activities. All in an Art Deco gem of a building within staggering distance of the bars on Pink Street. Double rooms with private bathrooms are available.
Praça do Duque de Terceira. www.sunset-destination-hostel.lisbon-hotel.org. 21/099-77-35. 20 units. 53€–125€ double; 19€–46€ dorm. Metro: Cais do Sodré. Amenities: Bar; outdoor pool (Apr–Sept); sun terrace; shared kitchen; lockers; free Wi-Fi.
Alfama & East of Center
Expensive
Palacete Chafariz d’el Rei Between Alfama and the river, this theatrical oddity was built by a coffee tycoon in a turn-of-the-20th-century style known as Brazilian Nouveau. A 2-year restoration respects the hotel’s heritage, with stucco ceilings, polychrome tiled floors, and tropical plants. Rooms are spacious, overflowing with crystal chandeliers, hardwood antiques, and velvety drapes. The terrace garden filled with flowering plants is a delight for taking afternoon tea.
Travessa Chafariz del Rei 6. www.chafarizdelrei.com. 21/888-61-50. 6 units. 263€–580€ suites. Metro: Terreiro do Paco. Amenities: Garden; terrace; library; babysitting; free Wi-Fi.
Palácio Belmonte There are hotels with history, and then there is the Palácio Belmonte. The Romans built one of the towers, and another two were erected over a thousand years ago when the Arabs ruled Lisbon. The noble palace chambers linking them together were constructed in the 15th century and once were home to the family of explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, who led the first European expedition to Brazil. The current French owner invested 26€-million into turning the palace into an ultra-luxurious hotel with 10 suites. Each is unique and furnished with original antiques, and most have fabulous views. There are bathrooms clad in rare gray marble with walk-in showers, sunken baths, and their own panoramic vistas. One tower-topping bedroom boasts 360-degree views high above the city; others have private terraces where you can take your organic, freshly prepared breakfast. The walled garden has luxuriant vegetation, a swimming pool, and a waterfall. Walls are coated with more than 3,000 18th-century tiles. The French restaurant is a gourmet treat. There’s a minimum 2-night stay, but you’ll want more.
Memmo Alfama Set your alarm early, because this hotel has the best sunrise views over the Alfama and the Tagus. The infinity pool is brick-red, matching the rooftops of the old neighborhood tumbling down the hillside below. The hotel is tucked away down a cul-de-sac lined with citrus trees behind the 12th-century cathedral. There’s a mural outside by street artist Vhils. Modern furniture in soft creams and browns blends with ancient interior features like portions of ancient stone wall or domed baker’s ovens transformed into cozy sitting rooms. Bedrooms come with Egyptian linen sheets, LED TVs, and Apple charging docks.
Myriad by SANA Hotels Lisboa Soaring 23 floors out of the River Tagus in the ultra-modern Parque das Nações district, the light-filled rooms of this landmark built in 2012 enjoy fabulous sunrises. There’s a bold red-and-black design running through the rooms and public spaces, and a towering atrium complete with jellyfish-shaped chandeliers. The whole thing has a distinctly Dubai feel. Views get more spectacular as you rise toward the penthouse spa and fitness center. The deck of the River Lounge bar is the place to enjoy a waterfront port and tonic. All rooms feature a hammock seat beside the panoramic window, where it feels like you’re floating over the Tagus. Basque multi-Michelin-star-winner Martin Berasategui oversees the 50 Seconds restaurant, 120 meters over the Tagus.
Solar dos Mouros This tasteful, artsy micro-hotel sits below the walls of the São Jorge Castle in the oldest part of the city. It has an intimate atmosphere and offers panoramic terraces perfect for a glass of port or plate of petiscos (snacks) while enjoying the sunset over the city and river below. Rooms feature bold color schemes and modern art—many by owner Luís Lemos. If you can, grab the deluxe suite with vast private balconies and unique marble-clad bathroom with a view.
Albergaria da Senhora do Monte It’s off the beaten track, a bit dated and with rooms on the small side, but this little place has bedroom views among the best in town. Perched on a hilltop in an old neighborhood served by Tram 28, the inn makes a fine budget option. The best rooms have balconies and big windows overlooking the city and river. All guests can enjoy the vistas from the top-floor breakfast room. It’s cozy with a family home vibe, but can be a bit tough to get to on foot up on its hilltop perch.
Hotel Convento do Salvador Amid the medieval lanes of Alfama, this old convent has been converted into a hotel with Scandinavian-style minimalist rigor. There’s a hip bar and a spacious patio for chilling on summer evenings. The white walls are enlivened by colorful works by contemporary Portuguese artists. There are family and reduced-mobility rooms. It’s also a hotel with a social conscience, proud of its environmental credentials and supporting children in need. Several rooms have river views.
Rua do Salvador, 2B. www.conventosalvador.pt. 21-887-2565. 43 units. 97€–193€ double. Tram: 28. Nearby public parking 15€ daily. Amenities: Bar; garden; sun terrace; library; babysitting; free Wi-Fi.