With its narrow cobbled streets, bougainvillea-lined squares, sea views and seven steep hills (the iconic yellow trams bobbing up and down), Lisbon lends itself to small boutique properties that retain a sense of character and the feel of home, not hotel. . Lisbon, unlike many parts of the world, has not become globalized; He remains a determined Portuguese with his back to the rest of Europe and his identity intact, facing the sea.
Below are the best of the small, stylish, independent hotels tucked into the capital’s hidden corners, such as the Hotel das Amoreiras, located in one of Lisbon’s most beautiful squares overlooking the capital’s 18th-century aqueduct, or the Memmo Príncipe Real, which stretches down a small side street. It opens to a view overlooking the Tagus River, just above the red roofs. Or hidden oases like Palácio Príncipe Real, where a lush garden transports you to a fragrant, purple world of wisteria and jacarandas. Little gems, any and all, are waiting for their visitors. These are the best boutique hotels in Lisbon.
How do we examine
Every hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are often hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel has to offer.
This hotel is located in Praça de Camões, one of Lisbon’s most beautiful squares, with a statue of Portugal’s greatest poet Luís de Camões at its centre. It’s located in the lively neighborhood of Bairro Alto (long a hangout for artists and writers) and can easily be described as the grande dame of Lisbon’s boutique hotel scene. Behind its earthy facade are 87 rooms, chef Nuno Mendes’ first outpost in his hometown, and a sought-after rooftop terrace. The overall character is a warm and inviting townhouse with a strong sense of place.
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Designed by architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, who was also responsible for the previous Memmo hotels, the overall character here is one of contemporary elegance, rooted in Portuguese heritage. Drawing on local materials from warm limestone to vintage hand-painted tiles, modern artworks by Miguel Branco, Barahona Possollo and Iva Viana, and even handmade hats from an old, well-established neighboring store, Memmo Príncipe Real decisively blends the area’s past. The 21st century form of luxury.
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These two turn-of-the-century mansions have been elegantly transformed into a boutique retreat. A beautiful swimming pool set on a cobbled terrace offers views right across the capital, while The Black Pavilion restaurant serves very good modern Portuguese food. There are 26 rooms, 1 apartment and 1 villa. The décor is a mix of elegantly classic and contemporary, but all rooms have a relaxed atmosphere: beds are covered in the softest linens and have warm, Portuguese-woven carpeting underfoot, windows have bright white shutters and balconies are draped in local, bright colours. colored tiles.
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This elegant, carefully restored 18th-century palace is home to 18 luxurious rooms, including two sumptuous suites lavishly adorned with original plasterwork. The hotel’s rooftop, swimming pool and Suba Restaurant offer unique 360-degree views of the Lisbon skyline and the Tagus River beyond. There is an emphasis on letting in the characteristic Lisbon light throughout the building. Colors mix soft shades of blue, beige and grey; some rooms are covered with silk wallpaper, others with raw linen. Despite the building’s grand feel, its character is warm and inviting.
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Paying tribute to the original heritage of this 18th-century house, unlike much of Lisbon that survived the 1755 earthquake, the interior of this hilltop hotel pays homage to 21st-century design. The walls may be clad in local limestone, but the lighting fixtures are by Italian designer Davide Groppi, the chairs and tables are by Carl Hansen, and the beds in the rooms are courtesy of B&B Italia. The overall effect provides a tranquil atmosphere paired with a strong sense of history. A simple experiment, all six beautiful suites overlook the Tagus over the rooftops of old Lisbon.
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A perfectly pink 19th-century palace with a swimming pool, surrounded by lush gardens of jacaranda and lemon trees, will become the new go-to hotel for Lisbon tourists. The beautifully restored interior features 25 indulgently spacious bedrooms, many with freestanding bathtubs. It’s a passion project of British owners Miles and Gail Curley, who came to Lisbon and fell in love with the palace. Some rooms have terraces and some balconies, but all have views of the wonderful gardens. Beds are lined with clean cotton fabrics, and bathrooms made of local limestone have heated floors and Byredo toiletries.
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In charming Chiado, the authentic Lisbon of yellow trams and purple jacarandas, narrow, cobblestone streets and majestic churches, this luxury opening offers 61 rooms and suites behind its beautifully restored 18th-century daffodil walls. Wine is a central theme, from the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa to Portuguese wine tasting experiences held under the bar’s ancient vaulted brick ceiling. There are original blue and white tiles throughout the building, as well as plastered and frescoed ceilings, an impressive staircase and a small chapel. Set within thick stone walls, the hotel carries the weight of history and offers a real sense of place.
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Situated in one of Lisbon’s most beautiful squares and overlooking the mulberry tree-filled gardens that give the square its name, these two converted townhouses house 17 bedrooms, two suites, a courtyard and a stylish bar, offering a gem that cannot be overlooked. breakfast and snacks. Step inside to find fresh flowers, polished antique furniture and paintings from the private collection of owner Pedro Oliveira. These range from a screen print by Alberto Giacometti to the original James Bond poster above the bar to the painting of Lisbon that Pedro’s father gave him when he left Lisbon decades ago so he wouldn’t forget the city.
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Buried in the small streets of Chiado, this 19th-century haven offers tranquility away from the noise of the city with its 20 rooms ranging from red roofs to the castle. Rooms are furnished with antiques and some have spa baths on private terraces (pictured). Nothing is too much trouble for the young, friendly staff and the many amenities to make you feel at home. The small garden outside includes a small heated swimming pool that is open all year round.
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It’s the Lisbon outpost of the Sublime hotel group and the follow-up to the stylish debut Comporta, which opened in 2014. In the capital, they opened a stylish 15-room townhouse and a sophisticated and truly delicious Italian cuisine. restaurant, Davvero. The rooms all have different sizes, colors and feels; Some are equipped with a bathtub and shower, some only with a shower, but they all have their own splendor. On the top two floors, two large suites under the rafters have large terraces that offer some outdoor space. Each room has an honesty bar and a complimentary minibar, stocked with half bottles of gin, whisky, vodka and mixers (try the signature Pilsner house beer, which uses Comorta rice).