The coolest hotels in Lisbon

The Memmo Príncipe Real is one of the group’s 10 hotels in Portugal (their first opened in 2007 in the Algarve, followed six years laters by Alfama). Unlike a lot of Lisbon, which has taken off as a major tourist destination in recent years, this area north of Barrio Alto is still a favourite among trend-savvy locals. The spot is short of hotels though, which makes this one particularly special. Its purpose-built, modern style also sets it apart from the Pombaline aesthetic of downtown Lisbon.

Footballers can no longer be content with their performance on the pitch. Now, the biggest names have their own brands, complete with merchandise, venues, and in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo, hotels. One of the Pestana Group’s four hotels in Lisbon, the CR7 Lisboa takes its lead from the enviable lifestyle of Portugal’s most famous footballer. Book in here and you’ll get to enjoy the same home comforts the Manchester United star likes to have around, including a suite with a Playstation where you, like Christiano Ronaldo, can get some downtime with a few games on FIFA.

While Lisbon has a number of green spaces dotted around its outskirts, downtown can sometimes seem like a maze of tram lines, tiles and narrow, winding streets. Booking in a Hotel da Estrela guarantees some green space at the start and end of each day, and its gardens are perfect for a spot of relaxing in the sun on those days when sightseeing seems all too much. With just 19 rooms and suites, the hotel also offers a more intimate experience than most, and the staff are always happy to assist in any way possible.

This boutique hotel opened in March 2016 and it occupies an 18th-century Pombaline building, one of many erected after the 1755 earthquake. But don't think that crossing the number 20 door at the Praça do Município is some sort of time travel. Alma Lusa is modern and relaxed, geared towards a young crowd. Its in-house restaurant serves up some great traditional cuisine, while in the morning you can sample a continental breakfast complete with pasteis de nata. Its 28 rooms are just a street away from the Chiado, the Ribeira das Naus and the busy downtown streets, making it a great base for exploring what Lisbon has to offer.

Another of Design Hotels' Lisbon offerings, the Altis Belém Hotel & Spa is something of a destination in its own right. A neighbour to some of Lisbon’s most famous monuments – the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop (not, strictly speaking, a monument, but it might as well be) – the hotel not only packs a five-star rating, but also houses its own Michelin-starred restaurant – Restaurante Feitoria. Modern on the inside and out, it’s well worth the trip up the Tagus from downtown Lisbon to explore.

If you're looking for a low-frills hotel with a great location, you’d do well to secure one of Portugal Boutique Hotel’s 53 rooms. What it lacks in pizzazz it makes up for in comfort, while a number of Lisbon’s highlights – the Rossio, the Chiado and the Cathedral – are just a stone’s throw from the hotel’s front door. The Portugal Boutique Hotel also offers access to the bar and two restaurants at the nearby Hotel Mundial, one of which –  Varanda de Lisboa – combines traditional Portuguese food with a panoramic view of the city and the river.

Silence is in short supply in Lisbon, but bag a room that backs onto the patio at the Hotel Fontecruz Lisboa and you’ll get a slice of peace and quiet (when its bar’s outdoor tables aren't occupied, anyway). It’s worth swinging by the bar too – its gin menu has scores of choices that connoisseurs will appreciate.

Alfama is Lisbon’s most traditional neighbourhood, but until a few years ago, visitors would have to settle for local lodgings and budget hostels if they wanted to stay in the heart of the district. That all changed when the Memmo Group opened up Alfama's first boutique hotel, creating an informal home away from home for tourists who don’t want to traipse back to Barrio Alto or Príncipe Real after a day of tackling Lisbon’s hills. There are 42 rooms of varying sizes, some with a balcony, others with larger areas to make up for a less inspiring view, and yet a few quieter ones overlooking the inner courtyard.

Born in 2010, Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel is like a Kinder chocolate egg – plain on the outside, full of surprises within. Upon stepping into the lobby, you will realise the hotel is much more ambitious than you might have previously thought. Don't expect gold-plated walls, but this utilitarian hotel has earned a positive reputation for its good taste and friendliness. It is a favourite among the LGBT community. There are 89 rooms; those on the ground floor are the plainest, but even they have a Nespresso machine, free wi-fi, glass window showers and biodegradable amenities by Ominsens – stuff worthy of a five-star hotel. Feng-shui principles determine the hotel configuration both inside and outside the rooms, which are ample, minimalist and very comfortable.

Situated slap bang in the centre of Rossio, this boutique hotel gets serious Brownie points for location. It also scores points for its historic lilac facade, which is the oldest in Lisbon. Inside is a different story, as the Internacional had a modern makeover in 2009, so now all 55 rooms are themed Urban, Feeling, Zen or Pop vibes. There's a bar and restaurant too – Bastardo – which specialises in cocktails and Portuguese grub.