The best hotels in Lisbon for beauty, relaxation and a whole lot of fun

Sitting proudly atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills, you’ll find a hotel fit for a king: Torel Palace Lisbon. It’s made up of no less than two former palaces; one built in 1902 as the main residence, and the second in 1904, a guesthouse belonging to the Bishop of Lisbon. These two buildings opened as a hotel in 2013, and have since expanded to include two more buildings, plus a luxurious spa, two outdoor pools and two stand-out restaurants. Picture this: a beautiful outdoor space filled with lush greenery and chirping birds, perfect for sipping your morning coffee in the sun, or enjoying a romantic evening with a gin fizz cocktail as you take in the city’s twinkling lights. Each room has a regal theme, referencing a past Portuguese king or queen. Be prepared for a climb up the steps to the hotel, and if accessibility is a concern, then perhaps give this spot a swerve. Click the link to take a look inside... 

The mood? Opulence with a view. 
Location perks? Located in the Pena neighbourhood, Torel Palace Lisbon is right at the top of a hill where you’ll also find the Lavra funicular – the oldest tram in the city dating back to 1884. Walk or take the tram down the hill and you’ll find a lovely selection of Portuguese restaurants and shops, and more locals than tourists. You’ll also have direct access to the main shopping street, Avenida da Liberdade. 
Budget range? Acceptable for a special stay. 
Time Out tip: Be sure to try the mini pastel de nata selection at breakfast, handmade by the chef. 

Hotel Hotel: so good they named it twice? This super-central Lisbon hotel is not your average stay. The alternative vibe is strong from the minute you step into the snazzy lobby. Look a little further and you’ll discover a tattoo parlour and yoga studio in the basement. And then there’s the hotel’s secret weapon: a truly incredible subtropical garden out the back. Under the bare roof beams of an old workshop or warehouse lies an overgrown jungle of tropical plants – originally a happy lockdown accident, now a serious USP. As well as several greenhouses’ worth of blissful plant life, the courtyard houses a secluded pool easily big enough for tranquil laps beneath the swaying vines. Between the ferns there’s also plentiful seating for the hotel’s bar and restaurant: Animal. Breakfast is a top-quality continental buffet that goes big on local meats, cheeses and bolos – cake for breakfast, in plain English. Hot options to order include intriguing but delicious ‘toasts’, like a soft-boiled egg with shrimp and dill on a pillowy toasted bap. 

Time Out tip: Yoga classes in the basement studio run at 8am or 9.30am, depending on the day. If that’s too early for you, have a lie-in and request a private one-on-one class instead.

Situated in one of the finest spots in Lisbon, Memmo's third hotel offers an unbeatable view of the city from the sweeping terrace of their restaurant and cocktail bar. Named after the nineteenth-century Portuguese King D Pedro V, this place certainly feels fit for royalty. The food is also fit for a king: Café Principe Real Restaurant explores Lusophony heritage with a unique blend of Portuguese, Brazilian, African and Asian dishes. Mmmm...

The vibe? Contemporary luxury. 
Best for: A blow-out trip where only the best will do.

It’s as cheeky as its sister venues (sex toys for sale in the lobby, superhero masks on the lampshades, a pretty extensive adult film menu on the telly), but with little Portuguese flourishes to remind you where you are – the forest green tile-clad exterior, a Remodelado tram mural in the lift, ocean-wave carpets in the bedrooms, marine-themed decor in the restaurant and locally-made arts and crafts dotted all over the place. 

The vibe? Bold, colourful and artsy. 
Best for: A trip that shows off your style (and can be showed off on Instagram). 

AlmaLusa is somewhat of a newbie to the Lisbon hotel scene, having only opened in March 2016, but it brings a lot to the table. It's in an exceptionally renovated eighteenth-century Pombaline building which has been fully modernised without compromising on character. Locationwise, it's only a street away from the Chiado, the Ribeira das Naus and the busy downtown streets, giving you lots of going-out options. 

The vibe? Beautifully brooding. 
Best for: Design-conscious visitors looking for a taste of contemporary Portugal.

The Lumiares Hotel is in Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon's liveliest cultural areas. Highlights of this beautiful hotel include the spa and delightful hammam, plus a great bar for refueling post-soaking. Enjoy rooftop views across to the River Tagus and make use of being located just 500 metres from the Dona Maria II National Theatre with a trip to see a play one evening.

The vibe? Down-to-earth and homely. 
Best for: A top-notch location that will have you out at all hours.

The five-star Altis Avenida harks back to the sumptuous design of the 1940s. Rich gold trim and slabs of marble run throughout, with a few lovely modernist touches too. Stop by for drinks and sharing plates at the Rossio Gastrobar and soak up those panoramic views across the river.

The vibe? Charmingly boutique.
Best for: A touch of class and a relaxing stay.

Given the name, you'd be right to assume that this hotel was once a palace – belonging to Marquis of Valle Flôr, no less. In fact, the Pestana Palace is a five-star establishment that is so high-end that even Madonna once stayed here. But even if you don't rub shoulders with pop royalty during your stay, you can still take advantage of the spa, gym, pools and three restaurants. Many of the rooms have balconies overlooking lush gardens, too.

The vibe? Regal opulence from head to toe. 
Best for: When you want to combine a city break with some serious round-the-pool time.

This historic building was protected from alterations when renovations were being made, so much of its nineteenth-century charm remains. Each room also has a different aesthetic, from neoclassical to Scandi midcentury modern. You're in a prime location for city exploring here, but we wouldn't blame you for just sitting in this hotel all day. The leafy courtyard and in-house Portuguese restaurant are also must-visits. 

The vibe? Dramatic interiors and flavours. 
Best for: Peace and tranquility with a side of drama.

If you're looking to unwind you could do a whole lot worse than staying at the Corinthia. Their spa is prized for its hydrotherapy, beauty and wellness centre, plus the panoramic gym means you can get a sweat on while feeling glam (perhaps it'll be a glow, not a sweat here). There are two restaurants to enjoy and on Fridays there's live music in the Terrace Lounge, from which you can see the entire Águas Livres Aqueduct. 

The vibe? Grand and extravagant. 
Best for: A truly great on-site spa.

Located in Janelas Verdes, a really nice area near the Museum of Ancient Art, this is much more than just a hotel with a pretty facade. Every one of its nine rooms and seven suites is unique. Some of them have a view to the Tagus, the others to the inner courtyard, but all of them are faithful to its original architecture, with wooden floors, big windows and painted ceilings, so you can really absorb the Lisboa vibes. 

The vibe? Old-school beauty. 
Best for: An intimate remote getaway.

Here's something seriously cool. The Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa is housed in a 1930s building and boasts a gorgeous rooftop bar with panoramic Lisbon views. The Avenida da Liberdade, where Hotel Tivoli resides, is basically *the* street to be on when it comes to classy bricks and motar, too. Shops include Cartier, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Get the plastic out.

The vibe? Classic elegance. 
Best for: Art-lovers and interior design freaks.

138 Liberdade Hotel's 72 rooms come with a choice of view, according to how much peace and quiet you require. The front of the hotel overlooks the vibrant Avenida da Liberdade, while other rooms overlook the peaceful backyard patio. The garden is also a hotspot for for enjoying high-quality plates, cocktails and natural wines, much like the in-house Portuguese restaurant. 

The vibe? Quiet luxury.
Best for: Wine fiends and those who love to feel immersed in a city.

This futuristic white cube on the waterfront is ridiculously swish. It is also perfectly placed to explore the sights of the area, given that landmarks including Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop (possibly the most important landmark) are all within walking distance. Altis Belém has a Michelin-starred restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools (the latter overlook the marina), a spa and a rooftop sun deck. 

The vibe? Clean and contemporary. 
Best for: Waterside views.

Graça Viterbo, one of the busiest interior decorators in the country, was tasked with turning a palace where writer Eça de Queirós once lived into a boutique hotel. Mission brilliantly accomplished: the result is there for all to see at the welcoming As Janelas Verdes, a 29-room manor where every corner has traces of the literary and artistic heritage of one of Portugal's most important novelists. There is a friendly mood to the place, perfect for lovebirds looking for the romantic side of Lisbon. 

The vibe? A revived period property redefined for the modern traveller. 
Best for: A couple's break with a bit of a twist.

Miguel Câncio Martins, the same architect who designed the Buddha Bar in Paris and the Pacha in Marrakesh, created this stylish hotel from a Pombaline-style 18th-century building. The original outline remains unchanged, with its cast-iron balconies, stonework, and tile walls. But the makeover inside has ensured the hotel remains fresh-faced, urbane and cosmopolitan throughout. 

The vibe? Charmingly unique and colourful. 
Best for: Quirky interiors and a hotel library.

Designer Graça Viterbo brought an original, intimate feel to this hotel, and thus gave the city centre back a comfortable and glamorous location – a hotel the way hotels used to be in the days before multinational chains. It has a mere 20 rooms, some of them with an amazing view of downtown and the Tagus, but its castle wall location makes this one of Lisbon's most unique places to stay.

The vibe? An exclusive journey back in time. 
Best for: A one-of-a-kind setting.

In Portugal, the term pousada (hostel) is usually used to mean somewhere cheap and cheerful, but that's not the case here at all. Run by the SLH group – that's Small Luxury Hotels of the World – Pousada de Lisboa offers cosmopolitan luxury with a commitment to Portuguese art. Tapestries, sculptures and paintings line the lobby, stairwells, rooms and more. Beautiful. 

The vibe? A mix of historic and modern. 
Best for: Beauty done the old-fashioned way.

The InterContinental provides elegant decor that harks back to the Golden Age of Hollywood glamour. There are vintage Azulejo ceramic tiles along the walls, the steak tartar at their exemplary restaurant Akla is superb and there's a wine cellar too. Venture outside and you'll be only 550 yards from Marquês de Pombal Square and 750 yards from the boutiques of trendy Avenida da Liberdade.

The vibe? A chain with charm (and one you can trust). 
Best for: A sense of fun.

Brown's Central is everything but dull. Despite being located in the middle of Pombaline dowtown in an old building, it does not seek to impress through its link to the city's history. Instead, it breaks through the stigma of the hotel as a closed-off space to be a meeting point and an arts venue. Its bar and restaurant both have a cultural program with pop-up concerts and chats, and are well-loved gathering points for artists and prospecting gallerists. 

The vibe? Boujee mansion. 
Best for: Making friends with Lisbon's artists.

Next to Figueira Square – and close to the Rossio, the Chiado, and the Cathedral – you'll find this lovely boutique hotel. It has a traditional Lisbon patio area turned into a café, and other nice outdoor areas to enjoy. There's no on-site restaurant but guests have access to the bar and restaurants at the nearby Hotel Mundial, including one with panoramic city views.

The vibe? Warm and inviting. 
Best for: An excellent, lively location.