As a first-time visitor to Lisbon, my stay at the MACA Hotel was overall a very good experience. The hotel has a unique and interesting concept, combining a hotel with a museum, which makes it stand out. I didn’t get the chance to visit the museum, but the shared entrance was impressive.
I booked a one-bedroom unit, which turned out to be very convenient since the hotel is just a 2–3 minute walk from the convention center. The hotel itself is beautifully built, with lovely gardens and an amazing library space that I found perfect for working.
The team was friendly and accommodating, though there are areas where service training could be improved. Early check-in wasn’t possible, and at one point the cleaning crew mistakenly thought my room was empty and were talking very loudly in the corridor, which was disruptive. Upon arrival, there was also no explanation about breakfast,where it was located or what time it was served,which would have been helpful for new guests.
The hotel is not located near Lisbon’s old town, so you do feel more in a commercial district. To reach the city’s main attractions, you’ll need to take transportation. That said, if your focus is the convention center, the location is excellent.
Overall, the hotel has a lot of charm and a unique atmosphere, and you can tell the team is trying to do their best. With some additional staff training to improve communication with guests, this could easily become a five-star experience.
