Finding the perfect hotel can be overwhelming, but one journalist's search led her to one of Europe's most eccentric four-star stays – a boutique hotel in Lisbon entirely dedicated to the theme of a bathroom.
An Unforgettable First Impression
Amy Jones, a senior travel journalist, booked a three-night summer stay at WC by The Beautique Hotels on Almirante Reis street in Portugal's capital. She was visiting for a wedding and subsequent sightseeing, and the hotel promised a unique base. From the moment she arrived, the theme was unmistakable.
The entrance doors featured tap graphics, and a large window was covered by an image of a woman in a shower cap. Inside, the reception area was dominated by a huge white bathtub serving as the front desk, with a silver faucet and a rose gold shower head above. A feature wall depicted raindrops and running water, creating an instant spa-like atmosphere.
The decor extended to a water-effect tiled floor, gleaming blue tiled walls, and a bar area incorporating a mini bathtub holding a bottle of gin. A second reception desk was enclosed by a clear shower curtain. However, the biggest surprise came from the staff, who greeted guests while wearing long-sleeved silk pyjamas – some visitors have even reported seeing them with towels on their heads.
Sleeping in a Themed Sanctuary
After securing a deal online, Amy checked into a deluxe double room located on a curved section of the building, offering panoramic views of Lisbon. The room's unique shape was complemented by a circular bed positioned before large windows dressed in shower-curtain-style drapes.
Every wall was covered in glossy turquoise tiles, which continued seamlessly into the ensuite bathroom. Other touches included gloss-white wardrobes and drinking glasses reminiscent of bath bubbles. While the tiled surfaces and blue palette initially felt cool, warm golden lighting and a snug bed made the space surprisingly cosy.
Amy noted that the actual bathroom, while generously sized and well-equipped with robes and amenities, felt slightly underwhelming after the extravagance of the communal areas – though she conceded it was tricky to elevate a bathroom when that was the overarching theme.
A Consistently Immersive Experience
The attention to detail was relentless throughout the hotel. Hallways were decorated to mimic running water, and bedroom doors were designed to look like steamy shower screens. Guests could enjoy a complimentary mini-bar stocked with soft drinks and a well-regarded buffet breakfast, with Amy pondering the social acceptability of wearing a dressing gown to the morning meal.
She reported that the hotel's facilities and comfort were faultless, consistently making her feel as if she was wandering through a spa. For travellers seeking something profoundly different from a standard hotel stay, WC by The Beautique Hotels comes highly recommended, with rooms starting from just £48 per night.
For more information or to book a stay, visit the WC by The Beautique Hotels website.
