Why ebook?
An reasonably priced keep in an almost-ideal location for first-time guests to Lisbon, Independente Bica is customized made for teams of associates travelling collectively.
Set the scene
A stone’s throw from vacationer favourites Pink Street and Time Out Market, plus Cais do Sodré prepare station (which takes you alongside the coast to fishing city Cascais in simply quarter-hour), Independente Bica sits proudly in energetic Rua de São Paulo, home to a few of Lisbon’s greatest eating places and a cool crowd trying to uncover town’s latest openings. With a foyer and restaurant that open straight onto the road, count on this to operate almost as a haunt spot for locals who need relaxed dinner and drinks in a cool new surroundings.
The backstory
As avid travellers themselves, the D’Eça Leal brothers started their careers in Portuguese hospitality by creating ideas that mirrored their very own story as adventurers, from being backpackers to their new phases as household males. They aimed to create energetic hubs in Portuguese cities which mix the cool vibe of the nation with conventional decor and eating, making a mix that feels comfy for locals and thrilling for newbies.
Independente Bica is about in an old pensão (the precursor idea of a resort for long-term stays) in-built 1849. The new, up to date model was designed to rejoice the cultural trade between Portuguese and Asian cultures, so company can count on simplistic, stylish design and a singular restaurant providing.
The rooms
Rooms are comparatively basic; the USP, nonetheless, is that bigger teams can ebook only one room to share, making this a great possibility for teams of associates or households (and a nod to the opposite hostels owned by the group). You needn’t fear about privateness, although; you’ll be able to solely ebook a room, not a mattress, so that you’ll by no means be holed up with strangers. The uncommon idea does make this an incredible possibility for teams trying to expertise the luxuries of a resort with out the necessity to ebook out a number of rooms, and brings a extra pleasant, enjoyable vibe to the property usually.
Styling is stored easy; a built-in single-piece mattress made out of sustainable, highly-renewable wooden sits as the point of interest, and white partitions partitions are merely embellished with paintings created by artists from Manicómio, a artistic house that makes use of artwork to finish the stigma related to psychological sickness. The minibar (a cool SMEG fridge) is full of Japanese merchandise and old Portuguese conventional manufacturers, all of that are tempting. Bathrooms are small however vibrant; speckled partitions, and toiletries from luxe Portuguese model 8950. Larger rooms have two loos to cater to all company.
There was a good quantity of noise throughout our keep – from each the busy metropolis streets and the corridors – however the staff is working to offer company with earplugs, ought to that be a priority for you.
Food and drink
The resort’s restaurant, Bica-San, is a spotlight due to its creative menu. Many Lisbon inns (understandably) favour Portuguese meals, however right here there’s a give attention to Japanese flavours, impressed by the Portuguese mercantile trade with Japan. The result’s a singular mixture of traditional dishes given a twist – for instance, the patanisca (conventional Portuguese salt cod fritter), which was served with an ideal egg on high, or the Gohan rice with cockles and turnip tops. It must also be mentioned that the environment and decor right here may be very open and welcoming, regardless of the chaos of the busy road outdoors, so it is one thing of a haven on busier evenings.
The restaurant can be home to some of the creative breakfast menus I’ve seen; company can select between a traditional continental breakfast (which is served to you, reasonably than provided buffet-style) or a Japanese breakfast. The latter is a real feast, consisting of every part from marinated cauliflower with rice vinegar, sluggish poached egg in smokey broth, cured and grilled bream with marinated cucumber and seaweed and cured strawberries and shiso, amongst others. Arrive hungry, and luxuriate in each mouthful.
The service
Service runs easily, and the pleasant and environment friendly method of the workers gives the look they’ve been within the business for a while. Upon check-in, you’ll be warmly welcomed earlier than being proven to your room. Since this can be a metropolis resort, and company are usually maintaining to busy itineraries, most workers will likely be comparatively hands-off. But in the event you’re in want of help for any purpose, you’ll be able to count on immediate and pleasant service.
The neighbourhood
Bica is undoubtedly one of many must-visit areas of Lisbon, if just for the close by eating places. Foodies will likely be drawn to the sheer selection on provide on arguably one of many most-visited streets within the metropolis, and the eating places make for a vibey environment, the place individuals cling round with a glass of wine till late into the night time. The main vacationer websites – Santa Justa elevate, Castelo de São Jorge, Praça do Comércio and the 25 de Abril Bridge – are all inside walking distance, and you’ll simply access areas like Belém and Cascais by way of prepare.
Who comes right here?
Slightly little bit of everybody; households, {couples}, teams of associates who want to keep away from Airbnbs – it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all place. But, as talked about, it’s splendid for these trying to build new relationships and make associates as they journey.
Families and pets
This may very well be an exquisite possibility for households with kids; the sharing rooms really feel like having a sleepover, and the resort’s location means you will not must walk for hours as a way to discover issues to maintain little ones busy.
The property will not be at present pet-friendly.
Eco efforts
Care has been taken to make sure that native merchandise are sourced wherever attainable – whether or not that is the components used within the eating places, or merchandise and furnishings all through the property.
Accessibility for these with mobility impairments
Access to the resort’s restaurant is by way of road stage and so they have a elevate to make all rooms accessible.
Is it price it?
For an reasonably priced keep within the coronary heart of Lisbon, sure. If you are on the lookout for luxurious and house, this may not be the property for you.
