Altis Belém Hotel & Spa

Belém includes the city's most famous monuments, such as the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop (not, strictly speaking, a monument, but it might as well be). You would expect hotels to mushroom around here. But they don't, and so Altis Belém had space to grow undisturbed by competitors to become a luxury hotel with a Michelin restaurant.
Modern on the inside and out, its trademark is the Tagus – it is very close to riverside. Within you will find a quasi-futurist setting unafraid of empty spaces and minimalist decoration, in a black and white scheme that only varies in theme rooms inspired by Portugal's former colonies. The suites have a balcony, but only the presidential suite entitles you to a jacuzzi – you can relax indoors while surveying the Tagus down below and then roll yourself straight into bed.
But fear not, if you choose a smaller room you can still enjoy plenty of relaxation by visiting the B Spa by Karin Herzog, featuring an inner pool, hammam, Turkish baths and hydrotherapy treatments.
As for eating at the Altis Belém – you have to stop, take a deep breath and then decide where to start. Ask yourself “what do I feel like today?”, and there's probably an adequate answer. If you're in the mood for Japanese food, head towards the Oyster and Sushi Bar, managed by the Sushic restaurant, one of the world's best. If you're on a health tip and looking for a light meal, Cafetaria Mensagem has open-air tables overlooking the river, salads, hot and cold sandwiches. But if you really want a memorable meal, Feitoria has had a Michelin star for six years running, and you absolutely have to pay them a visit.