Bristling from a complete refurbishment are the Superior rooms (now called Deluxe rooms), Junior Suites (re-named Deluxe Junior Suites) and corridors.

The final designs are based on an original concept by London-based interior designers Goddard Littlefair. The rooms are cloaked in a relaxing colour palette of light blues, greys and beiges. The new Deluxe Junior Suites include bespoke furniture and walk-in wardrobes from local Portuguese cabinetmakers, marble bathrooms, tropical rain showers and premium toiletries from ESPA, while art depicting local subjects adorns the walls from native photographer Nuno Cera and figurative painter Susana Bravo.

State-of-the-art technology plays a key part in the refurbishment, with US, European and US plug sockets and USB ports conveniently located next to the bed (and incorporated into tables in the suites). Touch sensor lighting is sited at the bedside to help create different lighting moods.

“We need to keep our product relevant to our guests and this renovation takes us into the future with a more residential feel to the rooms, softer tones and state-of-the-art technology,” says Corinthia Hotel Lisbon General Manager Roderick Micallef.

A more dramatic palette of blues, greys and beiges, plus new carpets, paintings and fabrics on the walls, has refreshed the corridors.

Phase two of the refurbishment will commence before the year end and redesign the Executive Suites and create the design of new suites. By the end of 2019 all 518 rooms of Corinthia Hotel Lisbon will be completed.

Erva restaurant

Hot on the heels of Tom Kerridge opening in Corinthia’s flagship London hotel with the best of British food comes world-class, authentic Portuguese cuisine in a new restaurant at Corinthia Hotel Lisbon (opened 5th September). Octopus carpaccio, bacalhau (cod) straight from the Atlantic, sweet pastel de nata and fine ports are highlights of the menu at Erva – meaning fresh grass – and crafted by Chef Carlos Goncalves.

Diners can enjoy the best Portuguese food as well as international flavours in the relaxed setting of Erva on the ground floor of the hotel. Seating 90, the restaurant has floor to ceiling windows, leather vintage-style chairs, rustic wood dining tables, a natural colour palette of dark greens and browns accented by living walls, and selected artworks from contemporary Portuguese artists. Erva has a separate entrance directly on to the street, on Av Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro.

One wall of the restaurant features a fridge showcasing hanging meat supplied by local suppliers, while a grill bar allows guests to watch their meat, fish and root vegetables being prepared and cooked.

The Erva destination bar serves signature cocktails created by Bars Manager Nelson Antunes as well as drafts, bottled and artisan beers, liqueurs, wines and spirits.

Diners can also enjoy stylish outside space in the hotel’s new Soul Garden, over 3,000 square metres of verdant garden and terrace offering a haven of peace in the busy city. It’s ideal for after work gatherings or laid-back evenings, helped by irresistible cocktails, light bites, lounge seating and curated music. There are DJ sets each Wednesday and at weekends.

Erva and Soul Garden complement the hotel’s Sete Colinas restaurant, for international buffet food, the Terrace Garden for al fresco breakfast in spring and summer, and the Tempus Lounge.

Stay at Corinthia Hotel Lisbon from €170 per room per night (two sharing). Call + 351 21 723 6363) or visit corinthia.com/lisbon