Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and continental Europe’s second oldest capital which serves as the country’s chief port, commercial, political, and tourist center. This metropolitan center of Portugal’s largest city attributes its historical prominence to its natural harbour whose setting is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. In fact, it was originally named Allis Ubbo by the Phoenicians, which means “port of enchantment” thanks to its idyllic location on the banks of the Tagus River. The city is built on seven hills, each one offering spectacular views over the city and takes pride of its plethora of museums, galleries, cafes as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic Azulejo ceramic tilework. With its elegance and old-world mystique, it is not that hard to imagine why Lisbon is one of the most visited cities in Europe.
As such, Lisbon’s luxury hotel scene has never been this better on this side of the port capital. To make your choice quite easier, we have lined-up a list of hotels that reflect everything that makes the capital city of Portugal so appealing. Read on: Here are the most luxurious places to stay when you plan to visit Lisbon.
#1. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is heralded as one of the most prominent modern landmarks nestled at the heart of Lisbon. The Hotel rises above in one of the seven hills of the city and is the preferred address for travelers seeking an ideal respite in a city bustling with culture, exciting culinary scene and a thriving creative art community.
This historic hotel has been witness to the city’s rise as a major tourism hub in Europe, which first opened in 1959 as the only luxury accommodation provider in Portugal. The property joined the legendary Four Seasons brand in 1998 continuing its esteemed reputation as one of the finest in Europe. Here, you will still appreciate the original art deco and Louis XVI-style finery in the lavish lobby and Almada Negreiros Lounge that exhibits contemporary Portuguese art.
As such, this luxury extends to its timeless and elegantly-appointed guestrooms that comes in three room types: superior, deluxe and premier; while the suites come in eight different categories from junior to presidential.
Meanwhile, 273 of the 282 guestrooms come with a furnished terrace that affords you to views of the city’s most beloved landmarks such as the St. George’s Castle, the Old Town, Tagus River and the 25th of April Bridge.
#2. The Valverde
The Valverde is a charming boutique hotel property located in Lisbon’s grandest boulevard. The Hotel’s beautifully preserved 19th-century façade extends to its interiors to create a showcase of the very best of art, porcelain, fabrics and marble thoughtfully sourced from around the country.
The Valverde is home to 48 rooms and suites that overlook the port capital’s distinct and predominantly red-roofed structures. Since the guestrooms are within a heritage building, it varies in terms of size and configuration with only the two suites at the top floor are accorded with a larger space. Nonetheless, the bedrooms in the hotel’s new extension are spacious with views overlooking the swimming pool and lush courtyard.
All the rooms have a cozy mid-century feel and chic vibe that sets the stage for a luxe experience unlike any other. In addition, the Hotel is centrally situated in the main thoroughfare of Avenida da Liberdade: a turn-of-the century tree-lined boulevard where designer shops line the streets alongside the capital’s many trendy restaurants and hotspots.
Suffice to say, a stay at the Hotel Valverde will allow you take in the energy that resonates around the neighborhood and connect with the community for some creative inspiration.
#3. Lumen Hotel
The Lumen Hotel is a unique destination in the heart of Lisbon and features a restaurant cum lounge and garden oasis in the city.
In fact, it is the first hotel in Portugal to offer an immersive experience through its mindfully-curated light installation designed to inspire visitors about the beauty of Portugal. Each day, a video-mapping light show is performed in the interior garden of the hotel that awash the venue with a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns reminiscent of Portugal’s famed Azulejo tilework plus other artistic interpretations.
In addition, the Lumen Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, nightly entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. It is also home to 160 well-appointed guestrooms that are equipped with modern conveniences to make your stay a pleasure experience.
Likewise, the Lumen Hotel offers concierge services so you can fully take advantage of some insider tips of interesting places to visit around the city during your stay.
From the hotel, you can arrange for private excursions to nearby places of interest such as the Marindouro da Senhora do Monte, Dona Maria II National Theatre and Rossio. Additionally, you can request its friendly staff for some recommendations on noteworthy restaurants for an authentic taste of the city’s local flavors.
#4. Palacio Principe Real
The Palacio Principe Real was a beloved private residence for over a century by generations of illustrious families. As such, it was the venue of many lavish parties during its heyday as a private palace and was the toast of Lisbon’s high society.
Today, this 19th-century palace in perfect pink is heralded as an oasis in the city where it is surrounded by gardens of jacaranda and lemon trees and a heated swimming pool that takes center stage for a more relaxing stay for visitors coming from every corner of the world.
The Palacio Principe Real welcomes its guests to the elegant interiors of turn-of-the-century design aesthetics. After a considerable restoration journey, it has achieved a modern boutique opulence that blends in harmony with ancestral architecture and decadence of refined living.
The boutique hotel offers its upscale clientele with the privacy, space, peace, and comfort complemented by an attentive yet discreet service that they deserve. Additionally, it features a well-stocked wine cellar, tended gardens and twenty-eight luscious bedrooms and suites to satisfy the fancy of its discerning guests. Here, you will definitely appreciate the beauty and spirt of a Portuguese palace during your stay.
#5. Altis Avenida Hotel
The Altis Avenida Hotel is a five-star boutique hotel that is nestled in an exceptional location in the heart of the Parca dos Restaurdores.
The Hotel’s architecture and interior décor draws inspiration during the height of Portuguese culture in the 1940s and was designed around the concept of retro urban elegance where the past and future marries in a splendid setting of glamour. Conversely, the Altis Avenida Hotel offers 118 guestrooms that are elegantly designed and features an idyllic rooftop restaurant.
The rooms and suites are spread over six floors that are awash in different color palettes and evokes an aura of glamour with its glossy black-and-gold wardrobes, desks and soft leather headboards. In addition, all rooms are provided with exquisitely soft Egyptian cotton bedlinens and light bed fittings while the chairs are trimmed with gold as reference to Art Deco design.
Meanwhile, its deluxe room types have balconies with stunning views overlooking the city rooftops and up the castle which dominates Lisbon’s skyline. Not to be missed is the restaurant located at the top floor of Altis Avenida Hotel. Here, you will appreciate its relaxing ambiance of blue and white hues and the original walls adorned with 12th century Portuguese Azulejo tilework on display to amaze your senses.
#6. Bairro Alto Hotel
The Bairro Alto Hotel is located in one of Portugal’s most sought-after neighborhoods. It is distinguished by a primrose yellow façade of the 18th-century building which houses the boutique hotel that is nestled on the edge of Chiado’s landmark square, the Praca Luis de Comoes.
The Hotel stayed true to its architectural heritage and its revival was meant to refresh the building to its original allure. Here, you will appreciate the terrazzo floors, the soothing palette of greys, green, pink, rusts, and whites, and specially commissioned art pieces from renowned Portuguese artists like Vasco Araujo and Rui Chafes.
The Bairro Alto Hotel house eighty-seven well-appointed guest rooms, the first restaurant outpost of chef Nuno Mendes in this home town, and a much in demand roof terrace.
Conversely, some rooms offer the best view over the square and have kept its charming ambiance that are adorned with painted birds on the walls. Meanwhile, the newer rooms and suites are bolder in color tones but still aligned with the original design ethos of the hotel.
#7. Corinthia Lisbon
The Corinthia Lisbon is a bit removed from the city center but its exceptional views of the 18th century Aqueduct of Aguas Livres and Monsanto National Park is more than worth the minor setback. It is conveniently located near Sete Rios train and bus stations and the Lisbon Zoo for that quick excursion.
Essentially, the hotel provides quite the romantic setting and luxurious atmosphere with a variety of features that include an on-site spa with indoor swimming pool that offers a selection of services and treatments for relaxation.
Moreover, it is home to an array of indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars and lounge areas. In fact, its Erva Restaurant is regarded as a culinary destination when in Lisbon.
Not to be missed is its large outdoor terrace with wooden cabanas on islands between paths of water and lush foliage. Conversely, Corinthia Lisbon Hotel boasts of 518 luxuriously-appointed bedrooms and suites that are designed in classic undertones to set the stage for a relaxing stay.
#8. InterContinental Lisbon
The InterContinental Lisbon is your quintessential full-service hotel rising high above the heart of the port capital. The Hotel is nestled opposite the greenery of Eduardo VII Park and just above the Marques de Pombal Square. Its prime location offers mesmerizing views of the city and beyond right from the privacy of its 331 guestrooms including 17 suites. Likewise, the rooms are spread over 19 floors and some with huge terraces to maximize the views.
All rooms are equipped with modern conveniences such a Nespresso machines, oversized beds with soft bedlinens, state-of-the-art amenities among other pleasantries. If you decide to visit, we recommend that you stay at the upper floor for its exceptional views where you can see the Christ the Redeemer statue visible in the same scope as St. George’s Castle, the characteristic red rooftops between them and the Tagus in the horizon.
Here, you can expect nothing but the finest in this InterContinental property whose mantra is to ensure that your stay is as authentic and memorable as possible.
#9. Olissippo Lapa Palace
The Olissippo Lapa Palace is nestled atop Lapa Hills in Lisbon’s most elegant and exclusive neighborhood. As such, the boutique hotel’s hilltop orientation affords guests with panoramic views of the city below and the Tagus River which is just minutes away from the site.
The Olissippo Lapa Palace was originally built as the private residence of a Count and is lavishly decorated in classic design aesthetics with its antique-filled and marble-adorned interiors in every corner of the palace. The atmosphere feels regal yet warm and quite inviting. Here, you will join the ranks of royals, international diplomats, heads of state and celebrities when you stay in one of its well-appointed guestrooms.
On the grounds, the hotel is truly an oasis in the heart of Lisbon as it is set among verdant and subtropical gardens complete with a heated swimming pool, cascading waterfall feature and gorgeous fountains. A stay in one of its 100 rooms affords you a private balcony with all the modern conveniences and luxe amenities for a grand stay fit for royalty.
#10. Penha Longa Resort
The Penha Longa Resort is nestled within a large destination resort complex which offers visitors a peaceful and quite alternative from the more bustling port center. The Penha Longa is just minutes from the historical and picturesque mountain town of Sitra: where the Portuguese royal family would retreat to their Royal Palace built on top of a lush mountain during the hot summer season.
Conversely, this luxurious resort complex is set at the foot of the Sintra mountains and is home to this exclusive Ritz-Carlton resort-hotel that features eight specialty restaurants, a top golf course, a country club, three outdoor swimming pools, a wellness center and spa, and a kids’ club complete with mini-golf and children’s playground. Likewise, it features 194 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms adorned with warm shades of tobacco and chocolate hues.
The guestrooms are split into deluxe and premier categories with every room thoughtfully provided with an expansive marble bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower area. Here, you will definitely appreciate the calm and serenity of the environment enhanced by the five-star service and facilities as expected from a Ritz-Carlton.
#11. Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument
The Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument was built in 1904 as a grand palace for a cocoa baron. It is nestled near the banks of the Tagus Rives with views onto the 25th of April suspension bridge.
After twelve years of renovation with additional two new wings, it opened as a hotel in 2001 complete with gleaming marble columns, polished parquet floors and gilded ceilings.
The Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel evokes with all the pomp and pageantry of the early 19th century and is surrounded by lush gardens of subtropical trees. In 1997, the Hotel was classified as a National Monument in Portugal. Essentially, the new hotel wing is home to 176 rooms and 13 suites that are classically decorated to give that turn-of-the-century charm feeling.
Meanwhile, the four royal suites are located in the original palace are massive complete with a sitting room, study, outdoor terrace and bedrooms with grand canopied beds and antique furniture. It is also equipped with modern conveniences such as Nespresso machines while the bathrooms are marble-floored with bathtubs and provisions for L’Occitane amenities.
#12. Pousada de Lisboa
The Pousada de Lisboa is located in a prime address along Praca do Comercio (“Commerce Square”) which is right in the heart of historical Lisbon. Inside, a central staircase with stained glass behind it forms the heart of the historic building while the canary-yellow façade remains an integral part of the square’s Pombaline arcade.
This hotel may be nestled in a building that is over two centuries old, however many of its rooms and suites have a contemporary vibe to align with modern sensibilities. Likewise, it is home to 90 guestrooms and suites that are well-designed with high ceilings and affords guests with views overlooking the square to the Tagus River or the Sao Jorge Castle that dominates the Lisbon skyline as seen from the duplex suites.
Meanwhile, the bathrooms are sleek with marble-clad floors, large baths with rain-shower heads and provisions for luxe bath amenities. Indeed, Pousada de Lisboa is truly a European escape set in a landmark building for a unique experience like no other.
#13. Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade
The Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade is strategically located in one of Lisbon’s high-end shopping avenues, Avenida da Liberdade. Its presence definitely added sophistication and elegance as expected from a Sofitel branded property.
Essentially, the Hotel’s décor blends its French origins with local touch points, giving it a subtle elegance and refinement for a more intimate vibe. This design ethos extends to the Sofitel’s 163 well-appointed guestrooms that are elegantly designed and evokes an upscale atmosphere that befits its prime location. If shopping is one of your favorite activities when travelling, then you would not be disappointed here, as the hotel is surrounded by high-fashion branded boutiques.
The hotel is literally a stroll away from a host of luxury stores like Hugo Boss, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Moreover, the Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade is just a leisurely walk to Restauradores, Ascensor de Gloria, and Palacio Fozz. Indeed, the Avenida da Liberdade is every travelers’ shopping heaven and haven for sight-seeing.
#14. Hotel Da Estrela
The Hotel Da Estrela is another charming boutique hotel property that is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood on Lisbon’s prestigious Estrela district. The boutique property was once the palace of influential Counts of Paraty.
After a thorough refurbishment journey, it is now home to 19 stylishly-designed guestrooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, and quaint garden. As such, its tranquil environment, just 500 meters from the Basilica and within easy access to the city center, offers the ideal venue for that needed respite especially for those seeking a more peaceful retreat in this side of the city.
Essentially, Hotel Da Estrla’s rooms are spacious, bright and modern, and provided with all the modern amenities and conveniences to make your stay a truly pleasant experience.
#15. Verride Palacio de Santa Catarina
The Verride Palacio de Santa Catarina is an 18th century palace, that was thoughtfully restored to its former splendor, is another jewel in the heart of Lisbon’s historical port capital.
The palace spans two distinct districts and is perched on the crest of hilltop Santa Catarina, famous for its views overlooking Lisbon’s characteristic red roofs and the Atlantic Ocean. The Verride Palacio de Santa Catarina houses eighteen luxurious rooms including two gorgeous suites that are lavishly adorned with original stucco finish.
Additionally, it features a stunning rooftop that boasts of a relaxing swimming pool and Suba Restaurant with unparalleled 360-degree views of Lisbon’s skyline and the River Tagus beyond. Without a doubt, Verride Palacio de Santa Catarina sets the stage for an authentic experience of Lisbon’s gilded history amidst an enchanting backdrop.