by Lisbon, with its narrow streets, bougainvillea-covered squares, sea views and seven steep hills (the signature yellow trams up and down), is ideal for small shop properties that maintain a sense of character and feel like a home rather than a hotel. . Lisbon, unlike so much of the world, has not gone global; Portuguese are always resolute, looking out to sea, with their backs to the rest of Europe and their identity intact.
Below are the best of the small, stylish and independent hotels located in the hidden corners of the capital, like Hotel das Amoreiras, located in one of the most beautiful squares in Lisbon overlooking the capital’s 18th century aqueduct, or Memmo reached Príncipe Real down a tiny path. which opens onto a view across the red roofs of the Tagus River. Or secret oases like Palácio Príncipe Real, where a lush garden transports you to a fragrant, purple-tinged world of Wisteria and Jacaranda. Little gems, all of them, and all of them waiting for visitors. These are the best boutique hotels in Lisbon.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
This hotel is located on one of the most beautiful squares in Lisbon, Praça de Camões, with a statue of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s best poet in the middle. It’s in the lively quarter of Bairro Alto (a hot spot for artists and writers) and could easily be described as the grand dance floor of Lisbon’s boutique hotel scene. Behind its ochre-hued facade, there are 87 rooms, chef Nuno Mendes’ first job in his hometown, and a much sought-after rooftop terrace. The overall character is one of a warm and welcoming townhouse with a strong sense of place.
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Designed by the architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, who was also previously responsible for the Memmo hotels, the overall character here is one of contemporary elegance rooted in Portuguese heritage. Drawing on local materials from hot limestone to old hand-painted tiles, modern art by Miguel Branco, Barahona Possollo and Iva Viana and even handmade hats from an old, established neighborhood shop, Memmo Príncipe Real mixes the past areas to be determined. The kind of 21st century luxury.
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These two turn-of-the-century residences have been elegantly converted into shophouses. A beautiful swimming inset on a cobbled terrace offers views across the capital, while the restaurant An Páilion Dubh delivers really good modern Portuguese fare. There are 26 rooms, one apartment and one villa. The decor is a mix of classic or contemporary elegance, but each room exudes a cozy vibe: the beds are draped in the softest linens with a warm Portuguese woven rug underfoot, the windows have bright polished shutters, and balconies are covered locally, to bright colored tiles.
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This elegant 18th century palace, which has been carefully restored, has 18 luxurious rooms, including two sumptuous suites, elegantly decorated with original stucco work. The hotel’s rooftop, swimming pool and Suba Restaurant offer unparalleled 360-degree views of the Lisbon skyline and the Tagus River beyond. Throughout the building there is an emphasis on letting in the distinctive light of Lisbon. Colors mix in soft blues, beige and grey, with some rooms covered in silk wallpaper, others in raw linen. Despite the palatial feel to the building its character is warm and inviting.
• The best hotels in Lisbon
While respecting the heritage of this original 18th-century house, which unlike so much of Lisbon 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 light fixtures come courtesy of Italian designer Davide Groppi, chairs and tables from Carl Hansen and, in the rooms, beds from B&B Italia. The overall effect creates a relaxing atmosphere and a strong sense of history. An essay in simplicity, the six beautiful rooms overlook the rooftops of old Lisbon towards the Tagus.
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A 19th century palace in perfect pink, surrounded by leafy gardens of jacaranda and lemon trees and inset with a swimming pool, is the new hotel for Lisbon tourists. It offers 25 bedrooms, many of them indulgently large with independent bathtubs, within a beautifully renovated interior. It is a passion project from the 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 a view of the wonderful gardens. The beds are covered in crisp cotton, the bathrooms come with heated floors and Byredo amenities in local limestone.
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In charming Chiado, the authentic Lisbon of yellow trams and purple jacaranda, narrow, cobbled streets, and large churches, this luxury opening offers 61 rooms and suites behind its daffodil-colored walls in the 18th century, which have been beautifully restored. Wine is a central theme throughout, from the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa to the Portuguese wine tasting experiences held under the bar’s ancient vaulted brick ceiling. Original blue and white tiles can be found throughout the building as well as stucco and frescoed ceilings, an impressive staircase and a small chapel. Within the thick stone walls the hotel is steeped in history and offers a real sense of place.
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Located in one of Lisbon’s prettiest squares, facing the mulberry gardens that the square is named after, these two townhouses offer an under-the-radar performance, featuring 17 bedrooms, two rooms, a courtyard and stylish bar for breakfast and snacks. Pop in for 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 an original James Bond poster above the bar, to a picture of Lisbon by Pedro’s father, who gave it to him when he left Lisbon decades ago so he wouldn’t forget the city.
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On the tiny streets of Chiado, this 19th-century haven offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city that its 20 rooms overlook, with views stretching across the red roofs and up to the castle on the skyline. The rooms are furnished with antiques and some have hot tubs on their private terraces (pictured). Nothing is too much trouble for the young, friendly staff and there are many facilities to make you feel at home. Outside in the garden there is a small heated swimming pool which is open all year round.
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This is the Lisbon outpost of the Sublime hotel group, and a follow-up even to their stylish debate, Comporta, which was opened in 2014. In the capital, they have revealed a chic town house with 15 rooms, and sophisticated and truly delicious Italian. restaurant, Davvero. All the rooms are different in size, color and feel, some equipped with baths and showers and others showers only, but they all have an interest to them. On the top two floors, two large rooms come under the rafters with large terraces that offer a bit of outdoor space. There is an honesty bar in each room with half bottles of gin, whisky, vodka and mixers, a free mini bar (try the special Pilsner House beer that uses Comporta rice).
