Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection member, Hotel Altis in Lisbon, Portugal has announced the completion of the first phase of a multi-million euro renovation.

200 guestrooms have been completely refurbished and the entrance lobby will be restored for completion by at the end of August 2011.

The renovation, managed by architects Cristina Santos e Silva and Ana Menezes Cardoso restores the spirit of innovation and vision of the original designer Daciano da Costa whilst creating a more modern, sophisticated and current ambiance.

The original structure was kept in the rooms, with new coatings and original woodwork replaced. New ebony and stainless steel furniture has been placed in the rooms and the décor in the hallways has been replaced as well as new carpets.

The reception lobby is being renovated by the same architects as well as Joao Paciencia. The remodelling positions the service desk in the front wall of the lobby and is framed by black lacquer. A new bar and rest area will fill the area of the old reception desk.

Ruben Paula, Director of Hotel Altis comments, “These renovations arise from the need of an upgrade to the equipment of the hotel, making it more appealing and comfortable to exceed the demands of our clients. Since 1973 Hotel Altis has been an icon of the city and the stage for important events. Now the hotel is preparing itself to continue to be a symbol of modern Lisbon.”

Ideally situated in the centre of Lisbon, a short walk from Avenida da Liberdade and from the historical quarters, the five star Hotel Altis frequently hosts high-profile events and has become a part of the city’s recent history.

City.Mobi

Also in Portugal today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Lisbon.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Lisbon.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.