Hotel do Chiado was born in a Pombaline building brought back from the ashes by renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, who made a point that every one of its 40 rooms should include a patio or a private balcony with a view towards the Tagus and the São Jorge castle hill. Lisbon begs to be gazed upon, and Hotel do Chiado is the perfect spot to do it – even more so from the Entretanto Rooftop Bar, where the panorama extends as far as the eye can see, all the way until the Arrábida Range. The insides of the hotel have been renovated more than once, and its early garish colours were replaced by a soberer look. Feng-shui principles dictate the room layout, with classic furniture and neutral tones to enhance the relaxing mood. The hotel's top floor is exclusively for dining: Mezzanine Castelo serves meals (breakfast included) with the castle walls as background. Downstairs at the seventh floor bar, the menu has plenty of good options to discover the cuisine of Igor Martinho, who was named 2009 chef of the year. And since we're talking about food, here's a tip: the steak à la Hotel do Chiado is a can't-miss proposition (20€).
The Baixa-Chiado subway stop is a two-minute distance on foot.