There’s no shortage of places to stay in the Portuguese capital, whether you opt for the trendy Baixa-Chiado area with its happening nightlife or the other-worldly fairy tale atmosphere of Alfama, there’s something for everyone, and these compact boutique hotels – many of which are in historic buildings – bring out the charm of the city.
Take in the beautiful view of River Tagus from your suite at LX Boutique Hotel
LX Boutique Hotel
With its sky blue terraced exterior and position on a steep street with trams chiming their bells early in the morning, and a view of the spectacular suspension bridge, you may be forgiven for thinking you’re in San Francisco rather than Lisbon. LX Boutique Hotel is great for young couples, as designers have really thought outside the box when designing rooms, with cool guitar wallpaper, spaceship-like glass bathrooms and funky design furniture in a multitude of chintzy fabrics. The hotel is ideally located next to Cais do Sodré – a rail and ferry terminal with great connections all over the city.
Metro: Cais do Sodré
Book LX Boutique Hotel for an unforgettable trip to Lisbon
Santiago de Alfama
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In a former 15th century palace, the refurbished Santiago de Alfama is the newest kid on the Lisbon boutique hotel block, after a loving restoration by starchitect Luís Rebelo de Andrado. The 19 rooms are in a rabbit warren of corridors, some overlooking Roman ruins and all decked out in a pleasing Portuguese colour scheme of brilliant white and deep jet blue. The hotel is peppered with modern art throughout and you can eat a custard tart for breakfast sitting at the hotel’s terrace café on the cobbled street. Rooms are also excellent value for money – this is boutique within a budget.
Metro: Terreiro do Paço
Solar dos Mouros is a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of the city
Solar dos Mouros
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Staying here you’ll be a literal stone’s throw from the magnificent Castelo de São Jorge – an 18th century building that used to be one of the castle’s towers. Inside Solar dos Mouros, the design is bright and bold with poster-paint statement walls, clashing colours and Modern art. There’s no restaurant as such, but the hotel’s secluded rooftop terrace has a view of the river, the sliver of blue peeking out from terracotta tiles. With only 13 rooms, you won’t be scrambling for a table and can watch the sunset in peace with a glass of vinho verde.
Metro: Cais do Sodré
Figueira
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The quirky interiors of Figueira are all modelled on nature from ruby red fig tree washbasins to wide leaf plates and massive murals behind headboards – all the work of interior designer Nini de Andrade e Silva. There’s hardly a straight edge in sight – think smooth, rounded chrome edges and curvy walls that mirror the geometric patterns of nature. The hotel’s spa is the perfect place to indulge in a treatment that uses natural plant extracts. When it comes to sightseeing, you’ll be right on Figueira Square close to the buzzing bars and restaurants on Rua das portas de Santo Antão and the pedestrian Rua Augusta with its terrace restaurants.
Metro: Rossio
Figueira offers a unique experience and why not pamper yourself with a treatment at the rooftop spa
York House Lisboa
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For a slice of peace and quiet on the tram route between the atmospheric Time Out food market and the historic area of Belem, bed down at York House Lisboa. You’ll find calm at the spacious outdoor courtyard terrace, with walls dripping with ivy. Fun fact: the boutique hotel used to be a 17th century convent and later transformed into a hotel run by two women from Yorkshire – owing to the hotel’s name. Lisbon is a foodie paradise, but the upmarket restaurant here rivals the best in the city – order the bacalao – it’s a portuguese speciality.
Train: Santos
Stay just a 10-minute walk from central Lisbon at York House Lisboa
Altis Belem Hotel and Spa
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This boutique hotel has a reputation for being one of the chicest in the city and is the most high-end option on the list. It’s also the most spacious, far from being in a converted historic building like many boutique hotels in Lisbon, Altis Belem Hotel and Spa is a sprawling structure of glass and steel, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the harbour. The spa is as much of a draw here as the hotel, and facilities include Turkish hammam, oxygen therapy treatments and a menu of soothing treatments to choose from.
Metro: BelémT
Treat yourself to a suite at the jaw-dropping Altis Belem Hotel and Spa
H10 Duque de Loulé
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Huge blue and white azulezos murals of Portuguese noblemen dominate the lounge area of H10 Duque de Loulé – a traditional boutique hotel with clean white rooms with traditional panelling. Its main draw though, is its stunning rooftop bar and sun terrace attracting well-heeled locals and tourists alike. Its blue and white tiles are given a very modern makeover in geometric patterns, providing an Instagram-friendly backdrop and view to match.
Metro: Marquês de Pombal