Ah, Lisbon, the city of 7 hills (don’t we know it, phew!), and the sun-kissed capital of Portugal is a city where history meets contemporary European flair. From its cobblestone streets and iconic trams to its buzzing nightlife and world-class cuisine, Lisbon offers something for every traveler. But to truly experience the city’s eclectic character, where you stay matters. That’s why we’ve curated a guide to the best boutique hotels in Lisbon, each with their unique blend of independent design, attitude, hospitality, and local flavour. To make your hotel search even easier, we’ve broken it down by neighbourhood, so whether you prefer the bohemian vibe of Bairro Alto, the sophisticated elegance of Baixa/Chiado, the old-world charm of Alfama, or you’re simply seeking a hotel with a pool to unwind after exploring, we’ve got you covered. Each section highlights the standout small boutique hotels in these areas, ensuring you’ll find the perfect spot for your time in Lisbon.
Baixa & Chiado Hotels
Chiado and Baixa form the sophisticated core of Lisbon. Chiado is the city’s cultural and intellectual hub, known for its historic cafés, theaters, and boutique shops. It’s a good spot for art lovers who enjoy leisurely strolls through charming streets lined with pastel-colored buildings. Just steps away, Baixa is the bustling downtown area, characterized by grand neoclassical architecture, wide avenues, and iconic squares like Praça do Comércio and Rossio. Both are ideal for first-time visitors, as they offer easy access to landmarks, vibrant shopping streets, and some of Lisbon’s best places to eat.
Corpo Santo Historical Hotel
Corpo Santo Historical Hotel is another 5 star hotel just around the corner from Praca do Comercio, just a couple of streets back from the Tagus river. Not all hotels offer their own in-house museum, free walking tours, or even a wine tasting with canapes. but this one does! Its reviews are exceptional across the board, and the room sizes are noted as being very large.
Dare Lisbon House
Dare Lisbon House is a small, 23 room apartment complex, which is also pet-friendly. It is lauded for its high level of service and amenities, which includes luxury bedding, welcome drinks, expert tour & restaurant recommendations, as well as fresh breakfast items delivered daily. These little homes away from home, which often include small kitchenettes for use, all have an undeniably boutique feel to them.
Blue Liberdade Hotel
The 3 star Blue Libertade Hotel is located right on Restauradores square, within a minute from the metro station. The 3 star rating though, seems to be doing it an injustice, as while the rooms are ‘cosy’, the central location and care of the staff means this is a wonderfully located hotel that punches well above its weight.
Hotel Avenida Palace
The unashamedly Belle Epoque Avenida Palace Hotel is a classically styled 5 star gem of a hotel located at the bottom of Avenida da Liberdade, next to Restauradores metro. Everything about this place screams old world elegance and charm, including its classic bar, exquisite dining room, its huge crystal chandeliers, and the grand piano being played in the hotel bar/lounge. If you fancy stepping into a time machine and going back a century, then stay here. It’s also surprisingly good value considering.
Hotel da Baixa
Hotel da Baixa is perhaps Lisbon’s most beloved boutique hotel. From its welcoming Pastel de Nata, to walking tours with its knowledgeable staff, this is a hotel that prizes the personal touch wherever it can. 350 metres from the Baixa/Chiado metro station, expect live music at the hotel bar, a free mini bar in your room, and an absolute legend called Pedro as head of guest services.
Hotel Britania Art Deco
Hotel Britania Art Deco located a couple of minutes walk from the Avenida metro station, on a quiet street in Lisbon’s high-end shopping area. Built in 1944 and designed in traditional art-deco style, expect large rooms, afternoon tea, impeccable staff and outstanding hot and cold breakfasts.
Art Legacy Hotel Baixa-Chiado
The boldly decorated and rather unapologetic Art Legacy Hotel is a 5 minute walk from Chiado metro station. Its colourful and vivid interior design is best suited for people who appreciate mood lighting. Free mini bar and snacks in the room, guided tours, exceptional service, and stylish touches throughout, this relatively new 5 star hotel in Lisbon will appeal to many.
Alfama Hotels
Alfama is the oldest and arguably the most atmospheric district in Lisbon. It’s a characterful maze of narrow, winding streets, hidden courtyards, and ancient buildings. This neighborhood is the birthplace of Fado, Lisbon’s soulful traditional music, and you’ll often hear its melancholic melodies drifting in from local hangouts. Alfama’s charm lies in its timelessness, as here, life moves at a slower pace, with locals chatting from their balconies with colorful laundry swaying in the breeze. Must-visit landmarks include the imposing São Jorge Castle, offering panoramic views of the city, and the Lisbon Cathedral, a stunning piece of medieval architecture.
Santiago de Alfama - Boutique Hotel
Remodelled from the 15th century Palacio dos Castros, the 5 star Santiago de Alfama Boutique Hotel has sweeping views over neighbourhood rooftops down to the sea, an in-house masseuse, great bar and restaurant, attentive staff, and even the occasional live music on the patio adjoining the hotel – this is exactly what an independent ’boutique’ hotel should be.
São Vicente Alfama
The 4 star São Vicente Alfama is tucked away in the heart of Alfama. This is a hotel that values classic touches of hospitality, like hand-written notes to its guests, welcome drinks, and a level of service which its guests clearly appreciate.
Solar do Castelo Inn
Located at the top of Alfama within the shadow of São Jorge Castle in an 18th-century building where the Royal Palace’s kitchens once stood, Solar do Catelo Inn is highly prized for its peace and tranquility, its amazing breakfast (served until midday), and its in-house peacocks, which majestically roam the hotel grounds. Free extras include airport transfers and Port wine to enjoy for its guests.
Palacete Chafariz D'el Rei
A classically styled, somewhat quirky late 19th century hotel in lower Alfama, Palacete Chafariz del Rei has great views over the Tagus river, plenty of free cakes and snacks for guests, as well as luxuriously high ceilings and ever so grand meeting rooms and corridors. This is where Wes Anderson (and all nostalgia lovers) would/should stay in Lisbon.
Bairro Alto Hotels
Bairro Alto is where Lisbon comes alive after dark, known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic atmosphere. During the day, this hilly district offers a bohemian charm with narrow, cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and quirky shops. Expect countless bars, cozy taverns, and live music venues. It’s a place where you can sip cocktails on a rooftop terrace or enjoy traditional Fado performances in a host of different settings. Don’t panic though, as despite its lively reputation, Bairro Alto also boasts quiet corners and some breathtaking views, particularly from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
The Lumiares Hotel & Spa
The Lumiares Hotel and Spa is located right in the hear of Bairro Alto. Choose between whole apartments, studios and even penthouse style accommodation, and benefit from rooftop terrace views over Lisbon. For wellness enthusiasts, there is a small in-house spa and you’ll access to a 24 hour gym. A solid 5 star hotel for those who like to be right in the heart of the action.
Raw Culture Art & Lofts Bairro Alto
Funky, modern loft spaces, hotel rooms and apartments abound here at Raw Culture Art Lofts Barrio Alto. With its own in-house art gallery on the ground floor, rooms and communal areas are also adorned with retro furniture and original artwork that defiantly rage against the corporate machine, proudly declaring its independence spirit from every corner. Keep an eye out for the retro motorbikes on display in the hotel lobby too. Brilliant cocktails, breakfast and service make this is a much beloved choice.
Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel
Beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel, located at the northern end of Bairro Alto, is a 5 star luxury boutique hotel which offers free (and highly educational) wine tastings to guests, as well as local Port, cakes and pastries, and the usual 5 star bells and whistles. Can get a bit noisy due the proximity of local bars though.
Boutique Lisbon Hotels With Pools
Casa do Barao
Right on the border between Chiado and Barrio Alto, you’ll find this boutique enclave and B&B in the form of Casa do Barão. Calming and peaceful gardens, outdoor pool, an eclectic selection of communal art, and a great breakfast and complimentary cakes throughout the day, think of this as an urban oasis to escape back to when your batteries are low.
Palácio Príncipe Real
Palácio Príncipe Real is a boutique hotel so different for the usual hotel chains, with its tranquil garden, pool, massages, afternoon teas, and the highly personalized service afforded to its guests. Love, care and affection goes into everything they do here, and it shows. Of all the places I’ve researched in writing this article, this is where I’m most keen to stay myself, and the next time I visit Lisbon, I will!
Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show
If prizes were given for extravagant hotel names, The Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show would win hands down. Has a rooftop pool area, in-room tablets, but also a slightly more business hotel feel compared with most others on this page, as evidenced by its dedicated co-working spaces. Nearby to Parque Eduardo VII at the top of Avenida da Liberdade, it’s a little further out from the center, but right next to Picoas metro station, so still well located. So named due to the immersive light show which takes place in the hotel garden each evening.
Casa Balthazar
Casa Balthazar, owned by a famous local patisserie family, is located right in the heart of Baixa. With an on-site spa and heated communal pool, as well as private jacuzzis in some rooms, this a hotel which puts great emphasis on relaxation after a day of walking Lisbon’s 7 hills. Expect different cakes served in the communal areas each day, as well as impeccable service, and distinctly B&B feel.
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Map of Lisbon Hotels
It’s always nice to see exactly where your hotel is located within the wider city, so we’re currently working on a map that will show you exactly where each of our recommended hotels are in relation to each other and the main sights. It’s gonna take us a while to make it, but check back soon and we’ll do our best to upload this over the next few weeks.
The Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon: FAQ
For those of you that may never have been to Lisbon before, it might be helpful to know a little more about what each of its main districts is know for, so let’s dive in…
Which district should I stay in while I'm in Lisbon?
Lisbon’s charm lies in its diversity, and each neighborhood has its own character, so no matter where you stay, you’re bound to experience a different side of Lisbon’s multifaceted personality. Choosing where to stay will definitely shape your trip, so here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Bairro Alto: Perfect for night owls and food lovers. This lively area is packed with bars, restaurants, and a vibrant bohemian vibe. Can stay quite loud with street quite late into the night though, so make your accommodation has good soundproofing.
- Baixa/Chiado: The heart of the city, and adjoining Barrio Alto to the south, Chiado is ideal for first-time visitors. Expect elegant shopping streets, bustling squares, and easy access to major attractions.
- Alfama: Lisbon’s oldest district, known for its winding narrow alleys, traditional Fado music, and stunning views from the São Jorge Castle and over the Tagus river. Great for history buffs and people who just like to get lost in new places.
Where to get the best hotel deals in Lisbon?
Finding the perfect boutique hotel in Lisbon doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of research and some flexibility at your end, you can score fantastic deals without compromising on quality or style. Here’s what to consider:
- Hotel websites: Many boutique hotels offer exclusive deals, discounts for early bookings, or perks like free breakfast when you book directly through their website. This is almost always better for them too, as they don’t lose commissions to the giant hotel aggregators.
- Booking platforms: Most of these boutique Hotels are also listed on popular hotel booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com. with Genius discounts or whatever other loyalty schemes, you can usually get some pretty good deals, or at least earn points to redeem later on.
- Off-season travel: Lisbon’s peak season is spring and summer. For better rates, consider visiting during the off-season (November to February) when hotels often lower their prices. I’ve written extensively about this in another post, so check that out if you’re interested in why winter might be the best time to visit Lisbon.
By exploring at least one of these options, I’m sure you’ll find great deals and get to enjoy Lisbon’s best boutique hotels at a price that you feel good about.
The Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon: Outro
Lisbon is a city that knows how to charm its visitors, and staying in one of its smaller boutique hotels only enhances the experience. Whether you’re drawn to the lively streets of Bairro Alto, the sophisticated vibe of Baixa/Chiado, or the historic allure of Alfama, there’s definitely a boutique hotel that perfectly complements your own individual style. They’re more than just a place to sleep, they’re an integral part of how you experience this city, so we hope that you’ve found your perfect pillow! All that’s left is to book your stay and get ready to fall in love with Lisbon, as I did. For more on Portugal’s capital city, including what to eat and some recommendations for local food tours and cooking classes, read my article about Portuguese food.
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