The best boutique hotels in Lisbon, Portugal offer the perfect base from which to explore the city
Experience colourful design masterpieces, both old and new, at these unique hotels.
When it comes to exploring Europe, there’s no end of unique adventures waiting for you. From the sunny beaches of Hvar to heritage hotels in Paris, and an array of gorgeous boat hotels, you won’t easily tire for inspiration for your next vacay. And for design lovers who want to immerse themselves in a colourful city filled with charming architecture and exceptional food, the best boutique hotels in Lisbon, Portugal offer a place to lay your head in style.
P.S. if you’re Portugal bound, you may wish to check our guide to the trendiest boutique hotels in the Algarve too.
The best boutique hotels in Lisbon, Portugal
1. The Lumiares | Bairro Alto
Located in Lisbon’s eclectic Bairro Alto neighbourhood, The Lumiares is a converted 18th-century palace with a bohemian soul and an understated vintage appeal. As one of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon, it boasts an eccentric design ethos that seamlessly amalgamates the styles of different local artists.
Featuring characteristic chandeliers, vibrant art, fine textiles, and bespoke furniture, the hotel’s 47 rooms and common areas use light and dark paint schemes that change The Luminares’ persona as the day turns to night.
The hotel’s apartment-style rooms range from cosy studios to two-bedroom suites and the lavish penthouse. In-room amenities promising a relaxing stay include a fully-fitted kitchenette, living area, en-suite bathroom, coffee maker, wireless speakers, TV, and large windows that keep the space light and airy.
However, our favourite spot in the hotel is its award-winning rooftop bar and restaurant, Lumi. Come here to savour a seasonal menu from Chef Joao Silva. And then, stay back for a drink at the bar that serves signature cocktails alongside stunning city views.
Find out more about The Lumiares or Book through Booking.com
2. The Ivens | Chiado
Housed in a 19th-century building, previously used by Rádio Renascença, The Ivens transports you to an effervescent era of the past, alive with adventure and colour. With the tagline “Explorers Hotel,” guests at the Ivens can expect a playful stay in one of its 87 African-themed rooms that are as vibrant as they are comfortable.
Located in the Chiado neighbourhood, the hotel gets its name from Roberto Ivens and Hermenegildo Capelo, explorers extraordinaire who were the first Europeans to venture past central Africa. Interior decorator Cristina Matos integrates the spirit of the adventurers in the somewhat minimalistic rooms, creating soft and bright spaces with bold elements like wallpapers on accent walls and ceilings.
The common areas of The Ivens have an even more fabulous impacting presence. Designed by architect Lázaro Rosa-Violán, one notices the use of dark wood and mood lighting to highlight nooks and corners that look straight out of a design magazine’s pages.
Gourmands staying at The Ivens will appreciate its restaurant’s genuine Italian osteria atmosphere accentuated further by its culinary offerings. However, the hotel’s visually stunning Gastro Bar is perfect for a mingle and a casual drink after a day exploring the sights of Lisbon.
Read our review of The Ivens Hotel.
Learn more about The Ivens or Book through Booking.com
3. Altis Belém | Belém
A little further from the city centre, Belém is a lovely neigbourhood where Altis Belém finds its home. Offering just 50 guestrooms, each is designed to represent a different city that was once a Portuguese colony.
Dining here is not an afterthought, with Michelin-starred Feitoria serving some of the most inventive cuisine in town. Head to BSpa by Karin Herzog when you need to relax or enjoy the Hammam onsite.
Read our full review on Altis Belém.
Discover more about Altis Belém or Book through Booking.com
4. toctoctoc lisboa | Estrela
A hotel where you’ll immediately feel like you’re on a tropical beach holiday, despite being in a bustling city, toctoctoc Lisboa is a blissful spot to be based. It’s a mashup of a boutique hotel and guesthouse, with flower-draped balconies, homely decor, and a tranquil, tucked away garden.
There are nine spacious rooms, with cosy Lapa the smallest hiding panelled walls, plush rugs, and dripping chandeliers, while the largest is Lumiar on the top floor, has its own floating staircase, terrace, and glass bathroom.
The garden is a suntrap perfect for enjoying the hotel’s continental breakfast or an evening drink at the end of the day, plus the hotel’s central location is just minutes from restaurants, bars, and shopping, and the beaches at Caparica are a taxi ride away.
Read more about toctoctoc lisboa or Book through Booking.com
5. The Vintage Lisbon | Bairro Alto
The name says it all! The Vintage encapsulates the essence of the 50s and 60s, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a stay oozing classic retro character. Conceptualised by designer Daniela Franceschini, the hotel’s interiors are a mix of contemporary and antique furniture and styles. There’s a particular focus on local art and artisans, wherein even the pencils in the rooms are from Portuguese manufacturer Viarco.
With design being the soul of the hotel, its 56 rooms are a delight to sleep in. The colour schemes tend to be slightly dusky, with deeper blue, green, and pink tones. However, The Vintage is among the best boutique hotels in Lisbon for offering small, noticeable touches like the in-room make-your-own gin and tonic kit. How very suave.
Although centrally located near plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, The Vintage has its own gastronomic hotspots. The V Rooftop Bar is a quiet nook in the back with spectacular views. For those wanting to indulge in Portuguese culinary classics, there’s the Blue Restaurant. As for us, we can’t get enough of The Hangout, a sleek lounge space where you can meet other guests, listen to an LP, and have your morning coffee.
Find out more about The Vintage Lisbon or Book through Booking.com
6. As Janelas Verdes | Lapa
A sojourn in an 18th-century townhouse brimming with quaint nooks and an antiquated aura is one way to make your holiday in Lisbon all the more special. A part of the Lisbon Heritage Collection of hotels, As Janelas Verdes promises a memorable stay steeped in history yet in tune with contemporary expectations.
The 29 rooms at the hotel, designed by Portuguese interior designer Graça Viterbo, have a cosy, mid-century atmosphere, with vintage furniture, accent walls featuring colourful floral designs complimenting the chintz curtains, plush carpeting, and plenty of move-around space, giving each abode an elegant feel. On-site and in-room facilities include 24-hour room service, WiFi, air-conditioners, marble en-suites, 24-hour free tea and coffee in the lounge, an honesty bar, a courtyard and a terrace with river views.
Among the hotel’s fascinating features is its rooftop library, an unofficial homage to the 19th-century novelist Eça de Queiroz, who once lived in the building.
Learn more about As Janelas Verdes or Book through Booking.com
7. Raw Culture Bairro Alto | Bairro Alto
Raw Culture Bairro Alto embraces the growing hospitality trend of conceptualised experimental living. The arty boutique hotel situated in the historically significant Bairro Alto neighbourhood, is a testament to its present-day zeitgeist, welcoming guests to a setting where creativity and design are as prominent as comfort and service.
The 13 lofts are exclusive in every way possible, curated with much love and care by the proprietor to showcase distinct style and sophistication. Each apartment takes on a theme from the travel-influenced Hangar to the earthy and artisanal Terracotta room where ceramic elements flow from the living spaces to the en-suite. Creature comforts aren’t far behind, with air conditioning, central heating, induction cookies, soundproof windows, Nespresso machine, and bath amenities guaranteeing a luxe vacation.
Travellers with a penchant for art and history will find the building’s prior usage as a printing house interesting. The area is now an art gallery and bar that regularly hosts cultural events. Another fascinating aspect of any stay here is that the furniture and art on display are also available for sale.
Find out more about Raw Culture Bairro Alto or Book through Booking.com
8. Memmo Alfama | Alfama
The past and present of Lisbon merge at Memmo Alfama, the 42-room accommodation in one of the city’s oldest boroughs. Close to several tourist attractions and a short hop from a Tram 28 stop, the hotel grants its residents stunning views of the Tagus and the narrow character-filled streets of Alfama.
A 19th-century structure redesigned by architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, Memmo Alfama is a modern hideaway surrounded by the antiquity of Lisbon. While all around the hotel, you get to admire everyday life in action, the rooms make a stylish statement with clean designs, sunlit colour schemes, parquet flooring, and classic yet comfortable furnishings.
In-room amenities at Memmo Alfama range from iPod charging docks and air conditioners to TVs and minibars curated with Portuguese drinks. You get terrific views of the neighbourhood from most rooms. However, if you want to see the river, opt for the terrace rooms that come with two chairs on a wooden deck on a shared veranda.
Speaking of terraces, remember to set aside time from your busy sightseeing schedule to enjoy the hotel’s red-tiled swimming pool and snack bar with views of the ever-flowing Tagus.
Find out more about Memmo Alfama or Book through Booking.com
9. Valverde Hotel | Avenida da Liberdade
Welcoming guests since 2014, Valverde Hotel places you in the posh shopping area of Avenida da Liberdade. Behind the sophisticated yet atmospherically moody interiors of the hotel is Bastir, a well-known design team with a significant imprint on the city’s architectural landscape.
The rooms masterfully continue with the hotel’s thematic ambience juxtaposing dark colour tones with bright furnishings. Furthermore, carpets and wood panelling on the walls give the spaces a retro look. Amidst all the classic features are modern-day conveniences such as air-conditioners, minibar, TVs, and double vanities in the en-suite bathrooms.
Adding to the hotel’s allure is the in-house Sítio Valverde restaurant. While you can indulge in Portuguese classics here, ask Chef Carla Sousa for the daily specials to relish a finger-licking seasonal culinary extravaganza. If gourmet food is not on your menu for the day, head to Pateo, the hotel’s outdoor lounge area famous for its “5 o’clock tea” and music nights.
Learn more about Valverde Hotel or Book through Booking.com
10. Baixa House | Baixa
Situated in the Baixa district of Lisbon, Baixa House lies on the tourist Tram 28 route, about 10 minutes from the city centre. The 18th-century building is now home to 13 individually decorated apartments influenced by and named after different gardens in Lisbon.
Operational since 2011, the serviced apartments have one to three bedrooms, many of which come with original windows, wooden floors, and tiles. However, the overall look of the abodes is modern, with white walls and kaleidoscopic furnishings, rugs, cushy sofas, and rustic tables for contrast.
Facilities inside the apartments include a fully-equipped kitchenette with a dishwasher, free WiFi, en-suite baths, espresso machines, and double-glazed windows. We recommend picking an apartment with a balcony on a higher floor for better views and more open space to breathe in the city’s vibe.
The pet-friendly Baixa House also offers daily cleaning of the apartments, although linen change is once a week. Lastly, we can’t help but appreciate how they top-up breakfast items daily. So, you end up with an endless supply of olive oil, muesli, vinegar, tea/coffee, fresh yoghurt, bread, cold cuts, and homemade cake.
Learn more about Baixa House or Book through Booking.com
11. Torel Palace Lisbon | Campo Mártires da Pátria
Comprising two palaces and a mansion, Torel Palace Lisbon is an almost decade-old accommodation that has quickly become one of the most revered boutique hotels in Lisbon. Overlooking the city and Tagus River, the abode is part of the Torel Boutiques group. The company, headed by three locals, has a passion for sharing Portugal’s classic architecture with the world through the medium of hospitality.
Although the concept of the hotel focuses on palatial living, a stay at Torel Palace is inherently intimate, contained, and reflective of the city’s cultural past. Decorated by Isabel Sá Nogueira, the 26 bedrooms, five apartments, and the one villa of the hotel follow a theme of Portuguese kings and queens. Housed in Pink, Blue, and White buildings, each room is personalised in its design, taking inspiration from specific royal figures such as Queen D. Isabel, Queen Estefania, King Carlos I, and more.
Upon entering, the bedrooms have a contemporary plush environment thanks to rich fabrics, an open living plan, plentiful light, and unique decorations in the form of chandeliers, art, and headboards. Moreover, each room has amenities catering to all modern-day travel needs.
And when in need of a truly relaxing time with a view, we recommend heading off to the hotel’s 24-hour pool and lounge. A gorgeous vantage point with endless panoramas of Lisbon, it’s the idyllic location for a refreshing swim and a sundowner.
Find out more about Torel Palace Lisbon or Book through Booking.com
12. Immerso Hotel | Ericeira
Pastoral, authentic, and a true-blue hidden gem, Immerso is a destination hotel nestled in the village of Ericeira, just 50km from Lisbon. An area famous for surfing, it remains under the radar of casual tourists, giving this seaside escape a laidback romantic charm.
The first 5-star hotel in Ericeira, Immerso, pays special attention to keeping the sanctity of its natural surroundings intact. Consequently, sustainability forms the basis of the establishment, be it through the use of regional raw materials in construction or the presence of an organic garden on site.
Architecturally planned by Tiago Silva Dias with interiors by Barbara Neto, Immerso Hotel exudes the style and selection of its founder Alexandra Almeida D’Eça. The result of this collaboration is a trendy accommodation with earthy colour tones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an abundance of free-flowing spaces.
Food plays an integral part in the Immerso experience. Emme is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving delicious recipes using seasonal organic produce. We particularly loved the communal setup of Emme on Fire, wherein Chef Alexandre Silva presents awe-inspiring Portuguese creations cooked on a burning hot flame.
Find out more about Immerso Hotel or Book through Booking.com
13. The Lisboans | Alfama
The 15 self-catering apartments of The Lisboans are a passion project of owners and art directors Isaac and Tânia Almeida. With credit for architectural design going to Marta Fonseca, the interiors of the apartments celebrate the works of different artists and brands, showcasing the diversity of Portuguese craftsmanship.
Once a factory built on top of Roman ruins, The Lisboans stands in a historical location, offering tourists the chance to stay in one of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon. A far cry from the typical hotel setup, each apartment has an inviting personality that transforms it into a home away from home the moment you step inside.
Apartment conveniences consist of en-suite bathrooms with mosaic floors, retro-esque furniture, kitchenettes, organic amenities, dry cleaning service, air conditioners, TV, and a 9-hour reception and concierge. The décor is primarily on the softer side with white walls, textiles from Fábrica Alentejana de Lanifícios, and handmade tiles from the Azulejo factory.
As for that boutique factor, The Lisboans has bicycles you can rent. And come morning, hang the provided tote bag outside your door, and see it fill up with fresh bread and juice, almost magically.
Find out more about The Lisboans or Book through Booking.com
14. Hotel Hotel | Avenida da Liberdade
As one of the leading boutique hotels in Lisbon, Hotel Hotel takes pride in its contradictions. The design-centric residence is an artistic playground, the culmination of diverse ideas and movements coming together through creators from different walks of life who helped style a truly immersive place to live.
Fashion designer Alexandra Moura, art curator Pauline Foessel, illustrator Waster Rita, landscape architect Micheal Hellgren, and plastic artist Pastel are but a few of the minds that helped give Hotel Hotel an identity of its own.
Hotel Hotel’s rooms are somewhat different from its common spaces that don’t shy away from splurging on the wow factor. The rooms are classier in design, sleek even with features like Bluetooth speakers, flatscreen TVs, organic bath amenities, air-conditioning, and turndown service. Custom-made beds, selected Portuguese art, and burel fabrics and tiles are further additions that enhance the stylishness of these abodes.
When residing at Hotel Hotel, do make sure you book at least one meal at the in-house restaurant Animal. A green culinary oasis in a bustling city, it is rather well-known for its seasonal presentations made using local ingredients.
Find out more about Hotel Hotel or Book through Booking.com
15. Corinthia Lisbon | Campolide
Being located just north of the historic centre means that Corinthia Lisbon can offer guests a swathe of extras. Dine at one of the three onsite restaurants and bars or add some relaxation to your holiday thanks to spa.
We recommend opting for the spacious Maritime Suite, complete with living room, marble bathtub and access to the VIP Sky Lounge. If it’s stellar service and elegant style that you’re looking for, this is where you need to be.
Read our full review on Corinthia Lisbon.
Discover more about Corinthia Lisbon or Book through Booking.com
16. Brown’s | Avenue | Avenida da Liberdade
Brown’s | Avenue sits comfortably in a stylishly modern avatar at the far end of Avenida da Liberdade, arguably Lisbon’s most expensive street. As such, the hotel showcases a different side of the city, one that is greatly influenced by chic design but isn’t afraid to generate dazzling spaces that blend retro and voguish lifestyle fashion – the extensive use of Roman Travertine stone in the common spaces is one such example.
The hotel offers 44 rooms divided into seven categories. Standard amenities in the dwellings range from free WiFi, a desk, and a Nespresso machine to air-conditioning, parquet floors, soundproof windows, TV, and en-suites. However, the thoughtful touches in the decor, such as the bed lamps, Marshall Stanmore sound system, Smeg minibar, and wooden panelling on entire walls, give each area a unique character.
Those looking to wine and dine can make the most of the in-house restaurant serving Mediterranean fare. At the same time, there’s a different sense of relaxation at the Library Lounge. It’s the perfect place to spend an hour or so with a book and a drink from the honesty bar.
Find out more about Brown’s | Avenue or Book through Booking.com
17. 1869 Principe Real | Bairro Alto
It’s all in the name. 1869 Principe Real is a gorgeous little boutique Bed & Breakfast in Lisbon that places guests inside a historic building dating back to 1869. The residence is particularly apt for travellers looking to be in the centre of all the action but still desiring a quiet corner. It is within walking distance from the neighbourhoods of Chiado and Bairro Alto, close to a cornucopia of retail shops and restaurants. Consequently, it allows guests to relish the more homely side of the city.
Each of the nine rooms in 1869 Principe Real displays a particular personality. While design and colour schemes vary, a common thread of sophistication and minimalism runs through all the spaces. Comforts such as TVs, free WiFi, air-conditioning, shower en-suites, and sofa beds lead to a relaxing night.
The Queen Suite and the Double with Balcony are the standouts among the room options. The former features high ceilings and original Portuguese tiled walls. With its street terrace, the latter is your private window into everyday local life.
Learn more about 1869 Principe Real or Book through Booking.com
18. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon | Avenida da Liberdade
Ideally located overlooking Old Town, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is a stylish stay for when you find yourself in the Portuguese capital. Inside, art-deco design touches blend with an updated Louis XVI style to create elegant spaces for guests to relax and enjoy.
Featuring 282 rooms and suites, accommodations are spacious and feature clean lines and all the mod cons. Michelin-starred CURA serves up exceptional local cuisine, while fitness fanatics flock to the rooftop running track.
Read our full review of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon.
Discover more about Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon or Book through Booking.com
19. Palácio Ludovice | Bairro Alto
Built in the early 1700s, Palácio Ludovice primarily served as the residence of King João V’s architect, João Federico Ludovice. The five-floor building is one of a kind in that it occupies an entire block, conveniently placed between the districts of Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Principe Real. Its uneven façade is symbolic of the regional architecture, whereas the hotel’s 61 rooms grant unmatched accommodation to discerning travellers looking for a luxury stay,
Renovated under the tutelage of famous Portuguese architect Miguel Câncio Martins, the hotel’s present-day avatar has a trendy atmosphere. Still, it retains several original features, such as fresco paintings, white and blue tiles, and stucco ceilings that keep its links with the past intact.
The rooms at Palácio Ludovice are brimming with personality brought about by distinct elements like carved wood on ceilings and hand-painted tiles. Elegant and chic, the rooms either look out to the city or the hotel’s internal courtyard. Un-hotel-like and spacious, the suites, in particular, allow you to experience the residence’s grandeur through marble baths and large windows.
Evenings at Palácio Ludovice are ideal for devouring classic Portuguese and French cuisine at Federico, the hotel’s courtyard restaurant. For wine connoisseurs, the hotel has a bar in the old cellar with a brick wall and a grand floor-to-ceiling counter.
Learn more about Palácio Ludovice or Book through Booking.com
20. Artsy Cascais | Cascais
It’s opulent on the outside and luxury on the inside – Artsy is located in the sun-drenched area of Cascais, which is close to the city but with a beachfront feel. Lisbon is just a short train ride away, but inside, this converted palace has everything you’ll need, including big, bright rooms, stretching views and a pool.
The hotel’s furniture is Scandi-chic, while the hotel even has its own signature scent. There are just 19 rooms and suites, some in the original building and some in a modern wing. Rooms are soaked in natural light, with ocean and park views or a terrace, plus eco-friendly toiletries.
The hotel is known for its artwork, including a signature piece by artist Vhils, and is also home to a rooftop terrace with a pool, honesty bar and beautiful views. Cascais is scattered with some of the region’s best bars and restaurants, but you’ll also find in-house Art on the hotel’s ground floor which serves delicious, fresh Portuguese food.
Find out more about Artsy Cascais or Book through Booking.com
21. Sublime Lisbon | Amoreiras
Sublime’s Lisbon outpost is right in the heart of the city, located inside an elegant townhouse which has traditional exteriors. Inside are 15 rooms, and an interior featuring bold patterns, warm hues, and extremely stylish furniture choices. Each room is unique, but all have queen-sized beds, free-standing tubs, and rain showers. We think that the best of the bunch are the Lisboa and Sublime Suites, the former comes with a spacious boudoir complete with a velvet sofa and living space, while the latter also has a private outdoor terrace with views over Lisbon, where staff can arrange yoga or a romantic dinner.
The size of the hotel means you won’t find a pool or other amenities, although staff can arrange sightseeing tours. However, their Italian restaurant Davvero is run by Isaac Kumi, the mastermind chef behind worldwide chain Harry’s Bar and serves divine modern Italian dishes alongside ice cold cocktails.
Discover more about Sublime Lisbon or Book through Booking.com
22. Legasea | Cascais
A self-proclaimed guesthouse in Cascais, Legasea truly feels like the family home it is, with just five rooms and one dormitory style space, all decorated with rustic furniture, greenery and artwork.
The rooms are huge, meaning the larger Sailor’s and Captain’s rooms are even bigger. Each comes with a cloud-like bed and organic homemade breakfast, and the pastel walls, light furnishings, and white wooden shutters make them feel like a Hamptons hideaway.
You’ll find eateries nearby and Lisbon is just 20 minutes away, but you can’t go wrong with the hotel’s Souldough, which serves veggie and vegan pizza and snacks that you can enjoy in the cosy garden. And if you want to get out and about? Don’t let the hotel’s diminutive size fool you: they offer experiences including yoga, SUP, surfing, and sailing to reflect their ocean-inspired name, and have a small concept store selling local fashion and handmade products.
Learn more about Legasea or Book through Booking.com
23. Patio do Tijolo | Bairro Alto
Patio do Tijolo, which is accessed via a secret passageway, has a coveted mention in the Michelin guide, so you can expect great things from this beautiful boutique spot with contemporary interiors and city views. The entire space feels warm and communal, with a bright courtyard, kitchen, and living space.
The 24 rooms are a slice of privacy, all with views of Lisbon, a balcony or patio, soft white decor and king-sized beds. The hotel’s main patio is the heart of the home, a-glow with warm lighting and dotted with wicker chairs, it’s just the spot to read, work or enjoy a drink. But equally, their ‘Loureiro Space’ and kitchen are bathed in light and have abundant spots to plug-in, eat or socialise with other guests. There isn’t a restaurant or spa, but it’s a stone’s throw from the Bairro Alto and Lisbon’s buzzing Time Out Market, so you won’t be short on activities.
Find out more about Patio do Tijolo or Book through Booking.com
But wait, there’s more…
- Check out the best boutique hotels in New York
- Or skip across the pond and enjoy the best family hotels in London
- Plus we stayed at Jacy’z Hotel & Resort in Gothenburg, Sweden (and loved it!)
