Lisbon is a perfect weekend getaway, especially if you book a hotel to make the most of your experience. Find out our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Lisbon with this list. It features my a handful of my favourite 4 and 5 star hotels in Lisbon, one of which is sure to be the perfect one for you.
If you’re still planning your holiday, find out the best time to visit Lisbon, how to spend a weekend in Lisbon and browse my Lisbon posts for inspiration. If you’re travelling with kids, have a look at where to stay in Lisbon with children, plus what to do in the city with kids.
Bairro Alto Hotel
Where: Bairro Alto / Chiado
Prices from: £146
Good for: Party people / Fashionistas / Foodies
Why stay here: This five luxury boutique hotel is right in the middle of the city, near the cool, bohemian Bairro Alto district, and chic Chiado; perfect for foodies to explore the nearby high-end eateries, browse the rails in the city’s best shopping addresses, and check out all the main sights. The hotel itself boasts one of the best roof terraces in the world, and one of the top restaurants in the city.
Why you shouldn’t stay here: It’s hard to find a good reason not to stay here, but if you’re looking for a peaceful location, you may want to look a bit further out, such as Belém.
Altis Belem Hotel and Spa
Where: Belém
Prices from: £117
Good for: Those looking for a calming Lisbon break, filled with sightseeing during the day, but a relaxing cocktail as you watch the sun set over the river Tagus – away from most of the city’s bars and clubs. Belém is also really flat, which makes it perfect if you have kids in buggies.
Why stay here: A five-star, luxury experience of Lisbon, where the hotel’s modern design seamlessly merges with the river Tagus and the area’s 15th-century monuments. The hotel is home to ‘A Feitoria’, a restaurant boasting a Michelin star, as well as Spa BSpa by Karin Herzog, an award-winning signature spa. Though Belém isn’t technically in the centre of the city, it’s a just short 10 minute taxi ride away from the bustling downtown area, and 30 minutes by train to the quaint seaside resort of Cascais.
Why you shouldn’t stay here: The hotel’s location is perfect for those looking for a relaxing holiday, and to escape the hustle and bustle of the city-centre. But if you’d like to be in the middle of it all, it may just be too far and isolated. The hotel’s design is right up my street, with its calming greys and clean lines, but if your idea of luxury is opulent gold and velvet you may end up disappointed.
Valverde Hotel
Where: Valverde Hotel is located on Lisbon’s equivalent to the Champs Elysées, Avenida da Liberdade, near Chiado, Baixa and Principe Real.
Prices from: £155
Good for: Everyone. The hotel’s central location is close all major attractions, restaurants and bars, yet its immediate surroundings are quiet at night.
Why stay here: The elegant Valverde hotel has one of the best locations in the city in my opinion, close to all the major designer shopping addresses, and Lisbon’s lively downtown area. The hotel has a unique intimate design, with fabrics, patterns and textures that take the term boutique hotel to a new level. Valverde Hotel also has its own sailboat which can be booked – I don’t want to give you many hints, but if you’re looking for a romantic escape, this is the one for you. But don’t just take my word for it – have a look at what Conde Nast Traveller has to say about them.
Why you shouldn’t stay here: I love Avenida da Liberdade – it’s flat and easy to navigate, great for foodies and fashionistas. But, it is a large avenue with quite heavy traffic during rush-hour, so if you’re looking for inner-city bliss opt for somewhere quieter like Belém instead.
Memmo Alfama
Where: Lisbon’s charming Alfama neighbourhood, near the city’s castle and cathedral.
Prices from: £112
Good for: Party and Design
Why stay here: The hotel’s many awards and accolades speak for themselves, but it’s the hotel’s location in the heart of ‘old Lisbon’ and its impeccable design that really stand out. You’re definitely in for a treat with the breathtaking pool and terrace/bar, where you can find incredible views over the city and river Tagus.
Why you shouldn’t stay here: The hotel is located in Alfama, where steep, windy roads are guaranteed. Though beautifully authentic and offering heaps of charm, they are also made out of cobbled stones, which are not great if you have difficulty walking up hills, or are partial to a good high heel. If that’s you – look at staying elsewhere instead.
Pestana Palace Lisboa, Hotel & National Monument
Where: Belém / Ajuda
Prices from: £171
Good for: Couples / Relaxation /Families
Why stay here: Stay in the lap of luxury when you choose Pestana Palace Belem. Located at the Palace of the Marquis of Valle Flor, the hotel exudes sophistication and elegance, alongside an award winning spa, and if you’re travelling with children then the hotels’ kids’ club will be a welcome bonus. The hotel’s opulent interiors contrasts with beautifully landscaped, relaxing gardens and a pool area. If you’re searching for the ‘real Lisbon’, the hotel’s Ajuda neighbourhood will be a good introduction.
Why you shouldn’t stay here: Lisbon’s many hills can be a delight and offer extraordinary views over the city, but aren’t kind to those who struggle going uphill. If you’re looking for an easy-access hotel this may simply be too steep for you. The location is great for exploring the lesser-known neighbourhoods of Ajuda and the real Belém, with lots to visit nearby such as the Palace of Ajuda, the trendy LX Factory and Belém itself. Saying that, it’s far from downtown and its nightlife, so if that’s important to you opt for Bairro Alto or Memmo Hotel instead.
Bonus for families: Martinhal Luxury Family Apartments in Chiado
Where: Chiado
Prices from: £171
Good for: Families
Why stay here: Catered for families who want both luxury and independence, Martinhal Chiado luxury Apartments are located in the heart of chic neighbourhood of Chiado, close to most of Lisbon’s must-sees. The apartments are beautifully decorated and exude coolness, full of small details made for you and your family to feel right at home. They come with everything you may need, from high-chairs to a kids’ club, a gorgeous welcome basket. We stayed here over Christmas and loved the innovative approach. It’s perfect if you want to explore the city’s fantastic restaurants without the kids, but without having to forgo the comfort of a luxury hotel.
Why you shouldn’t stay here: Well, if you’re not a family you may wish to opt for a hotel instead.
I hope you have a fabulous holiday to Lisbon! I’d love to read your feedback on these hotels, or any others you think I should add to this list – let me know in the comments, or get in touch with me by email, Facebook or Twitter.
nb: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you book your hotel through one of my links I will get a few pennies, but you won’t pay an extra dime. My hotel choices were completely impartial, and I have had no sponsorship from any of the hotels mentioned in this article.
Images copyright: Memmo Alfama; Pestana Palace; Valverde Hotel; Bairro Alto Hotel; Altis Hotel & Spa Lisboa. Martinhal Chiado copyright Maria Belfort.
