Lisbon is a city renowned for the diversity of its local neighbourhoods. From the shopper’s chic Baixa and Chaido, to the romantic’s old town Alfama, and the night owl’s grittier Bairro Alto. Deciding where to stay in Lisbon is probably the most important decision you’ll make, besides perhaps when to visit.
To experience the side of the city’s eclectic character which matters most to you, where you stay really matters. That’s why I’ve created this guide on the best places to stay in Lisbon, each with their unique blend of independent design, attitude, hospitality, and, most importantly, local flavour.
To make your hotel search even easier, I’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 just want a hotel with a pool to chill out in, I’ve got you covered.
Each section highlights the standout boutique hotels in these areas, so if you’re looking for the same old boring business or chain hotels, then look elsewhere, as I prefer to focus on independent places with real character and authenticity…
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Before I get into the hotels, for those of you that haven’t been to Lisbon before, keep in mind that each neighborhood has its own character, so depending on where you stay, you can’t help but experience a different side of Lisbon’s multifaceted personality. Here’s a quick guide to each district…
Which district should I stay in?
Baixa/Chiado
The heart of the city and adjoining Barrio Alto to the south and east, Chiado and Baixa are both ideal for first-time visitors. Expect elegant shopping streets, bustling squares, and easy access to major attractions. Perhaps not the best choice if you just wanna escape it all though.
Alfama
Lisbon’s oldest district. Winding narrow alleys and great views over the Tagus river. Great for history buffs and people who just like to get lost in new places. Crap for people with mobility issues as it’s even hillier than the rest of the city here.
Bairro Alto
Perfect for night owls and food lovers. This lively area is packed with bars, restaurants, and a bohemian vibe (if you’re already too old for ‘bohemian’ you may want to focus your search elsewhere). Can stay quite loud quite late with noise from local revelers, so make sure your accommodation has decent soundproofing.
Where to Stay in Baixa & Chiado
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. Pretty much opposite, and just a little further to the east, Baixa is the bustling downtown area, with grand architecture, wide shopping avenues, and iconic squares like Praça do Comércio and Rossio. Both are great for first-time visitors as they’re right in the heart of the action close to restaurants and shops.
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.
Hotels in Alfama
Alfama is the oldest and arguably the most atmospheric district in Lisbon. It’s a maze of narrow, winding streets, hidden courtyards, and old buildings. This neighborhood is also the birthplace of Fado music, and you’ll often hear its melancholic tunes 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 their colorful laundry and undies swaying in the breeze. Popular local landmarks include São Jorge Castle (great views of the city), and Lisbon Cathedral.
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.
Where to Stay in Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is the night owl’s dream spot, with bars, clubs, restaurants and a lively atmosphere that lasts long into the early hours. By day, this hilly district offers a uniquely bohemian charm with narrow, cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and quirky shops.
Its great if you want plenty of bars and live music spots, but if not, also don’t panic, as despite its lively rep Bairro Alto has its fair share of quiet corners, as well as 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 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.
Lisbon Hotels Map
Everyone loves a map, so below I’ve embedded one which includes all the above mentioned hotels. These are labelled with red icons, apart from the ‘hotels with pools‘, which have blue swimming icons. I’ve also included both tram stops and metro stations, to give you an idea of how well connected each hotel is to the public transport system.
How 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.
Hopefully one of these methods can bag you a great deal, so you get to enjoy Lisbon’s best boutique hotels at a price that you feel good about.
Where to Stay in Lisbon: Outro
I think Lisbon’s smaller, independent boutique hotels are the only way to match this amazing city’s energy. So choose a district, and then a hotel to match your travel style, and you’re already half way to having a great stay in the Portuguese capital.
Just as much as Bairro Alto, Baixa/Chiado, or Alfama will influence your stay, these boutique hotels are so much more than just a place to sleep, they’re an integral part of how you experience this city. So 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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