alarm early, because this hotel has the best sunrise views over the Alfama and the Tagus. The infinity pool is brick-red, matching the rooftops of the old neighborhood tumbling down the hillside below. The hotel is tucked away down a cul-de-sac lined with citrus trees behind the 12th-century cathedral. There’s a mural outside by street artist Vhils. Modern furniture in soft creams and browns blends with ancient interior features like portions of ancient stone wall or domed baker’s ovens transformed into cozy sitting rooms. Bedrooms come with Egyptian linen sheets, LED TVs, and Apple charging docks.
Myriad by SANA Hotels Lisboa Soaring 23 floors out of the River Tagus in the ultra-modern Parque das Nações district, the light-filled rooms of this landmark built in 2012 enjoy fabulous sunrises. There’s a bold red-and-black design running through the rooms and public spaces, and a towering atrium complete with jellyfish-shaped chandeliers. The whole thing has a distinctly Dubai feel. Views get more spectacular as you rise toward the penthouse spa and fitness center. The deck of the River Lounge bar is the place to enjoy a waterfront port and tonic. All rooms feature a hammock seat beside the panoramic window, where it feels like you’re floating over the Tagus. Basque multi-Michelin-star-winner Martin Berasategui oversees the 50 Seconds restaurant, 120 meters over the Tagus.
Solar dos Mouros This tasteful, artsy micro-hotel sits below the walls of the São Jorge Castle in the oldest part of the city. It has an intimate atmosphere and offers panoramic terraces perfect for a glass of port or plate of petiscos (snacks) while enjoying the sunset over the city and river below. Rooms feature bold color schemes and modern art—many by owner Luís Lemos. If you can, grab the deluxe suite with vast private balconies and unique marble-clad bathroom with a view.
Albergaria da Senhora do Monte It’s off the beaten track, a bit dated and with rooms on the small side, but this little place has bedroom views among the best in town. Perched on a hilltop in an old neighborhood served by Tram 28, the inn makes a fine budget option. The best rooms have balconies and big windows overlooking the city and river. All guests can enjoy the vistas from the top-floor breakfast room. It’s cozy with a family home vibe, but can be a bit tough to get to on foot up on its hilltop perch.
Hotel Convento do Salvador Amid the medieval lanes of Alfama, this old convent has been converted into a hotel with Scandinavian-style minimalist rigor. There’s a hip bar and a spacious patio for chilling on summer evenings. The white walls are enlivened by colorful works by contemporary Portuguese artists. There are family and reduced-mobility rooms. It’s also a hotel with a social conscience, proud of its environmental credentials and supporting children in need. Several rooms have river views.
Rua do Salvador, 2B. www.conventosalvador.pt. 21-887-2565. 43 units. 97€–193€ double. Tram: 28. Nearby public parking 15€ daily. Amenities: Bar; garden; sun terrace; library; babysitting; free Wi-Fi.
Belém & West of Center
Expensive
Altis Belém This marble-clad cube of modernist luxury is so close to the waterfront it feels like you’re on a cruise liner floating down the River Tagus. It sits in the Belém district within sight of the iconic white tower, the UNESCO-rated Jerónimos Monastery, and the galleries and concert halls of the Centro Cultural de Belém. Despite all the history around it, the hotel is rigorously contemporary. The bar and lounge have clean black-and-white lines with liberal use of leather furniture and hardwood decks. Natural light is a big feature in the public and guest rooms, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows opening out onto the water. All the rooms are spacious and airy with great views. A top perk: the panorama from the rooftop pool. Downstairs, the Spa by Karin Herzog has 1,000 square meters (10,764 sq. ft.) where you can relax with a massage, sauna, or Turkish bath, or work out in the gym or dynamic pool. After burning up the calories, treat yourself in the Michelin-starred Feitoria restaurant.
Lapa Palace Back in the 1880s, the Count of Valenças made his palatial home the glittering center of Lisbon’s high society. The city’s best artists were invited to decorate its grand salons and ballrooms, and a lush tropical garden was laid out where the in-crowd could stroll beside streams and waterfalls. Since 1992, the count’s palace has been one of the capital’s most luxurious hotels, favored by royalty, presidents, and movie stars. The 109 rooms are all individually decorated, in keeping with the building’s heritage, with themes ranging from rococo to Art Deco. The palace is located among the embassies and mansions of Lapa district on a hillside with broad views across the Tagus. The outside pool, set amid the tranquil greenery, is kept at a constant 25°C (77°F) from May through September, and there’s a fully equipped spa, gym, and indoor pool center. The gourmet restaurant features five-star variations on Portuguese cuisine. Most rooms are in a modern six-story wing, but continue the palatial decor.
Rua do Pau da Bandeira 4. www.lapapalace.com. 21/394-94-94. 109 units. 340€–755€ double; 755€–2,800€ suite. Free parking. Tram 25. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; babysitting; children’s play area; fitness center; indoor and outdoor pools; spa; massage service; sauna, hammam; free Wi-Fi.
alarm early, because this hotel has the best sunrise views over the Alfama and the Tagus. The infinity pool is brick-red, matching the rooftops of the old neighborhood tumbling down the hillside below. The hotel is tucked away down a cul-de-sac lined with citrus trees behind the 12th-century cathedral. There’s a mural outside by street artist Vhils. Modern furniture in soft creams and browns blends with ancient interior features like portions of ancient stone wall or domed baker’s ovens transformed into cozy sitting rooms. Bedrooms come with Egyptian linen sheets, LED TVs, and Apple charging docks.
