Our Favourite Hotels in Lisbon
by HarryPrince, 22 December 2020
Lisbon is a city that charms you through the senses. You feel the breeze of the Atlantic come gently up from the Tagus river. You can smell the sea, and the city’s many trees and flowers. By day you hear the historic trams push through their city, and by night you hear the clinking of glasses.
Every city makes a case for their cuisine, but Lisbon will stun you when you taste their food. And, just wait till you actually see it. It’s beautiful. What we find most charming about Lisbon is it’s a city that lives on its own terms.
We honestly can’t talk up Lisbon enough. To give you a feel for why we’re so smitten, check out this guide to our favourite Lisbon hotels.
Hotels in Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s most historic neighbourhood. The streets are famously steep, and there are hidden alleys at every turn. Alfama is magical because it can be explored on foot, or by the historic trams. Like the area, its hotels are full of character.
Memmo Alfama
Memmo Alfama via memmohotels
Memmo Alfama has a simple dream: a hotel that can integrate and offer an authentic Lisbon experience to its guests. And if their location is anything to go by, it’s safe to say they nailed it!
The view over Alfama is a key reason for booking with Memmo. You’ll gaze over a sea of white clean white buildings with lovely brown roofs. You’ll also get an idyllic view over the Tagus river. Then you’ve got the pool and lovely lounging areas – the perfect place to have a drink!
The hotel has 42 rooms, so it’s ideal for a larger international delegation. Each room is designed to make you feel like you’re in a Portuguese home, and the hotel was the 48th Best New Urban Hotel in the World when it opened.
You are less than the length of a pop song to Lisbon Cathedral and the São Jorge Castle. The iconic 28 tram is around the corner too, which we insist you go and see.
Santiago de Alfama
Santiago de Alfama was the winner of the 2021 Best Urban Hotel in Europe by Condé Nast Johansens for the second year in a row. It is one of the most accommodating hotels in Lisbon – they offer a multitude of services such as a beauty bar and city experiences.
Guests can eat at Audrey’s, a satisfying dining experience. The term spoilt for choice is thrown around quite a lot. Read the menus, and tell us their guests are not! The menu covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Stand out dishes include risotto with pan-fried shiitake & oyster mushrooms, bacalhau gratin, homemade apple crumble and pica pau bite-sized sirloin steak.
Solar Do Castelo
Solar do Castelo via booking
Solar do Castelo has distinguished themselves from other Lisbon hotels by making it feel like you are in a friend’s home.
Atelier Graça Viterbo designed the hotel. The mission – to bring a contemporary theme while still celebrating the medieval origins of the city – has been a great success.
There are 20 rooms with all the amenities you could want: from top of the range air conditioning, a free safe, satellite tv, super-fast WiFi, LCD TV’s, Molten Brown goodies, and fluffy bathrobes. And for the home touch, they have a laundry service too.
You can take a buffet breakfast in the São Jorge room, garden, or the library. Or maybe in your room? They offer 24hr room service, so why not.
If you need to work, you will have access to computers, printers, internet access and video library.
They even offer guests private transfers from the airport.
Chiado
Chiado is a paradise for guests with cultural and historic tastes. Expect luxury shopping, museums, historical landmarks, theatres, and museums. In the meantime, the tune of the trams plays in the background, gently reminding you that you’re in Lisbon old town.
Verride Palácio Santa Catarina
Verride Palácio Santa Catarina is for anyone who has ever wanted to live in a palace. It has been renovated in breathtaking fashion.
We love Verride’s magnificent common areas such as their restaurant Suba, or the rooftop bar that has 360º views of the city and the Tagus river.
Suba specialises in contemporary Portuguese cuisine. The unique and creative bright blue of the tableware may just rival that perfect view of the Tagus.
Their 19 suites are contemporary chic for the modern traveller while maintaining the royal elegance of the palace’s past. The rooms are quiet and colourful, allowing you to relax in between discovering the city.
Hotel Le Consulat
Hotel Le Consulat asks you to rest like an artist – we’re inclined to agree with them. Le Consulat has turned their hotel into an art gallery. During your stay, surround yourself with a wide range of styles from artists from all over the world.
It takes its name from the building’s history as the Brazilian consulate for over 100 years.
You’ll love their cocktail bar and their balconies that look out onto Lisbon at its most charming.
Le Consulat is on one of the city’s best squares, Plaza Luis de Camoes. It’s is a good basecamp for exploring the bohemian area of Chiado, one of the best areas to stay in Lisbon.
Baixa
Baixa is for those that like that downtown energy. With buzzing cafes and terraces across the many squares, it’s Europe at its very best. It’s sacred ground for neoclassical architecture. Lisbon hotels are certainly top-notch in this area.
International Design Hotel
International Design Hotel via idesignhotel
International Design Hotel is in Lisbon’s historical centre, right on the Plaza D. Pedro IV (otherwise known as Rossio). So we’re off to a good start already!
There are Nespresso coffee machines in every room, as well as meeting rooms, a restaurant, a bar, shuttle services to the airport, free WiFi, and a 24-hour help desk.
The interior design is modern, quirky, colourful and totally unique. They have created a totally ambient hotel. They have even tailored the aromas to suit their rooms. All of your senses are made to feel cared for.
So you’re in the centre of the city, but you’re also a stone’s throw from the traditional areas of Chiado, St. George’s Castle, and Bairro Alto. The city is yours to stroll.
Hotel Brown’s Central
Hotel Brown’s Central is stylish. Incredibly stylish, in fact. It is a mish-mash of different styles and influences with input from world-renowned designers such as Charles & Ray Eames, Bestlite, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen and Artemide.
The building dates back to the 18th-century and is bursting with grandeur. The Brown’s hotel team added little touches like Smeg kettles, Nespresso coffee machines, Bluetooth media hub systems and flat-screen TV’s in every room.
Their library is an excellent place to lounge about. The restaurant and bar have art-deco fixing you won’t believe. Gaze at the décor, the gorgeous cocktails, or the monochrome tiled flooring – it’s a feast for the eyes wherever you look.
Baixa House
Baixa House via baixahouse
Baixa House is a beautiful 18th-century building that combines late baroque and neoclassical styles. It’s blue azulejo tiles make for a distinguishable and quintessential Lisbon accommodation.
Baixa House was refurbished in 2011 and was a collaborative project between owner and landscaper Jesus Moraime (landscaper options) and architect Jose Adriao. Their work was so successful that they won the Vasco Villalba Prize and were finalists in the 2012 FAD awards.
They have 13 unique apartments that range from one to three bedrooms. Each one has a living room, bathroom and kitchen. The beautiful Bordalo Pinheiro crockery will have you drooling more than your food!
As a guest, you’ll get daily housekeeping, a full and satisfying breakfast, including a white cloth bag with fresh bread. Eat as much as you want – you can use the lift instead of attempting the stairs afterwards.
Avenida da Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade is the best area to stay in Lisbon if you enjoy being in amongst the finer things. It’s Lisbon’s swankiest boulevard. A good mile long, it’s indulgently wide and surrounded by tropical trees. Designer shops, consulates, and classy parks are all at your doorstep.
Inspira Santa Marta Hotel
Inspira Santa Marta Hotel was awarded the Best Luxury Eco/Green Hotel by World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2018 and 2019. The hotel was designed to achieve simple peace and quiet. This concept of tranquillity is paired with a commitment to environmental sustainability.
The hotel’s restaurant, Open Brasseries Mediterrânica, is one of the few restaurants in the city to have a gluten-free certificate. The only constant is that all the dishes are inspired by the Mediterranean. After that, the menu changes according to the availability of seasonable ingredients and the chef’s inspiration.
Your wellbeing is taken care of with The ReTreatSpa, brought to you by RitualSpa. So hang around for a sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, fitness room, and more spa delights.
Torel Palace
Torel Palace is a collection of three mansions that are all over 100 years old. It’s hidden and peaceful while being in amongst the energy of the city.
Each room is entirely unique, so you won’t experience boring hotel fever. Decorated in impossible detail, they’re inspired by Kings and Queens of Portugal.
The Lisbon hotel has been tentatively renovated with pools and terraces, and delicate modern touches, all while maintaining the soul of the old buildings. Relish picture-perfect views of the city centre and the Tagus river, too.
Their restaurant Cave 23 follows in this fashion. Enjoy classic Portuguese dishes made with modern and bold techniques and ingredients.
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto sits above the old town and is known as the High District. It’s famous for its upbeat and endless nightlife. You’re going to see tightly packed streets, street art, bars, restaurants and boutiques. It’s for those that want a short and sweet taste of the bohemian lifestyle.
The Lumiares
The Lumiares describe their hotel as a love letter to Lisbon. And it’s easy to see why. It’s a 5-star hotel the city can be proud of.
This Lisbon Hotel is a beautiful collaboration between local Portuguese brands and artisans. If you can bear to leave your handcrafted rooms, they have an outstanding spa for you to make use of.
After you’ve had that massage, you should really get up to the rooftop bar to enjoy a liberating menu by Chef Joao Silva.
The Late Birds
The Late Birds is an urban resort concept for the gay male community. Located in the heart of Lisbon’s historical centres, Bairro Alto and Principe Real, this hotel welcomes all guests.
Designed to make you feel like you are at home with friends, it honours the buildings 18th-century past, while highlighting Portugal’s contemporary style of design. The garden, lounge and bar are perfect for hosting a private event.
The Late Bird’s highlights have to be their cocktails and pool. Mixologist Paulo is sure to knock up some special drinks. The signature Late Drinks cocktail has to be the first order of the day as far as we’re concerned.
Bairro Alto Hotel
Bairro Alto Hotel is stunning both inside and out. The overhaul spearheaded by architect Eduardo Souta de Moura in 2011, who won the Pritzker Prize.
On the inside, it’s a 5-star boutique hotel. Their suites and rooms are glamorous to a tee. No two are the same. The best way we can describe them is cinematic because being in them feels like you’re in a movie.
Their rooftop terrace is called BAHR and is one of the finest you’ll see… well, anywhere. Have a cheerful cocktail or a meal on it. The menu is seasonal and is taken care of by their creative chef Nuno Mendes. So it might be a once in a lifetime experience.
Príncipe Real
Príncipe Real is the home of the upmarket traveller. You’ll be oh so satisfied by the 19th-century mansions and highly cultivated gardens. There are lots of hip bars to keep you occupied. And shopping is second to none. From the big names to edgy concept shops, you’ll leave a happy customer.
The Vintage Lisbon
The Vintage Lisbon is a 5-star hotel where you will rest amongst fabulous art and design. The Vintage takes the very best of the mid-century and puts it in the mix with the best parts of today. Hence the name… Vintage.
The Blue Bar & Restaurant is outrageously stylish. Even the biggest Luddite in your company will try to take a sneaky snapshot of the décor. What we loved most is its subtle intimacy. The tables are far enough apart to make you feel like you’re dining privately.
Their menu is unpretentious, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. There are lovely main courses, and their Codfish À Brás is knockout. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave talking about experiencing the extensive sharing dishes in true Iberian fashion.
Memmo Príncipe Real
Memmo Príncipe Real is in a secret and exclusive location. We’ll give you a clue: it’s hidden down a narrow street under a tunnel.
The 42 rooms and suites are all about grandeur. Many rooms feature balconies and fireplaces, and the executive suites go up to 50sqm!
The limestone floors are a historical and visual triumph. You’ll find the same flooring in royal palaces across the city.
Café Príncipe Real is confusing in the best possible way. The huge windows, clean minimal tables and plates are modern. Then you have homely carpets, and eat your meal on vintage sofas. It’s so original, we just love it.
You look out onto the pool, terrace, and beyond. It’s an environment where everyone seems to be as one, and yet, you’re entirely at peace and in private. There are really very few places like it.
Wrapping up
So that intro at the start where we gushed over Lisbon is starting to make more sense now right? Yeah, that’s what we thought!
But on a serious note, we do hope you enjoyed this guide to our favourite hotels in Lisbon.
Now that you’ve decided to book your next corporate event here, you’ll need a place to host your afterworks event. Lucky for you we’re written a guide to the best venues for afterwork events in Lisbon too.
Featured image: Memmo Alfama via memmohotels
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