Designed in 1940 by modernist architect Cassiano Branco, Hotel Britania remains genuine and true to itself, and that's what makes it so special. Ignoring the competition and thoroughly uninterested in adapting to 21st century trends, its calling card is simplicity – not everyone needs state of the art technology or contemporary furniture to feel home. Perennially voted as one of the hotels with the nicer staff, its team is devoted to turning every stay into a guided tour through the golden age of European architecture. There are 32 rooms (and a suite) decorated in grey and wooden tones, and they are both comfortable and spacious. Some of them have balconies and cork floors, but most have classic marble floors, the same material used in the lobby.
The ground floor has a small library devoted to Portuguese history with a focus on the Age of Discoveries, themes also employed elsewhere in the decoration of the bar and the games room (the latter has a chess table).
The hotel only serves breakfast, but there is room service around the clock, with salads and sandwiches. Alternatively, just step onto the street, look around and pick one of the neighbouring restaurants. A short walk away is one of the city's most popular, the Solar dos Presuntos, famous for its traditional gastronomy and its generously sized meals.