One
Oneof the oldest cities in Europe, Lisbon
predates London,
Paris
and Rome
by centuries - in fact, Athens is the only capital that predates
it. Although doused in culture, the city does not rest on its
laurels. Instead, it continues to reinvent itself, raising the bar
in culinary standards, e-commerce and artistic prowess. It's also
seriously upping its luxury stakes thanks to Paula Amorim's recent
outposts.
A notable city of great stature yet surprisingly affordable,
there is little reason not to make Lisbon your next European trip.
Live like a Braganza for a little less than you might think with
our edit of the top 10 Lisbon hotels for less than £150.
hotel
1908 Lisboa Hotel
Lisbon, Portugal
Set in the hip and historic Intendente neighbourhood, this sleek
and buzzy design hotel offers a popular bar and restaurant along
with on-site art gallery showcasing some of Lisbon's up-and-coming
contemporary talent.
With its laid-back vibe and cool and cosy style – this 12-bedroom guesthouse is more like your dream apartment than bonafide boutique hotel. What’s more, with the most charming staff to help guide your meanderings – you’ll be feeling like a local in no time.
Rooms from £70/night
Tucked away down a cobbled street in one of Lisbon's oldest
neighbourhoods - Graça - this boutique B&B boasts charm in
abundance. Only recently reopened after extensive renovations, each
of the nine rooms has been individually designed with real care and
creative flair by owner Maria.
With only a handful of rooms and plenty of cosy corners to curl
up in, there's a decidedly intimate feel to this hidden gem. The
design has a crisp and minimalist Scandinavian vibe and the hotel
has a philosophy of 'slow living' - inviting you to just kick back
and unwind after a hard day's exploring.
Housed in a beautiful 18th-century building - the capital's
former arsenal - there are original features aplenty in this
28-bedroom boutique. What's more, set in the heart of downtown, you
couldn't be better placed to explore.
Tucked away in the peaceful Lapa district, the historical feel
of this converted 17th-century convent has been sensitively and
tastefully preserved. Arriving up the impressive, plant-lined stone
stair case - the leafy courtyard beckons for a sit down and a glass
of something chilled.
Set atop a hill in the buzzing Bairro Alto neighbourhood, this
elegantly renovated 18th-century palace is a class act. With a cool
Art Deco vibe and many of the furnishings made bespoke - the
building's original features are offset beautifully by more
contemporary design.
Housed in a century-old building smack-bang in the heart of
town, the classical facade belies a fun and modern boutique hotel
within. Pick the right room, and you'll get lovely views out to the
River Tagus.
For something a little more traditional, this Neo-Classical
18th-century palace might just be the one for you. With one of
Portugal's greatest writers, Eça de Queiros, said to have lived
here - there are nods to his work throughout giving the hotel a
rather romantic, literary feel.
With 13 apartments set across a lovingly restored 18th-century
building in downtown - this hidden gem is a rather special spot.
Offering that perfect blend of old and new, the individually
designed apartments are unfailingly cool and boast a plethora of
original features and vintage pieces that will have you wishing you
could pack the whole lot up in your suitcase and take it home.