The level of service in Lisbon's boutique hotels will make it hard to hit its cobblestone streets | Courtesy of The Vintage Hotel and Spa / Expedia.com
Stay in an original art deco house or explore the famous São Jorge Castle from these cosy, upscale hotels in Portugal’s capital city.
When it comes to choosing the right hotel for your stay, the devil is in the detail. Culture Trip has compiled a list of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon, allowing you to explore Portugal’s capital in style. Think rooftop pools, renovated 16th-century palaces and Portuguese design elements, such as azulejos – elaborately painted blue-and-white tiles.
The clue is in the name at this centrally located hotel. Even the external walls and guest rooms are decorated in shades of wine, from light whites to deep reds. Slip into the restaurant for plates of smoked ham and goat’s cheese bruschetta, accompanied by a glass of local red, white, sparkling or “green” wine. The hotel offers a range of experiences including a city tour and, of course, wine tastings and tours.
Expect classic style mixed with contemporary touches at this four-star hotel, set in downtown Lisbon. The best rooms have city views, and all are decorated in cool shades of coffee, cream and grey, and feature bluetooth sound systems. The restaurant has a grotto-like feel, with low lighting and stone arches and serves fresh, traditional fare, such as salted cod and fresh oranges with cinnamon.
There’s complimentary cheese and wine on arrival at this boutique bolthole, located in the Santos design district, a short walk from the river Tagus. Sleeping between two and six guests, the suites and apartments are individually styled with modern artwork and quirky touches like deerskin throws and vintage mirrors. Guests can join a yoga class in the studio next door or book a sailing trip.
With its blue facade, 68 sleek guest rooms and no-frills vibe, this hotel is a hip hangout, set inside a converted century-old structure overlooking the Tagus. Spread across two buildings and five floors, rooms feature blue walls, wood floors and glossy bathrooms. The best have french windows with river views. The bold design extends to the restaurant, where free sushi is served every afternoon.
Fans of impressive architecture will love this art nouveau hotel that dates back to 1908, when it was a collection of luxury apartments. Now it offers 36 stylish rooms, a bar serving decent cocktails and the Infame Restaurant with a modern, creative menu. There’s minimalist decor in the rooms – splash out on the suite, which has a bird’s-eye view of the city, freestanding tub and vinyl records.
The rooftop bar and restaurant of this five-star hotel is the highlight. Set above the city’s terracotta tiles, it’s just the spot to drink in the views with a glass of organic rosé and plates of seared tuna and roasted octopus. Downstairs, six self-contained studio rooms are elegant and homely, plus there’s a gym and spa, complete with a sauna and steam room.
Glittering chandeliers, topaz-coloured walls and a rooftop pool with city panoramas are just some of the touches that make this hotel live up to its palatial name. The regal theme extends to the 25 guest rooms, which are inspired by kings and queens of Portugal. Each one features polished wood flooring, balconies and sumptuous furnishings. The low-lit Cave 23 restaurant has exposed stone walls, antique chairs and an extensive wine menu.
There’s bold, ’70s style in spades at this hotel, located within walking distance of the Alfama, Baixa and Bairro Alto neighbourhoods. Pink tiles clad the exterior, while inside feminine touches include a chandelier made from mannequin legs and women’s shoes, plus murals of a scantily-clad Madalena, the hotel owner. Most rooms have balconies – ask for a courtyard view if you prefer to keep things quiet.
Get ready to caption #winning in all of your photos when you book a stay in this renovated palace, overlooking the Tagus estuary. All 19 of the minimalist-chic rooms have a window overlooking the rooftops of the trendy Bairro Alto district, the city’s centre for nightlife. In the warmer months, enjoy breakfast poolside, and then come back later in the day for a happy-hour beverage and a sunset dip. It also has a restaurant, Suba, on the top floor that serves Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist.
The Memmo Príncipe Real offers a five-star stay in one of Lisbon’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods. It’s close enough to the nightlife of the Bairro Alto, but quiet enough for those wanting a relaxing evening away from the action. The cosy rooms have a laid back, modern feel – ideal for couples or solo travellers. If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, book the Exclusive Room as you can cuddle up by the fireplace, located on an open-air terrace overlooking the city. For a more budget-friendly view, try a speciality cocktail at its rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar, Café Príncipe Real.
The Santiago de Alfama is the perfect destination for a bachelorette weekend or romantic getaway, with a prime placement on the seafront. Treat yourself with a care package at its in-house spa, The Beauty Bar, before you step your freshly pedicured toes onto the cobblestone streets of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. Alternatively, have a leisurely breakfast at Audrey’s, the hotel’s restaurant with a sidewalk café, and then take one of the hotel’s custom-arranged day trips to nearby Sintra or Cascais.
Enjoy all the convenience and amenities of a large hotel chain with the attention to detail of a boutique hotel at PortoBay Liberdade. Perks include an indoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym, a Turkish steam bath and an outdoor hot tub. Its location near Rossio Square means you will have easy access to all of Lisbon’s most popular sights, as well as lots of transportation options for exploring the city and beyond.
There is no shortage of charm at the Vintage, a hotel and spa with a hipster’s take on mid-century modern design near the Rato metro station. Among its many novelties is a bespoke record player that you can use. The location is slightly off the beaten path, giving you more of a local perspective of the city. At night, it’s only a short walk to the excitement of Bairro Alto’s nightlife. It’s an even shorter walk upstairs to the hotel’s rooftop bar or your room, which has a vintage bar cart with a complimentary gin and tonic.
You’re in the centre of it all at the aptly named Brown’s Central Hotel, located in the Baixa neighbourhood. A stay at this hotel is not for those with chromophobia as it has a lime-green exterior and an eclectic collection of original artwork across its lobby and 84 rooms. Designer furniture – from Charles and Ray Eames to Arne Jacobsen – can be found in each room, along with Smeg kettles and Nespresso coffee machines. Don’t forget to enjoy the complimentary breakfast buffet every morning before hitting the streets.
Fans of film noir will love to stay in this original art deco hotel, designed in 1940 by celebrated Portuguese architect Cassiano Branco. Among its unique features are a vintage barbershop and a library with local history books. Film buffs are only a short walk from the Cinemateca Portuguesa (Museum of Cinema) and the Cinema São Jorge, one of the city’s traditional arthouse theatres. Everyone else will enjoy the hotel’s location near the Avenida da Liberdade, a grand boulevard with several small public parks and some of the fanciest shops in town.
Sarah Thibault contributed additional reporting to this article.
Looking for more? You can book a stay with Culture Trip at one of these elegant luxury hotels and then set off to explore the city. Whether you want to tick these must-visit attractions off your bucket list or spend some time admiring works of art in the best contemporary art galleries, there is something for everyone. After a long day, enjoy a delicious meal at one of these top restaurants and end the night with a drink at one of the best bars in Lisbon.
These recommendations were updated on July 12, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.
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