DL Valmor Palace Lisbonites were delighted to see new life breathed into this iconic building, which had lain abandoned for over a decade before being transformed into this charming boutique hotel in 2019. Located on busy Avenida da República, the two-story mansion scooped up the city’s top architecture prize when it was built in 1906 as home for the Viscountess of Valmor. It served for many years as a businessman’s club and fine restaurant. A tasteful restoration maintains the romantic ambiance with heavy drapes and oriental rugs, chandeliers and empire-style wall paintings. A little out of downtown, but close to the Gulbenkian museums.
Av. da República 38. www.dearlisbon.com. 21/249-71-87. 12 units. 79€–247€ double; 121€–285€ suite. Metro: Campo Pequeno. Amenities: Garden, terrace; free Wi-Fi.
Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel This boutique hotel combines the 18th-century grandeur of the original building with understated contemporary style. With its sumptuous sofas, low lighting, and sweet scent, the foyer is as relaxing as the spa and pool downstairs. Rooms feature stylish wallpaper, chaises longues, large, cool en-suites, and city center views. Some have French windows opening onto Juliet balconies overlooking the Avenida. Bedding is cloud-like—we love the array of pillows.
Av. da Liberdade 28. www.heritageavliberdade.com. 21/340-40-40. 41 units. 162€–600€ double. Public parking nearby 15€ daily, reservation needed. Metro: Restauradores. Amenities: Bar; exercise room; indoor pool; babysitting; free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Avenida Palace The Avenida Palace first opened in 1892 as a typical grand hotel in the European fin-de-siècle style. Full of atmosphere, the hotel hosted well-heeled refugees from the Spanish Civil War, undercover agents during World War II, and stars of screen and stage in the ’50s and ’60s. It later fell on hard times, but has since had its glamor restored. The neoclassical landmark is strategically located between Rossio Square and the start of Avenida da Liberdade, close to all the city center attractions. The public rooms are glittering confections of gilt, crystal, and marble. An English-style bar in hardwood and worn leather is famed for its cocktails, and 5 o’clock tea with scones is served by white-coated waiters in the palatial main salon. This is a genuine classic in the heart of the city.
Hotel Britania Built in the 1940s by famed Portuguese architect Cassiano Branco, this hotel is an Art Deco gem. It has been restored to enhance its original 1940s style, with a dash of contemporary design. The location on a quiet road off the Avenida da Liberdade means you can escape the city traffic and retreat to the clubby bar, library, and lounge, warmed in winter by an open fire. Original decor includes murals in the bar, expanses of marble, and porthole windows. Inside is an old barber’s shop converted into a small museum.
Maxime Hotel Lisbon’s sexiest hotel opened in 2018. Name and decor pay tribute to Maxime Dancing, once Lisbon’s most notorious nightspot which occupied the ground floor from the 1940s until its demise in 2011. Throughout, the hotel is inspired by the old Maxime’s. There are blow up black-and-white photos of dancers in stockings and bodices, a bondage-themed room decorated with handcuffs and black feather dusters, and cabaret shows featuring standup comics and burlesque entertainers in the restaurant/bar that occupies the old nightclub. It could have turned out sleazy, but instead the atmosphere is cheeky but sophisticated. Even so, probably better for a romantic getaway à deux than a family vacation. It’s set in a verdant square, just a few steps from Lisbon’s grandest boulevard.
Torel Palace This charming boutique hotel occupies a pair of 1900s mansions in a noble, but little-visited hilltop district overlooking Avenida Da Liberdade. One is painted in bold blue, the other a soft pink. Decor in the rooms reflects that mix of primary or pastel shades. All the rooms are named after Portuguese royalty. Our favorite is Dona Amélia, with royal blue walls and astounding views from the veranda. Between the two buildings is a leafy garden patio paved with traditional tiles and a pool that makes up for its small size with a hillside location and great views. Recent additions include a private villa and the innovative Cave 23 restaurant.
Rua Câmara Pestana, 23. www.torelboutiques.com. 21-829-0810. 26 units. Doubles 120€–420€. Parking 15€ daily. Metro: Avenida (then take the funicular). Amenities: Restaurants; bars; outdoor pool; garden; sun terrace; babysitting; free Wi-Fi.
Inexpensive
Casa de São Mamede This solid, yellow-painted townhouse was built in 1758 as a magistrate’s home and has been a hotel since 1948. It’s great value for money on the edge of the happening Príncipe Real district. The good-sized rooms are individually decorated. Some may feel a tad old-fashioned, but most have a stylishly uncluttered historical style, and all have private bathrooms. Breakfast is served in a sunny second-floor dining room decorated with antique tiles. Service is friendly and attentive.
Rua da Escola Politécnica 159. www.casadesaomamede.pt. 21/396-31-66. 28 units. 99€–224€ double. Metro: Rato; Tram 24. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi.
HF Fénix Music The best of a row of mid-20th-century hotels run by the HF group just across from Eduardo VII Park. This one has a musical theme. Each room is decorated according to a style from jazz to classical to fado. There are live bands and DJ sets beside the rooftop pool and bar, where there’s a city view that’s the envy of many more expensive hotels. High-tech sound systems allow guests to turn their rooms into a personalized disco. The check-in desk is shaped like a drum kit and the bar’s a piano keyboard.
alt=""/> 21-880-4000. 36 units. 119€–309€ double. Private parking nearby 20€ daily, reservation required. Metro: Intendente. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; free Wi-Fi.
