It's not like the building is made of recycled cardboard, but every material chosen for decorating it is of vegetable origin. The Neya also insists on passing an environmental message to its guests, warning them against unnecessary wastes of water or towels, and even about how much energy a simple charger left in the socket will drain. Serious stuff, but not preachy – it's about persuasion, not propaganda. The 76 rooms and suites are comfortable and sober, and come with Shiatsu massage pillows, for extra relaxation before giving in to a deep sleep. It is said that snorers will feel better after a night's sleep with these pillows.
The hotel's ecofriendliness extends to the Viva Lisboa restaurant, whose Mediterranean menu is seasonal and locavore.
The area the hotel resists calling a spa goes beyond being a mere health club: there's a jacuzzi and a health and beauty treatment menu, all based on natural products. Take advantage of being in one of Lisbon's rare flat areas and ask for a bike at the front desk. Then go rolling around the Estefânia and Anjos neighbourhoods (the latter is Lisbon's hipster district, with scores of cultural associations, vintage shops, traditional stores, cafes and restaurants). Before going out, check to see if there is an Almas Market scheduled for that day; if you're in luck, go to the Regueirão dos Anjos to peruse the wares of local small merchants and have a cup of tea at the Taberna das Almas.