Portugal’s balmy historic capital is becoming an increasingly de rigueur city break destination. Once visited, it’s easy to see why – Lisbon is a picture-perfect panorama of ancient ruins, glitzy cafes and boutique shops, and white-doomed cathedrals all lining a maze of cobbled alleyways and encircled by a sea of terracotta roofs.
There are many reasons to visit the centuries-old city, including chic Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet-food markets galore, a cosmopolitan waterfront where it’s almost essential to kick back and sip on expressos, numerous terraced viewpoints where you gaze in awe at the no-filter necessary sunsets and a burgeoning art scene.
With this newfound love for creativity overspilling into their blossoming collection of trendy hotels, there’s also no shortage of truly beautiful places to stay. From my many stays and from gorgeous quirky-chic boutiques to grand and modern, here are the best cool and unique hotels to stay in Lisbon, Portugal (in no particular order)...
1. WC Beautique Hotel – one of the most beautiful Lisbon boutique hotels perfect for a unique and elegant stay
Set in the heart of downtown Avenida Almirante Reis, the exceptionally rated WC Beautique Hotel is a stunning example of how to dispel the idea that all hotels should look and feel the same.
Uniquely decorated and conceived to celebrate the beauty of modern-day bathrooms, the hip and cool Lisbon hotel feature a lobby area with two huge stand-alone bathtubs and marble walls with running water features. Bedrooms are elegantly furnished with turquoise walls, circular beds and bathtubs in the bedrooms.
While some rooms are funkier than others, all of them are a delight for the senses with quirky washing facilities barely separated from the main sleeping area. The hotel’s Banho Restaurant serves well-excused Portuguese cuisine, while the on-site bar has an extensive cocktail menu and fine wines.
2. Memmo Alfama – a bright and breezy contemporary townhouse with a stunning rooftop swimming pool
Located in the lanes of Moorish Alfama, the 4-star exceptionally rated Memmo Alfama offers an authentic taste of Lisbon living. The building’s 19th-century exterior has been painstakingly restored, while the interior offers 21st-century style and convenience. From the thick exposed ancient stone walls to the fine cement floor in the bathrooms, the old and the new blend seamlessly here.
Bedrooms at the trendy Lisbon abode have a simple feel with wooden floors, rustic bedcovers and simple white linens, while the bathrooms are fresh and modern.
In true small hotel style there is a 24-hour honesty fridge filled with local delicacies, a sitting room with tables and chairs and a small Wine Bar upstairs that offers food and views out across the city. There is also a beautiful red-tiled lap pool and fire pit on the terrace too.
To book, check prices or availability for Memmo Alfama
3. Dear Lisbon, Charming House – a unique Moorish-style Lisbon boutique hotel perfect for Instagrammers
Located in the iconic neighbourhood of Santa Catarina, where winding streets spill down the hills of the city, the exceptionally rated Charming House is an authentic Mediterranean hotel with a Moorish vibe.
Bedrooms are refined with crisp white bedding, polished wooden floors and incredible views out across the Santa Catarina rooftops, while the communal lounge is an eclectic mix of wingback chairs, rustic tables and button leather sofas centred around a stunning feature fireplace.
The outdoor space at this hip and beautiful Lisbon accommodation offers a Riad-style patio with a small swimming pool and Arabian styling, and although there is no restaurant on-site, guests can enjoy a continental-style breakfast in the lounge. For more filling fare, explore the world-food cafes and restaurants that can be found on every corner of this buzzing, bohemian neighbourhood.
4. Mama Shelter Lisboa – a cool, swanky and eclectic hotel that makes a perfect base for fun-loving Millenials and Gen Zs
With vibrant and quirky decor that echoes the colourful and sun-soaked city, Mama Shelter Lisboa is centrally located in the French Quarter, between the Botanical Garden and Parque Eduardo VII and close to Avenida da Liberdade.
You’ll find the hallmark Mama Shelter informality and comfort, with open-air terraces to enjoy the view and ocean breeze, and a rooftop bar and a Mediterranean restaurant famous for homemade food, signature cocktails and music sessions. The rooms have ocean-inspired decor, luxurious beds, free movies, a fridge and air conditioning.
A continental and buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can use the “Move Me Up” option to choose a quiet room on the 7th or 8th floor, above the bustle of the city.
5. Altis Belém Hotel & Spa – a sleek, sexy and chic place to stay with wow-inducing rooms
This 5-star design hotel located on the Tagus River near the Monument of the Discoveries takes its inspiration from Portugal’s Golden Age in the 15th and 16th centuries.
The decor in the rooms and suites takes you on a journey across Africa, Arabia, India, Siam, Osaka and Brazil, and the use of light and water views have won it awards like Portugal’s Leading Design Hotel 2015 and 2016 and Europe’s Leading Design Hotel 2016 for the World Travel Awards.
You will be within walking distance of famous monuments and sights such as the Jeronimos Monastery, Belém Cultural Centre, Berardo Collection Art Museum, Oriental Museum, Ajuda Palace and more. Panoramic river views provide the setting for the luxurious rooms, the tranquil BSpa by Karin Herzog and the Michelin-starred Restaurant Feitoria.
There’s also a rooftop terrace and less formal eateries like the Cafetaria Mensagem and the 38º41´Gastrobar.
6. 1908 Lisboa – an award-winning centrally located Art Nouveau boutique hotel housed in a historic building
Housed in an award-winning Art Nouveau building situated in downtown Lisbon, the 4-star exceptionally rated 1908 Lisboa Hotel is uniquely different on so many levels.
Cool antiques blend perfectly with funky Art Nouveau features, whilst the unique and sophisticated Lisbon hotel is also home to an ever-evolving art gallery of sharing the work of up-and-coming artists.
Bedrooms are clean and comfortable and have a modern vibe, whilst bathrooms offer steaming hot showers and are incredibly clean. The lobby has stunning tiled floors that blend perfectly with industrial decor and an original turned staircase. The Restaurant Infame serves up delicious local food, while cocktails, cold beers and fine wines are also available.
7. Internacional Design Hotel – bright, colourful and ultra-charming boutique accommodation in a superb central location
A trendy boutique hotel situated in a truly central location on the corner of Rossio Square. While the Internacional might be one of the oldest hotels in the city, the interiors are anything but dated.
The modern decor combines bold patterns with intricate works of art and an eclectic mix of furnishings to create design-conscious looks, whilst bedrooms at this stylishly funky Lisbon abode have been created to match the many themed floors that run throughout the hotel.
Choose from pop art-inspired Andy Warhol rooms, as well as rooms on the Zen, Urban and Tribal floors, all with plenty of space, style and even individually themed scents on offer. The Bastardo Bar features plastic chairs, long-hanging lampshades and trendy artwork as well as a modern menu and first-class drinks.
8. Torel Palace Lisbon – a beautiful and elegant boutique hotel that offers gorgeous Mediterranean views
You’ll get the royal treatment at this boutique hotel, with 25 rooms, a villa and five apartments located in a complex consisting of two historic palaces and a mansion. The site was chosen for its spectacular view of the Tagus river and São Jorge Castle across the cityscape.
You’ll love the 19th century traditional architectural details, light-filled interiors, rich furnishings and the clean combination of classic and modern styles. The rooms and suites are surrounded by gardens and terraces, and most have balconies to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The swimming pool is a great place to relax and unwind, and the Terraço23 restaurant serves a varied menu in an elegant setting. A delicious breakfast is served every morning and there are all kinds of extra services like babysitting, laundry and an airport shuttle will make your visit go that much more smoothly
9. AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado – a sophisticated Lisbon experience housed in a striking 18th-century building overlooking Municipal Square
Understated and utterly sophisticated, the AlmaLusa Hotel is tucked away in an 18th-century building that was once the site of the city’s old arsenal.
The building has listed status meaning that the interiors are full of original features including flagstone flooring and huge wooden fireplaces that have been carefully combined with contemporary elements and a clutter-free approach to hotel design.
Bedrooms are well equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, smart televisions and REVO SuperSignal radios and are dressed in calm neutral colours with soft beds and quality furnishings.
Bathrooms offer traditional black and white slate tile designs and feature walk-in showers with rain heads. The chic Lisbon hotel is also home to the Delfina Restaurant which serves good food in brasserie-style surroundings.
To book, check prices or availability for AlmaLusa Hotel
10. The Vintage Hotel & Spa – a hip and creative, and colourful design hotel with individually designed rooms
This 5-star hotel with a soul redefines mid-century design with stylish, clean lines, vintage colours and understated luxury. From the fabulous V Rooftop Bar to the spa with a heated pool and organic herbal teas served in bespoke china made by a local artist, you’ll get an authentic taste of the Lisbon experience.
With the location on Principe Real in the centre of the city, you’re close to all the cool bars, restaurants and sights, as well as the upscale shopping at the Avenida da Liberdade.
The rooms have large windows with city views, seating areas, artwork by João Rei and specially curated bar carts with a gin and tonic kit and complimentary snacks. You’ll find traditional Portuguese cuisine at the Blue Restaurant and wine and cocktails at the Lobby Bar. It’s no surprise that this charming boutique hotel has been chosen for a. 2022 Travelers Choice Best of the Best award from TripAdvisor.
11. The Lumiares – an ultra-chic boutique aparthotel located in the lively Bairro Alto neighbourhood
If you’ve always wanted to live in a palace, the studios and suites in this boutique hotel in a 17th-century palace are designed to feel like home. Billed as a love letter to Lisbon, the hotel decor uses the light, views and local artwork and crafts to create a stylish retreat full of colour and character which has won the 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award.
The high-ceilinged rooms have balconies with views over the picturesque red-tiled city roofs and come with fully-equipped kitchens and separate living areas. Fabrics and fittings from local artisans such as the cushions from the Alentejo, rugs by Ferreira de Sá and traditional Portuguese tiles in the bathrooms add to the sense of belonging.
The location in the trendy Barrio Alto puts you near all the sights, and there’s a spa and a rooftop bar and lounge where you can relax at the end of a long day.
To book, check prices or availability for The Lumiares
12. Le Consulat – a fine, unique and elegant hotel housed in a historic building that was once home to the Brazilian Consulate
The Pombaline-style building used to be the Brazilian consulate is now a boutique hotel with just 18 guest apartments and suites, representing the best of Lisbon to global travellers. Located near Luis de Camoes Square in the lively Chiado district, it introduces you to the cuisine, art and culture of the city.
The high ceilings and large windows let in the famous Lisbon sunshine and elegant decor in light earth tones gives a welcoming, homely feeling. Each suite has a unique design with local artwork, and many have balconies looking out over the city.
Breakfast is served in the lounge, which becomes the Rove bar in the evenings with drinks, food and music.
To book, check prices or availability for Le Consulat
13. My Story Hotel Figueira – a tranquil retreat with unique vintage-chic decor located in Lisbon Old Town
The landmark building in Figueira square is full of elegance and modern comfort while recalling the bustle of the area’s fruit and vegetable market in times past. It’s also close to all the sights, museums, shipping, restaurants and bars in the heart of the city, and right next to the tram stop.
The rooms have unique, clean and stylish decor with all the comforts of rich furnishings, parquet floors and soundproof windows, though you may want to leave them open to the sounds of the city outside.
Guests are served a buffet breakfast every morning and the La Squadra offers a gourmet Italian menu with homemade bread and Italian pizzas fresh from a traditional wood oven.
14. LXBoutique – a creative and arty boutique hotel perfect for design-loving Millenials and Gen Z’s
An artsy but unpretentious boutique hotel close to the bars of Bairro Alto and the shops of Chiado, with wonderful views out across the river. The 4-star exceptionally rated LX Boutique Hotel has a fresh, modern feel with an arty vibe, and each of the five floors has its very own theme.
Bedrooms have a cosy, waterfront feels and are dressed in hues of blue and grey, whilst the bathrooms are bright and modern. The stylishly quirky hotel has a nice, friendly bar that is perfect for a cold beer or two, and the Confraria do Sushi serves delicious sashimi.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants just outside the hotel doors, so if Sushi isn’t your thing you certainly won’t go hungry here.
15. Hotel Portugal – a unique, cute and charming upscale place to stay in Lisbon with striking and colourful decor
Situated just a few minutes walk from the historic Rossio Square, this refined boutique hotel offers uniquely decorated bedrooms and 24-hour room service.
Inspired by the beauty of traditional Portuguese tile designs, every room at the 4 star exceptionally rated Hotel Portugal is individually styled but contains high-end furnishings, soft, sumptuous bedding and hues of royal blue.
Guests at the unique Lisbon hotel can dine at the stunning Varanda de Lisboa, that serves up gorgeous Portuguese cuisine and panoramic views out across the city, or eat on the terrace at the Golden Sushi Japanese restaurant. The Jony Rules bar in the lobby offers a good selection of local wines, while the Premium Winehouse has the look and feel of a first class cellar bar.
To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Portugal
16. Hotel York House – a charming, romantic and tranquil Lisbon boutique gem with a beautiful garden
What was once a 17th-century Carmelite convent is now a contemporary boutique hotel in the Lapa district of Lisbon. Stone floors and wood panelling retain a sense of the buildings unique history, while antique furnishings add style and comfort and the beautiful courtyard garden is the perfect place to swing in the hammock or read a book underneath the canopy.
Bedrooms at the 4-star highly rated York House Hotel mix original features like antique brick floors, terracotta tiled vaulted ceilings and wooden beams with modern lighting and contemporary furnishings, and bathrooms are either black slate or marble with large basins and bathtubs with showers overhead.
The beautiful boutique Lisbon hotel also offers fine dining on the ground floor and a good choice of crisp, cool Portuguese wines.
17. My Story Hotel Rossio – a trendy Avant-Garde gem located on Rossio Square
An offbeat hotel by the busy Rossio Square, on the Avenida da Liberdade, right on top of a wide selection of shops, restaurants nightlife. The exceptionally rated My Story Rossio is a small hotel with lots of quirky touches that transform it into an intimate hideaway in the heart of the city. Maps of the city line the floors of the lobby area, whilst the original 18th-century stairwell is well-lit by a rooftop skylight.
Bedrooms at the cool and creative Lison hotel offer ceiling beams and exposed stone walls, but also offer avant-garde additions like floor-to-ceiling mirror televisions, wooden stools with leather belts for support and Scandinavian-style bathrooms with wood-panelled walls.
The Café Portugal on the first floor is a great place to enjoy fine food and watch the world go by, whilst the Corner Bar is tiny but fun and perfectly put together.
18. Monte Belvedere – a quirky-chic modern retreat overlooking the River Tagus
Housed in a building that was once used as French perfume factory, the exceptionally rated Monte Belvedere offers some of the most amazing views of the River Tagus to be found anywhere in the city.
Located at the Alto De Santa Catarina, the building has been lovingly restored and now offers a fabulous rooftop terrace for taking in those views.
Bedrooms are clean and contemporary with parquet floors, white walls and beautiful restored original windows, while the bathrooms are graceful with feature slate tile walls and large shower cubicles.
The trendy hotel is also home to the Madame Petisca restaurant where diners can enjoy amazing local dishes and crisp local wines, high up on the hills above the city.
19. 9 Hotel Mercy – a chic and contemporary upscale Lisbon hotel located on a bustling downtown street
A sleek, upscale hotel tucked away in the narrow streets of the Chiado, a district buzzing with cafés, shops and excellent restaurants. Converted from a historical building into a modern-day hotel, the 9 is awash with first class interior design elements that focus heavily on hues of black and gold.
The bedrooms at the hip Lisbon hotel have parquet flooring and large padded headboards and are incredibly stylish, whilst bathrooms are sleek and masculine with black Corian panels and rain showers.
The 4-star exceptionally rated 9 Hotel Mercy Hotel also offers its very own compact library space, and appeals to the younger, hipper Lisbon set by offering an unusual tea cocktail bar, where a DJ plays on weekend nights, under the light of a giant illuminated snake, as well as a popular rooftop bar.
20. Solar dos Mouros – a gorgeous upscale hotel offering panoramic Insta-worthy views located in the ancient Alfama district on the ramparts of a castle
In the heart of the narrow streets of the Alfama district, the 4-star highly rated Solar dos Mouros is housed within the towers and ramparts of St. George’s Castle. 18th-century stone walls are beautifully decorated with modern art, while thick hardwood floors feel solid underfoot.
Bedrooms at the trendsetting Libson abode are brightly coloured with oversized leather headboards and comfortable wicker furnishings, while bathrooms are clean and modern. The bedrooms and suites all have wonderful views out over the city or the river. Buffet breakfasts are served in the courtyard, and there is a Tapas bar next to the reception.
21. Hotel da Estrela – a colourful elegant hotel located in the baroque Estrela District which mixes vintage with contemporary
In a building that was once a school; the 4-star highly rated Hotel da Estrela is situated in the elegant Condes de Paraty palace, and offers reasonable access to the city’s main squares and attractions. Using a clever mix of vintage school furniture and contemporary touches, the cool and eclectic Lisbon hotel retains a real sense of the properties heritage.
Bedrooms are spacious and comfortable with a high-end feel, while bathrooms have large tubs and contemporary fittings. Guests can eat at the Cantine da Estrela which serves fine international style cuisine to diners seated on old school benches, and the hotel also has a beautiful garden.
22. Browns Boutique – an elegant and centrally located boutique hotel a short walk from Chiado and Bairro Alto
Offering glamorous accommodation just a few minutes walk from the Praca do Comercio‘s waterfront plaza, the highly rated Browns Boutique Hotel Lisbon is a boutique hotel that offers international refinement.
Bedrooms are stylish, with crisp white linens and soft wooden furniture teamed dramatically with vintage pieces and desks for business travellers, while bathrooms are bright and modern with showers.
There is also superfast broadband and iHome docking stations in every room. The unique and stylish Lisbon hotel has its very own urban eatery, Brown’s Bistro, which offers traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as superfood salads and burgers.
The area surrounding the accommodation is filled with restaurants, cafes and shops, and the well-known 28 tram stops 50 yards from the hotel.
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
Would be great to have some options that would work for families (ie: more then 2 people per room).