Where to Check In: Lisbon’s Most Stylish Boutique Hotels
Lisbon is recognised by many as Europe’s prettiest port. Cobbled streets climb past tiled houses with flower-filled balconies, yellow trams rattle up the hills, and viewpoints appear at every corner with wide views of the Tagus. The city feels both intimate and full of possibility, and its new generation of boutique hotels makes it an even more irresistible place to stay.
Tarabel Lisbon
In the leafy neighbourhood of Lapa, the brand-new Tarabel Lisbon is a 19th-century residence transformed into an adults-only boutique hotel. Designer Rose Fournier, who created the fairytale riad of the same name in Marrakech, wanted big rooms with light streaming through tall windows, and she has achieved exactly that. Antique furniture sits happily alongside bold modern pieces, and the whole house carries a relaxed elegance with a colour palette of soft greens and beiges. Slow living is the focus here: breakfast is cooked to order and often continues into late morning. There is a sense of staying in a private home at Tarabel Lisbon, one where every detail has been carefully chosen. You’ll spend most of your time outdoors, poolside or enjoying shaded al fresco dining.
Solar do Castelo
For atmosphere, it is hard to beat Solar do Castelo. The only hotel set within the walls of St George’s Castle, it has just 14 rooms, each decorated with a contemporary lightness that plays against the stone walls and centuries-old bricks. There are pale woods, tiled floors and modern comforts, but the building’s history is always present. The inner courtyard is a peaceful spot with a fountain and traces of medieval remains, while peacocks strut along the castle walls above. Step outside and you are instantly in the cobbled lanes of Alfama, with viewpoints, cafés and hidden corners waiting to be discovered.
The Ivens
Housed in a 19th-century printing house, The Ivens has become one of Lisbon’s most striking hotels. Inspired by the journeys of explorers Ivens and Capelo, its interiors are bold and theatrical, filled with pattern, colour and character. The jungle bar has a glamour of its own, the restaurant is lively and polished, and bedrooms balance comfort with a sense of occasion. It is playful, stylish and unlike anywhere else in the city.
Six Senses Lisbon (opening 2025)
Six Senses will bring its distinctive mix of wellness and luxury to Lisbon when it opens in 2025. Set within two historic palaces, the hotel will include leafy courtyards, indoor and outdoor pools, and a destination spa. Restaurants will celebrate Portuguese produce while the design honours the architecture of the buildings. It promises to set a new standard for Lisbon hotels.
Mama Shelter Lisboa
Colourful, quirky and full of energy, Mama Shelter Lisboa is for those who like a city break with a social side. Rooms are compact but cleverly designed, while the rooftop terrace is one of the best places in town for sunset cocktails. There is music, atmosphere and fun at every turn, balanced by the practical comforts that make a stay feel easy.
The Standard, Lisbon
In the Alfama district, The Standard brings a confident mix of design, food and nightlife. Rooftop parties, buzzy restaurants and interiors with a mid-century edge make this a hotel with real personality. It is lively and urban, with bedrooms that provide a calm base after a night exploring Lisbon.
Kimpton Lisbon
Kimpton Lisbon combines contemporary design with the brand’s signature touches. There is a rooftop pool, relaxed dining, yoga mats in every room and a daily social hour in the bar. Rooms are generous and welcoming, and the service feels natural rather than formal. It is a good choice for travellers who want a mix of comfort, style and warmth.
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
An 18th-century palace on Lisbon’s smartest avenue, Heritage Avenida Liberdade combines historical architecture with modern design by Miguel Câncio Martins. The façade recalls the city’s past, while inside the style is contemporary and quietly luxurious. Bedrooms are spacious and filled with light, with vast bathrooms that feel indulgent after a day exploring the city. The location could not be better: right on Avenida da Liberdade for shopping and cafés, yet only a short walk from landmarks such as São Jorge Castle. It is a hotel that balances elegance and ease, offering a refined base in the heart of Lisbon.
MACAM Hotel (opening 2025)
Opening within a contemporary art museum, MACAM Hotel will be a hotel for design and culture lovers. Rooms will be sleek and filled with light, with curated details that feel more like an art space than a traditional hotel bedroom. Staying here will put you in the heart of Lisbon’s creative scene.
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Lulu Townsend's love of hotels started when she was young; her first job was making breakfast in a small hotel in Pimlico, London. Having lived in Spain, France and Italy In 2000 she catapulted her parents Umbrian hotel into all of the major travel magazines around the world before starting a boutique hotel marketing brand in 2002 from her garden shed. Her love and passion for boutique hotels and their owners was evident in her choice of independent hotels, villas and B&Bs. Lulu lives in Suffolk with her two daughters. Her reviews are authentic, firsthand and made through her critical and experienced eye. Note to all you hoteliers out there for a hotel of any level to be truly loved by Lulu the bathroom must have flannels! To find our more about Lulu visit her website lulusluxurylifestyle or @lulusluxurylifestyle
