By admin Lisbon (and Portugal in general) has really exploded in popularity with tourists in recent years, for better or worse. As the tourism numbers have continued to grow, so has the number of hotel openings in the city. It’s nearly impossible to take a picture of Lisbon’s skyline without capturing at least a few cranes due to all the construction and development. I first visited the capital city in August 2019 and again in April 2022, and the number of new hotels that had opened in less than three years (and during a pandemic nonetheless) blew me away. It was overwhelming for me to decide exactly where to stay on my second trip (and I’m a travel advisor!) so I decided to check out multiple options so I could best advise clients–and because I wanted to see as much as possible.
Let me add that I don’t really like “best hotels” lists. Everyone has different tastes and preferences (and budgets), so what may be a dream for one person may not be so perfect for someone else. So, I’ve tried to provide additional context in the descriptions below around who exactly each of these hotels would be best for. Finally, a reminder to book through me; we are preferred partners with many of the hotels listed below and can offer exclusive perks and amenities at the same rates you’d pay booking direct.
All that being said, let’s get on with it. In alphabetical order:
Bairro Alto Hotel
Where: Located on the edge of the Bairro Alto neighborhood, but also close to Chiado. Very central location for visitors wanting to explore the main sights of the city.
What makes it special: One of the original boutique hotels in Lisbon, if not THE original. Luxurious rooms with local accents. Has one of the best rooftops in the city (also open to non-guests). Member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Who it is best for: People who want a comfortable, boutique, five star hotel experience and are willing to pay for it.
Hotel Hotel
Where: Located right off of Avenida da Liberdade, a high-end shopping boulevard in central Lisbon (essentially Portugal’s version of the Champs-Élysées)
What makes it special: Opened in December 2021. Colorful, irreverent lobby bar and restaurant, plus an outdoor swimming pool with urban jungle vibes. The entire scene felt very trendy and Brooklyn-esque to me. I booked a Terrace Room; the room itself was average size, but the private terrace was lovely. Member of Design Hotels.
Who it is best for: Younger crowd; either couples, friends traveling together, solo travelers. One of the most affordable options on this list.
The Ivens
Where: On a quiet corner in Chiado. Very central and in a flat section of the city.
What makes it special: Another new hotel in Lisbon that opened in the fall of 2021. A member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, but make no mistake, this hotel is not your basic Marriott. It bills itself an “Explorers Hotel” and is full of vibrant, maximalist design with equally pretty F&B venues. We were upgraded to a Capello Suite, which was beautiful; the standard rooms are also very nice, just not as large of course.
Who it is best for: Fans of bold design, Marriott loyalists who prefer unique properties over a standard corporate hotel.
The Lumiares
Where: Atop Bairro Alto, with the entrance tucked away on a side street, surrounded by buzzing bars and restaurants
What makes it special: Luxury, boutique hotel with larger-than-average apartment style rooms that contain full kitchens. The rooftop has beautiful views but is open to the public, so it can get quite crowded. Member of Small Luxury Hotels.
Who it is best for: Perfect choice for longer stays or families who want something stylish and unique.
Memmo Principe Real
Where: Atop a hill in the high-end Principe Real neighborhood and very close to Bairro Alto
What makes it special: Most of the rooms have expansive views of the city and many have private balconies or terraces. Lovely rooftop pool and a swanky restaurant. I stayed in a Superior Terrace City View room and really enjoyed sitting outside with a Port & Tonic overlooking the skyline. A member of Design Hotels, Memmo also has a sister hotel in the Alfama neighborhood with a lovely terrace.
Who it is best for: Lovers of city views, those who want private outdoor space. People who are going to spend some time at the hotel and want to enjoy the nice amenities that it offers (restaurant, bar, pool)
The One Palacio da Anunciada
Where: Right off of Avenida da Liberdade, close to Chiado and Alfama
What makes it special: Converted palace, so the design is opulent and regal, but it doesn’t feel stuffy. Beautiful outdoor pool and courtyard. Member of Preferred Hotels.
Who it is best for: People who like the idea of staying in a high-end hotel that was once a palace. Those staying in the summer who want to take a break from sightseeing to lie out by a pool.
Valverde
Where: On Avenida da Liberdade, but feels quiet and secluded inside. Surrounded by high-end shops and restaurants.
What makes it special: Elegant and sophisticated, with a beautiful outdoor pool. My room on the top floor had a wonderful view. Member of Relais & Chateaux.
Who it is best for: Older couple or people who prefer a scene that is more refined than trendy
And some honorable mentions
I didn’t get to see Sublime Lisboa because it hadn’t yet opened when I was in town. It officially opened its doors in June 2022 and if is anything like its sister property in Comporta, I’m sure it’s incredible. Small property with just 15 rooms and suites. Location is a bit out of the way from many of the tourist sites and neighborhoods, however.
I of course gave the Four Seasons Ritz a look when I was deciding where to stay, and was tempted by its lovely outdoor pool and rooftop running track. However, once I got a glimpse of it in person, I’m glad I didn’t stay there. It’s in a high rise building and looks way larger than any of the other properties on this list. It’s actually quite close to Sublime Lisboa, which means it’s also far away from many of the areas where I spend my time when I go to Lisbon. I’m sure you would get fantastic service there and everything would be five stars, plus some terrific views from a room on a high floor. However, I personally didn’t feel that it was worth the price when I could find something more intimate and central for less.
And there you have it. As I mentioned, Lisbon is changing at a rapid pace, and I’m curious to see how the hotel scene in the city changes over time. I’ll do my best to visit again soon so I can keep this post up to date!
