These are unusual times, and the state of affairs can change quickly. Please check the latest travel guidance before making your journey. Our writers visited these hotels pre-pandemic.
While there has been a huge growth of small, independent b&bs and townhouse hotels over the last few years in Lisbon, the classic international chains have also been diluted by a few beautiful newcomers – such as palaces, which have been lavishly restored and offer a real sense of place. The multi-storeyed hotels do, though, have one advantage: their height always provides rooms with sweeping views over the lovely terracotta-coloured skyline. There is authentic, genuine and welcoming hospitality all round, made more luxurious by courteous staff with “anything is possible” attitudes, stellar facilities including quiet spas and rooftop pools, and extras such as fashionable bars and trendy fine dining. Here’s our pick of the best five-star hotels in Lisbon, from palace hotels to modern design pads.
Bairro Alto Hotel
Lisbon, Portugal
The grand Bairro Alto Hotel is situated on one of Lisbon’s prettiest squares, Praça de Camões, in the vibrant nocturnal quarter of Bairro Alto, long a haunt of artists and writers. Inside, the bold look takes on a modern design twist with gold and black tones throughout and works by Portuguese artists, from Rui Chafes to Pedro Cabrita Reis. Staff are efficient and helpful and rooms feature a mix of antique and vintage pieces, wood and wicker, tiles and marble, all under soft modern lighting. There is a wellness centre with gym, sauna, and excellent treatments using Suzanne Kauffman products, plus a restaurant helmed by chef Nuno Mendes, and a much sought-after roof terrace.
From
£
189
per night
Rates provided by
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• The best hotels in Lisbon
Corinthia Hotel Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
The soaring tower of the Corinthia Hotel offers memorable views over the impressive 18th-century Aquaduct of Águas Livres, one of Lisbon’s most iconic sights. Fresh from the first phase of a refurbishment courtesy of London-based interior designers Goddard Littlefair, rooms and suites are all light blues, greys and beiges, accessorised by local art. Public areas, adorned by abundant fresh flowers, gleam under chandeliers, whilst restaurants Erva and the leafy Soul Garden outside bring a completely fresh, young, laid-back atmosphere. Indeed, this is a hotel that sets out to deliver luxury, efficiently. Service is genuinely friendly, there’s an Executive Club on the 24th floor, and a spa.
From
£
103
per night
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Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Dictator Salazar built this place in 1959 to prove that Lisbon could do luxury as well as any other European capital. More than half a century later it is still setting the bar. The staff combine the natural friendliness of the Portuguese with the excellent service for which Four Seasons is renowned – nothing is too much trouble, from that elusive restaurant table to a heel on a shoe being fixed in minutes. Head to the Ritz Bar for sushi and cocktails, or the Varanda Restaurant for its resplendent lunchtime buffets, where politicians mingle with the city’s elite. Expect rooms with 18th-century replica furniture and private terraces. Oh, and the spa includes a 400-metre running track on the roof.
From
£
434
per night
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Memmo Príncipe Real
Lisbon, Portugal
Designed by architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, who was also responsible for the previous Memmo hotels, the overall character here is one of contemporary elegance rooted in Portuguese heritage. Drawing on local materials from warm limestone to old hand-painted tiles, modern art by Miguel Branco, Barahona Possollo and Iva Viana and even hand-made hats from an old, established, neighbouring store, Memmo Príncipe Real blends the area’s past with a decidedly 21st-century form of luxury. A long, narrow, swimming pool, lined with green mosaics, is set into the terrace outside. Service is excellent with young, local staff keen to ensure you enjoy their city.
From
£
131
per night
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• The best hotels in Portugal
Altis Avenida
Lisbon, Portugal
The Altis Avenida exudes Forties modernist glamour. Built in the 1940s by acclaimed architect Cristino Silva, its Portuguese modernism still remains intact today, including its retro façade and staircase. Interiors use marble and mirrors, mixing black, white and gold for the urban chic yet bygone feel, while rooms display Art Deco furniture and marble bathrooms. Deluxe rooms have balconies with impressive views over the city rooftops and up to the castle which dominates Lisbon’s skyline. Professional, efficient and extremely friendly service genuinely gives a home-from-home feel, though facilities are limited due to heritage restrictions on the building.
From
£
88
per night
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Verride Palácio Santa Catarina
Lisbon, Portugal
Throughout this beautifully restored 18th-century palace there is an emphasis on allowing the characteristic Lisbon light in. Colours mix soft blues, beige and greys, with some rooms clad in silk wallpaper, others in raw linen. The original 18th-century stucco work in the Royal suites and the early 20th-century blue-and-white tiles in the bathroom are of particular note. Despite the palatial feel to the building, though, its character is warm and inviting, with aims to provide personalised service as yet unparalleled in the capital (think butlers for the Royal suites and staff intent on going the extra mile). The hotel’s rooftop, swimming pool and Suba Restaurant offer unrivalled 360-degree views of Lisbon’s skyline and the River Tagus beyond.
From
£
336
per night
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Tivoli Avenida Liberdade
Lisbon, Portugal
The Tivoli Lisboa, located on Lisbon’s main thoroughfare, has long been one of the capital’s landmarks. It was built in 1933, and completely redesigned by acclaimed architect Pardal Monteiro in the 1950s. The hotel’s long history is visible in different elements of its architecture, from its modernist lobby with original artworks and low ceiling, crowned by a glass dome, to its buzzy, on-trend Sky Bar offering far-reaching views over Lisbon’s rooftops to the Tagus River. The round outdoor swimming pool, hidden in a garden of century-old botanical trees, has the feel of a jungle paradise, rooms are classically decorated, and the staff are efficient and visibly proud to work here.
From
£
177
per night
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Olissippo Lapa Palace
Lisbon, Portugal
This imposing, 19th-century palace turned luxury hotel is set on a hillside overlooking one of Lisbon’s smartest neighbourhoods, Lapa. A hushed regal charm echoes around the antique and marble lavished interiors which display hand-painted ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers, fresh flowers, polished antiques and stone floors. The dazzling blue of the sky and river fill up the floor-to-ceiling windows from the best of the standard rooms, which have plump beds, marble bathrooms and private balconies. There is a spa and pool, and the Restaurante Lapa serves excellent Italian food. Tea-lovers should visit the Rio Tejo Bar, which has some 40-odd Asian varieties.
From
£
293
per night
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The Lumiares
Lisbon, Portugal
A beautifully renovated 18th-century palace atop one of Lisbon’s hills in the cobbled streets of the lively Bairro Alto district. Much of the furniture and artwork is bespoke, drawing on the wealth of Portuguese artisanal producers. Of particular note are the hand-woven wall tapestries in every bedroom which incorporate the black-and-white motif of the hotel with the typical blue and ochre yellow of Lisbon. The 53 abodes vary in size, with the largest – the three Penthouses – having private terraces attached with views over the city rooftops. There is a small but elegant spa with four treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms and a gym.
From
£
158
per night
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InterContinental Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
The InterContinental surpasses all expectations, rising high above the heart of Lisbon, opposite the leafy, Eduardo VII Park. Public areas glimmer in blue marine with gold trim and dark woods. Rooms themselves offer every comfort: Nespresso machines, oversized beds with soft linen, and small but elegant bathrooms clad in marble. The food at Akla is exceptional with a menu of sharing plates, a strong Josper Grill section (try the octopus) and favourites such as the perfectly seasoned steak tartare, with quail eggs. Service is exemplary and for those staying in Club Rooms and Suites there is a dedicated lounge with complimentary drinks and canapés from 5pm until 7pm.
From
£
107
per night
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