The Definitive Guide to Lisbon’s Boutique Hotels
Planning on visiting Lisbon for a cute weekend break? Why not book into one of these perfect boutique hotels, and guarantee yourself the best stay ever?
Chain hotels undeniably serve a purpose. If you crave low cost and efficiency, a place lay your head between explorations and a buffet breakfast that employs the word ‘Continental’ to mean ‘sparse and alarming’ then press that booking button now.
However, for true respite, you can’t beat a small independent boutique hotel. These are the hotels that guarantee you a warm and friendly welcome. That serve a breakfast designed to delight, entrance and satisfy. That have pillows softer than a baby’s cheek and decor more stylish than a French actress from the 70’s. Here are our top five picks for the best Lisbon has to offer — check out the full Guide below for inspiration on the go:
1. Santiago de Alfama
This charming boutique hotel is set in a restored, 15th-century former palace, and features elegant rooms with wood floors, panelled ceilings and rainfall showers. The upgraded rooms have scenic views that are well worth the extra spend, while suites add sitting areas, vaulted stucco ceilings and free-standing baths. Amenities include a restaurant serving regional cuisine, as well as a cafe, a lounge bar, and a furnished terrace. There’s also a spa, for when you really want to shed those final stresses of the day.
Best for: Overall atmosphere and a guaranteed good nights sleep
2. Hotel York House
This little hotel in a 17th-century former convent is located a little way away from the bustle of the main city, and has elegant, functional rooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and antique brick floors. The amenities include a restaurant, a seated terrace and a lounge, as well as a garden which in the warmer months provides a very peaceful retreat after a day walking the city. The nearest metro is about a 10 minute walk away, but if you’re happy to take the bus then one that takes you into the city leaves from right outside the door — the staff are all very happy to provide advice and tips for exploring the city as well. Or you can use the Pearlshare Lisbon City Guide, for instant advice whilst out and about in the city. Subtle.
Best for: Functionality and knowledgable staff
3. Solar do Castelo
Set inside the walls of the hilltop Moorish Castelo do St. Jorge, this chic hotel in a former 18th-century mansion has a modern annex and is just a 9-minute walk from Sé de Lisboa cathedral. Offering free Wi-Fi, the stylish rooms mix modern and classic decor and feature satellite TV. Upgraded rooms add balconies and room service is offered. The hotel offers a hot breakfast buffet for a fee, while additional amenities include free parking, a bar and a tranquil central courtyard garden with a fountain. There’s also a cozy lounge with a library. There’s also an actual PEACOCK, which in our personal opinion is reason enough to book here.
Best for: Peacock
4. Solar dos Mouros
Next to Castelo de São Jorge, this refined boutique hotel has 13 individually decorated rooms featuring wood floors, African and contemporary artwork, free Wi-Fi, cable TV and minibars; some have castle views. Suites add Nespresso machines and terraces. A complimentary breakfast is served on a garden terrace or may be taken in-room. If you’re interested in design, then this is probably an excellent choice — it’s clear that time has been taken in that area. Also, the height of the building pretty much guarantees a view of some sort, so you can enjoy beauty both inside and outside the room.
Best for: Design, views and central location
5. Valverde Hotel
The most expensive, but in this instance you really get what you pay for. This upscale hotel has elegant rooms featuring plush decor alongside free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. They also come with safes, and upgraded rooms include sofas. Suites have sitting areas, while upgraded suites add personal living rooms. In-room massages are available. Complimentary a la carte breakfast is served in the refined restaurant, which also has a bar and hosts regular live music. Cocktails and afternoon tea are available in a courtyard bar, and there’s a heated outdoor pool. All of this is also impeccably stylish. If you want to impress, then it has to be the Valverde.
Best for: Included extras, swimming pools and cocktails
For 11 more amazing hotels, make sure to check out the full Pearlshare guide right here:
