chiado that future guests deserve to know. I stayed four nights in this hotel, and although my room was dated and the air conditioning was not working , the real trouble started when I noticed welt/bites on my arms and back after two nights of my stay. I initially relegated this to mosquito bites. But in the morning of my third day of stay, I noticed drops of blood on my bedsheets. This triggered me to inspect further, under the sheets and mattresses for any signs of bugs/insects. That was when my worst fear was confirmed - the bites were from bed bugs. I clearly saw the dead bed bug, which I must have swatted in my sleep, causing the trail of blood. I kept this bug for the hotel management to see. One might question whether I know how a bed bug looks like. Fortunately, two of my travel companions worked in a downtown Emergency room in Toronto, and, needless to say, they have seen bed bugs on patients. Both confirmed that the bug I nervously held in my ziploc bag was indeed a bed bug. Upon further assessment of my bites, the signature pattern of bed bug bites, that is usually a group of three red welts in a line (pictured below) came to light. The bed bug usually travels in a line or zigzag to find a blood vessel, resulting in multiple bites in this pattern. I immediately alerted the hotel frontline staff about this situation. The response I received from João the front desk staff was non-apologetic, non-empathetic to say the least. No “I am sorry”, nothing. I got a blank stare and was told to wait for “ a couple hours, until they can see if they can move me to another room”. I had told them that there was clearly no other option. I had also asked whether there was a manager on site to speak with, I was told there was none. Upon further deliberation, João decided that he will move me to another room. I had asked whether this was an upgraded or renovated room (similar to the one my travel companions had). The response was a chuckle (I kid you not !), and he said “no it’s just same standard room but just no bed bugs”. There was no offer of recompense, not even an apology. The nonchalant way of how João acknowledged “bed bugs” though hinted that this may not be the first time that staff have had heard these complaints from guests. The hotel clearly has to address the bed bug infestation in their facility. The onus must not be on the customer to alert the pertinent travel and healthcare agencies to outline a clear intervention. Moreover, hotel staff need a clear re-education of how to handle customer concerns, with empathy and compassion. I had multiple bites all over my body from a hotel room I paid for with good intention with an expectation that, at a minimum, I can sleep peacefully with no safety concerns. Instead, I had suffered immensely from this incident.

Great location with poor service. Rooms are clean and location is central. Hotel management MUST work on their staff services. One elevator was non-functional the day we left and there were 5 members in the main lobby chatting rather than helping the customers with their luggage. Some guests may have difficulty with the stairs.

The hotel is nice but it's a dated place. Kinda smelly with dingy age. The location made me accepting of some of the negatives. I stayed four days and moved to a different place. Overall, I was comfortable and the rooms were clean. Breakfast was convenient.