Lisbon's Hidden Gem: Shangri-La Hostel Anjos - Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Shangri-La Hostel Anjos: My Lisbon Love Affair (and a Few Minor Grumbles)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your typical sanitized travel review. This is the raw, unadulterated truth about Shangri-La Hostel Anjos in Lisbon, a place that simultaneously charmed the socks off me and, well, almost gave me a small heart attack. Forget the perfectly posed Instagram shots; this is the real deal, complete with my own personal chaos and a love-hate relationship with my own sleep schedule.
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(Deep Breath) Right. Let’s dive in…
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly.
Listen, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I’ve seen reviews saying it's wheelchair accessible. And hey, that's fantastic! The elevator is a definite plus. I noticed some of the common areas seemed pretty spacious. HOWEVER, and this is a big but (like, seriously, a big, juicy Portuguese fig-sized but), the information on specific room accessibility is a little… vague. I'd recommend calling directly and asking very specific questions about the bathrooms and room layouts if accessibility is your primary concern. Don’t just take my word or a generic statement. Verify, verify, verify, friends.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: A Note of Uncertainty. I honestly didn't see anything explicitly labeled as accessible in terms of dining. I'm not entirely sure, so it's best to check directly with the hostel for confirmation.
Digging into the Good Stuff - Relaxation and Rejuvenation!
This is where Shangri-La really starts to shine! They boast a pool with a view, and let me tell you, it’s pretty darn glorious. Picture this: me, post-adventure, desperately clinging to the last shreds of my sanity (and a cocktail), gazing out at the Lisbon skyline. Pure bliss. Okay, so maybe it wasn't always pure bliss. There was that one time I accidentally splashed a toddler with my enthusiastic dog paddle, but hey, the view was still epic.
Speaking of epic… the spa! Now, I’ll confess, I didn’t indulge in a full-blown treatment. My budget (and my fear of being pampered too much) wouldn’t allow it. But just the idea of a Body Wrap or Body Scrub after a day of cobbled streets? Swoon. They had a sauna and a steamroom too! Which is almost as good as a personal masseuse, right? And the Gym/Fitness center? I'm a fan. I may or may not have attempted a push-up at 6 AM, fueled by strong coffee from the 24-hour coffee shop after a sleepless night. The view from the balcony was worth it though.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, But Not Totally Smothered.
Right, let's get real. We're all a little paranoid about cleanliness these days. Shangri-La takes it seriously. They've got the whole shebang of Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even had hand sanitizer strategically placed everywhere, like little beacons of hygiene. They also emphasize Staff trained in safety protocol.
Here's the thing: they do a good job. You feel safe. But it's not the kind of overly sterile, clinical environment that makes you feel like you’re living in a hospital. It's that perfect balance between safe and… you know… fun.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Paradise (Mostly)
Okay, let’s talk food. Because, honestly, if there's one thing that can make or break a trip, it’s what goes into your face.
The Breakfast: YES. The Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight. They offer a Western breakfast, with all the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, bread, and all that lovely stuff. Plus, Asian breakfast options! And a Coffee/tea in restaurant that meant I didn't have to go out and fight the crowds for my caffeine fix. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. I always appreciated the Breakfast takeaway service because, Lisbon, you know, is all about adventure and the breakfast needs to keep up right?
Restaurants & Bars: They had a Poolside bar, which is basically the peak of vacation. They have restaurants, with A la carte in restaurant service. I'm a fan of Happy hour. I also discovered some delicious Desserts in restaurant.
I devoured some absolutely incredible meals. The restaurant had a lovely Salad in restaurant, and the Soup in restaurant was perfect after a long day of walking.
Another plus: they offered Alternative meal arrangement, which is excellent for those with certain dietary needs.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The stuff you need to know.
Wi-Fi: Praise the lord! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The Internet access – wireless was great and reliable, which is crucial when you need to fire off a quick email to your boss bragging about your incredible trip while simultaneously booking your next adventure.
Laundry: Essential. They have Laundry service and Dry cleaning. Because trust me, I’d made a mess of my laundry and was in need of desperate assistance.
Air Conditioning: Air conditioning in public area is a must in Lisbon’s summer. They also have Air conditioning in your rooms.
Concierge: Helpful without being overbearing. They helped me find a great little convenience store when I was desperate for a late-night snack (and a bottle of water because Portugal).
Check-in/out: This was a game-changer. Contactless check-in/out is smooth.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us):
They had a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal.
- Pool Safety: While there was the incident with the toddler, the Swimming pool was very family-friendly.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy
- Airport Transfer: Airport transfer is a huge plus. After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is wrangle a taxi.
- Parking: A Car park [free of charge] on-site is a massive bonus.
- Taxi Service: Easy to grab a Taxi service.
My Room: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Chaotic.
Let’s talk about the actual room. I stayed in what I think was a “Standard Comfort” room. It was… comfortable. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (seriously, Lisbon in August is a furnace). There were Blackout curtains, which were essential for catching up on some much-needed sleep after those late-night adventures.
The Good: A Coffee/tea maker (hallelujah!). A mini bar to keep my drinks cold. A reasonably comfortable bed. Did I mention the Free bottled water?
The Not-So-Good: The room could have been slightly more spacious.
The Quirks: The Alarm clock woke me up at 5 AM every single morning. I'm not sure why. I'm blaming the mischievous ghost of a Portuguese sea captain who clearly didn't appreciate my attempts to sleep in.
Overall Verdict: A Solid Recommendation with a Few Caveats.
Shangri-La Hostel Anjos is a seriously amazing hostel that provides everything you need to experience the best of Lisbon.
- Overall: I had an incredible time at the Shangri-La Hostel Anjos. The pool, the restaurant, and the chilled-out vibe more than make up for any minor shortcomings. I’d highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for a stylish, fun, and affordable base for exploring this incredible city.
- Would I Go Back? Absolutely. (Once I've recovered from those early morning wake-up calls, of course.)
- My Rating: A solid 8.5/10. (Minus a point for the ghost sea captain).
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my Shangri-La Hostel Anjos, Lisbon, Portugal, survival guide/sanity check. Prepare for glorious, chaotic, and possibly slightly deranged Portuguese adventure.
Day 1: Lisbon, I'm Yours (Maybe?) - Arrival & Hostel Chaos
- 11:00 AM (ish): Land in Lisbon. Immediately regret wearing those skinny jeans. The heat hits you like a brick wall. Taxi situation: chaotic. Driver speaks zero English. I point vaguely in the direction of "Anjos." Pray. My flight was delayed by what felt like an eternity. Finally made it. I'm so done.
- 12:00 PM (more or less): Arrive at Shangri-La Hostel, which is immediately buzzing. And I mean buzzing. Backpacks everywhere. Maps unfolded with manic energy. Smells of stale coffee and impending adventure. Check-in. The receptionist is charmingly frazzled, clearly used to dealing with perpetually lost tourists like myself.
- 12:30 PM: Find my dorm – the "Dragon's Lair" (or some equally dramatic name). Immediately assess the bed situation. Top bunk = death trap. Bottom bunk = potential for nocturnal foot-tickling from a stranger. Sigh. Plump for the bottom bunk. Famous last words.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Find a tiny, slightly dingy place near the hostel. Order the "special" – a mystery meat sandwich and questionable orange juice. I think I saw a cat watching me. But hey, it's cheap! At least, the price tag wasn't the reason to be alarmed.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wander the Alfama district. Get delightfully lost in the labyrinthine streets. This is why I came, right? The Fado music spills out of the bars, making me want to burst into tears, or start dancing. (Or both. I'm an open book.)
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Try to find the miradouro (viewpoint) near the São Jorge Castle. Fail. Get distracted by a pastry shop that smells like pure heaven. Devour a pastel de nata (because, priorities). Spilled pastel de nata on myself. It's now part of the authentic Lisbon experience.
- 7:00 PM: Hostel social hour. Free sangria! (Bless.) Attempt to talk to people. Realize that I've forgotten all my small talk skills. End up mostly nodding and smiling while everyone else swaps travel stories. Discover that I'm the only solo traveler, and, honestly, I feel a tiny bit lost. Oh well.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the "mystery meat" restaurant. This time I'm more cautious about the juice. I made an excellent choice by ordering the fries instead. This made my day. My goodness.
- 9:00 PM: Try to sleep. Dragon's Lair inhabitants begin their nightly rituals: snoring, teeth-grinding, phone-scrolling, and someone is practicing their musical instrument.
- 10:00 PM: Fail to sleep mostly. Stare at the ceiling, which should be a blank canvas – but it's not. It's a symphony of shadows and the ghosts of past travelers staring back at me.
Day 2: Tram 28 Trauma & Tiled Treasure
- 8:00 AM (maybe?): Wake up, feeling like I've been run over by a tram. (Foreshadowing…)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Attempt to procure coffee. The hostel's coffee maker is a relic. Get lukewarm, weak, and possibly-poisonous-tasting coffee. Make a mental note to invest in instant coffee.
- 9:30 AM: Conquer Tram 28. This is a must-do, they say. It's a death trap, I say. Elbow your way onto the packed tram. Hold on for dear life as it careens through the narrow streets, stopping every other second and making every corner seem like a race. I am traumatized and amused at the same time.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive in the high district. Get out of the tram. Stagger out. Collapse on a bench. Regain composure. Decide I'm alive.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the Bairro Alto district. It's gorgeous, but I mostly feel like I'm going to fall into a flower box and break a hip on a cobblestone street.
- 12:00 PM: Visit the Igreja de São Roque. (The Church of Saint Roque). Honestly… take a breath. It is ridiculously ornate. So much gold! So much… everything! My eyes are bugging out. My wallet is quivering in terror at the thought of potential purchases.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Finally find a decent Portuguese restaurant. Order the seafood stew. It’s heavenly. (I'm starting to like this whole Lisbon thing.)
- 2:00 PM: Get lost again. This time, it’s on purpose. Wander aimlessly, admiring the tiles adorning the buildings. Tile porn, I tell you. The blue! The white! The artistry! I become completely obsessed. Try to take a picture of every single facade. The photos are terrible. It doesn't matter.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum). Mind. Blown. Realize I need to buy a thousand tile coasters.
- 6:00 PM: Hostel happy hour again. Drink more free sangria. Get better at chatting with people, though mostly I can't keep the names straight. Feel a sense of camaraderie. Maybe I'm not a total social reject after all.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner with a new friend. Share stories, laugh, and feel a little less alone in this crazy city. (His name is… was it David?)
- 8:00 PM: The evening begins. The entire city lights up. The sounds change, but, I can't keep with the pace.
- 9:00 PM (theoretically): Sleep. Maybe.
- 10:00 PM (reality): No sleep for me
Day 3: Belém & the Sweetest Treat Ever
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in after a horrible night.
- 10:00 AM: Take a train to Belém. It is a beautiful suburb.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Jerónimos Monastery. It's enormous but so captivating.
- 12:00 PM: Visit the Belém Tower. More beautiful architecture! I'm starting to get immune to the beauty, which is a shame. Still, worth the effort.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch with a view of the Tagus River.
- 2:00 PM: The moment you've all been waiting for: Visit Pastéis de Belém. The pastel de nata birthplace. Prepare to queue. It will be worth it. Order several. Eat them. Cry tears of joy. This single experience warrants its own extended narrative.
- Okay, so imagine: I'm standing in line (the queue of an eternity). The air smells of warm, sweet custard and flaky pastry crusts. I can hear the sizzle! I can taste the heaven. And then – I get to the counter. Order a handful. Take that first bite. OH… MY… GOD. The perfect balance of sweetness, creamy custard filling, and crispy, buttery crust. It's a religious experience. It's a culinary orgasm. I eat another. And another. And another. I may have blacked out. I may have wept a little bit. All I know is that it was the best damn pastry I have ever tasted in my entire life. Worth the flight. Worth the travel. Worth the questionable coffee.
- 3:30 PM: Wander around Belém in a daze of sugar-fueled happiness.
- 5:00 PM: Return to the hostel. Take a nap.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner with my new friends.
- 8:00 PM: Do a little writing.
- 9:00 PM: Talk to my family.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: The Road (Or, More Likely, a Train) Less Traveled & Leaving
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast in Lisbon. The coffee still sucks. Accept this as part of the experience.
- 10:00 AM: Do a final wander through the city, saying goodbye to the tiles, the trams, the pastel de natas.
- 11:00 AM: Check out.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the train.
- 1:00 PM: Becomes another train.
- 2:00 PM: A
Shangri-La Hostel Anjos: Your Dream (Maybe?) Stay - Let's Get Real!
Alright, spill the tea: Is Shangri-La Hostel Anjos *really* as amazing as everyone says?!
Okay, here's the deal. "Amazing" is a slippery word, right? Depends what you're looking for. Shangri-La? More like... *slightly* less hellish than some hostels I've stayed in. But yeah, it's good. Really good, actually. The location? SPOT ON. Anjos is legit. Authentic Lisbon, a bit rough around the edges, but with incredible street art and the best pastel de nata bakery ever (more on that later, trust me).
What's the vibe? Is it a party hostel or a chill retreat?
Okay, here's where it gets interesting. It's *trying* to be both, kinda awkwardly. There are definitely nights of drunken laughter echoing down the hallways (and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s *you* making that racket, after a few too many Super Bocks). But then, there are these weirdly quiet moments where you can actually hear the *sounds of Portugal* through the open window, you know? It’s this weird mix of high energy and sleep deprivation... a bit like my ex. Anyway, you’re probably gonna meet some cool people. Probably. Just bring earplugs, you’ll need ‘em.
The rooms... Are they actually clean and comfortable? Don't give me the travel brochure answer!
Okay, so, "clean" depends on your definition of clean. I’m a bit of a neat freak, and even *I* survived. The dorms are...fine? Think functional, with a slightly questionable undercurrent of "lived in" kinda vibe. BUT the beds? Surprisingly comfortable. Like, I slept so well the first night, I genuinely thought I'd died and gone to budget travel heaven. The common areas are generally okay, not sparkling, but you know, manageable.
Tell me about the common areas. Are they actually conducive to… socializing? Or is it just a bunch of glued-to-their-phones zombies?
The common areas? Alright, these are a mixed bag. The main lounge is actually pretty cool, with comfy sofas and usually some backpackers debating the meaning of life (or, more likely, the best place to get cheap sangria). There's a kitchen, which is… well, I saw things in that kitchen I’d rather not discuss. But the balcony? Gold. Seriously, that balcony is where the magic happens. Sunsets, beers, shared travel woes… That's where you connect.
And the staff? Are they actually helpful, or just perpetually hungover from the night before?
Okay, the staff… bless their cotton socks. Mostly really, really nice. There are some folks who are just genuinely eager to help, offering tips, pointing you to the best Fado bars, even helping you with your Portuguese (which, let's be honest, you're gonna butcher). Sure, sometimes they look a little…tired. But they're generally pretty solid at navigating the chaos of a hostel, even when dealing with the occasional, let's say, *overenthusiastic* guest. I might have, uh, had a slight issue with my door lock once. They fixed it with a smile. What more can you ask?
Breakfast? Is it a sad bread and jam situation?
Breakfast... Okay, so this is a good one. It's free, so don’t go expecting Michelin-star quality. But it’s not *terrible*. There's usually bread, some kind of cheese (sometimes), and, crucially, coffee. Coffee is EVERYTHING when you're recovering from Lisbon nightlife. Also, they usually have fruit – a real lifesaver when you’re craving something healthier than pastel de nata (which, by the way, you *will* crave. ALL. THE. TIME.).
Okay, let's cut to the important stuff: The Location. Really, is Anjos a good base for exploring Lisbon?
Anjos is a WINNER. Seriously. It's not in the ridiculously touristy center, which is a HUGE plus. It's got this raw, authentic vibe. You're close to the metro, which is key. You're walking distance to some of the best restaurants, the most amazing street art. You can walk to some touristy areas too, so you get the best of both worlds. And the best part? The bakery, *Pão da Vila*. I swear, that place single-handedly improved my mood every single damn morning. The pastel de natas are out of this *world*. I literally went there every day, twice a day sometimes. I'm not even exaggerating. It's a problem. A delicious problem.
What's the worst thing about Shangri-La Hostel Anjos? Be brutally honest.
Okay, here it is: The noise, sometimes. And I *mean* sometimes. Those paper-thin walls. You're gonna hear everything. The snoring. The late-night conversations. The... other noises. So, it's not the fault of the hostel entirely, but the ear plugs are a necessity. If you have trouble sleeping, bring backups. And prepare for the occasional (or, let's be honest, frequent) moment when you’re seriously contemplating the meaning of your life at 3 am because the guy in the bunk above you is practicing his kazoo.
Would you stay there again? Honestly?
Yeah, probably. Even with the noise, the shared bathrooms, the occasional questionable breakfast. Because Lisbon is magic. And Shangri-La, for all its imperfections, is a good base to experience that. If you're looking for luxury? Go somewhere else. If you want an authentic experience, a chance to meet people, and a decent place to crash after a long day of exploring, dancing, and eating pastel de nata? Shangri-La Anjos is pretty damn good. Just, you know, bring earplugs. And a good book. And maybe a kazoo-deflecting force field. You never know.
