The 22 coolest hotels in Lisbon

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 offers a more intimate experience than most, and the staff is always happy to assist in any way possible. Set in Lisbon's Estrela District, which is beautiful and overlooks the most bustling part of the city, this spot is ideal for slow mornings before making the most of the city. The restaurant serves up traditional Portuguese cuisine 'with a twist' too.

Another of Design Hotels' Lisbon offerings is the Altis Belém Hotel & Spa and it's a destination worth visiting Lisbon for in its own right, thanks to the unique architectural feat. The hotel not only packs a five-star rating, but also houses its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Feitoria which, again, you should go to even if you don't decide to book a room. The location is also pretty elite. It's a neighbour to some of the capital's most famous monuments such as Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop (not a monument, strictly speaking, but it might as well be). While nearby, should you pop up the Tagus river from downtown Lisbon to explore, you'll find a place packed with excitement and adventure. 

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. Although, we'd recommend joining the hubbub, as its gin menu has scores of choices that connoisseurs will appreciate. These unique aspects are just some of the reasons this is a five-star place to stay. It's dropped right in Liberdade Avenue, which is renowned for its prestigious boutiques and restaurants, so that silence is a real treat and doesn't compromise on ideal location. 

The Memmo Príncipe Real is one of the group’s handful of hotels in Portugal (their first opened in 2007 in the Algarve, followed six years later 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. Príncipe Real is in fact, one of Lisbon's most exclusive places to visit and the spot is short of hotels, which makes this one particularly special. Its purpose-built, modern style also sets it apart from the Pombaline aesthetic of downtown Lisbon. It's also decked out with quality in mind. Each room has air conditioning, but more than that – they're equipped with modern Bang & Olufsen TVs and Bose speakers, plus many have terraces. The receptions are beautiful too, so if you don't want to leave that's fine, but the area is ripe for exploring.

The 19 rooms are all different in size, and even the most affordable ones include a range of amenities that you would not normally find in a boutique hotel: lots of space, a large bed, a full bathroom including, in some rooms, an old-style tub. There is neither a pool nor a garden, understandably so given the sloping terrain. But the roomy building allows for some extravagances, including an abundance of places to eat and drink: three different venues, each with a different style and purpose. At the Audrey café – named after the glamorous Ms. Hepburn – breakfast is served à la carte and has an immense selection of eggs, pancakes, toast, tea, yogurt and fruit. For lunch or supper, there are two good choices: Fábrica de Santiago and Manny's Bar.

Remember Memmo from ealrier? Well here's another, this time in Alfama, Lisbon’s most traditional neighbourhood. 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 historic district, but that all changed when the Memmo Group opened up the area's first boutique hotel. Their Alfama outpost is 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 the city's steep hills. There are 42 rooms of varying sizes, some with a balcony, others with larger areas to make up for a less inspiring view, plus a few quieter ones overlooking the inner courtyard. The interiors are incredibly homely for a hotel, with bookshelves and big wooden dining tables throughout. There's also a fantastic rooftop pool, with a seating area looking over the city into the sea, and 24-hour reception, so you can come and go at any hour.

Brown's Central is everything but dull. Despite being located in the middle of Pombaline downtown in an old building, its links to the city’s history are left firmly at the front door. Instead, it breaks through the stigma of the hotel as a closed-off space to be a meeting point and an arts venue. Its bar and restaurant host cultural events – from pop-up concerts to chats – and double up as trendy gathering spots for artists and prospecting gallerists. The place has an arty feel: a revivalist style recreating the café scene of the early 20th century, combining vintage furniture and contemporary artworks. The common areas have an intimate and familiar feel: walls are painted in strong colours, the floor is tiled and there is an Art Déco-inspired counter.

Born in 2010, Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel is like a Kinder egg – plain on the outside, full of surprises within. Upon stepping into the lobby, you'll discover a wealth of luxuries. We're not talking gold-plated walls, but 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 wifi, glass-walled showers and biodegradable amenities – 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.

HF Fénix Music is not just a music-tribute hotel – it's a whole sensory experience. All 109 rooms have a theme, from rock to pop to classical music to fado, and everyone is equipped with all you need to create your own private disco: Bluetooth sound systems, Internet access touchscreens and even dynamic, disco-style lighting. Music is everywhere: the front desk is drum kit-shaped, the bar resembles a piano keyboard. On top of the building you will find a lounge terrace with a swimming pool that will make you forget you're in the centre of Lisbon – although peering over at the castle will soon bring you back to reality. 

Situated slap bang in the centre of Rossio, this boutique hotel gets serious Brownie points for location. It also scores highly 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, Tribal, Zen or Pop vibes. There's a bar and restaurant too, which specialise in cocktails and Portuguese grub.

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you – the Evolution Lisboa Hotel is actually held up by a sculpted hand. The hotel is conceived for independent guests or impatient people who can't stand waiting. Everything is managed in an efficient, quick and informal way. Wi-fi, USB chargers and electric sockets are everywhere, so you can stay permanently plugged in (handy for uploading pictures of that hand on the 'gram). Rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable, including a sitting area, a desk and a view of the city.

Lisbon's hardy 'movida' (party) scene is just one of the many aspects that make it such a desired destination for travellers. It's this aspect in particular that the LX draws on most, catering to the youthful, stylish crowd that frequent the Chiado and Ribeira das Naus neighbourhoods. The vibe at this four-star stay is artsy and vibrant, with a restaurant that goes from continental cuisine at breakfast to Japanese from lunch.

Hidden in an old 17th-century convent in a Lapa hill facing the Tagus, this small boutique hotel has been open for business for more than 100 years. Where once Carmelite sisters wandered, now tourists roam in search of their cloisters. True, the current configuration is modern, but this is not a party destination: rather it is a quiet haven away from the crowds, a peaceful sanctuary with an easy access to the city centre. You might even wonder if you had the right address on your way in, as you meet the unassuming lobby and the friendly but subdued staff. There is still something monastic about the 32 rooms, with their austere lines and antique furniture pieces, as if reminiscent from the building's former use. But that was then, and now you can expect large rooms with big four-poster beds, bedside tables built out of old doors, modern fixtures and clear tones that make the rooms even sunnier.

The view from the sixth-floor terrace is enough reason to book a night at this Bairro Alto spot, with it possible to see out across Lisbon and all the way to the river. There’s no restaurant but its bar does specialize in mixology: their original cocktail menu is infusion-based – they have a great selection of teas. Breakfast is a neverending food festival, so you'd better pace yourself: homemade yogurt, detox juices, “nata” tarts, croissants, five varieties of bread, bacon and eggs are just some of the things on offer.

My Story Hotel Rossio's reputation as one of Lisbon's best isn’t solely based on its location, which is slap-bang in the middle of the Rossio. It’s its decor that makes it stand out from the crowd – imagine a clash between the 17th century and Andy Warhol’s Factory, where stone arcades are lit by neon lights and the bar mixes ancient tiles and chandeliers with modern designer furniture. In 18 of the hotel’s 46 rooms you will get a view of the Rossio, and you should demand one of them: it's a rare privilege to get to watch the city parading in front of you.

Located at the Rua Jardim do Regedor, the hotel stands out thanks to the deep red that colours this turn of the 20th-century building. The reddish tones are also to be found inside as part of the bold decoration by designer João Rolo. The 56 rooms, though not huge, are comfortable and spacious enough for a good night's rest after a day of walking around.

Throughout Lisbon, you'll find tall, decorative townhouses lining the streets and it's inside one of these that the AlmaLusa resides. Dating back to the 18th century, these old Pombaline buildings hold a wealth of history. The style is named for Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the First Marquis of Pombal, who worked with military engineers to reconstruct Lisbon after the earthquake of 1755. In doing so, he ended up creatingthe some of the first anti-seismic designs in architecture. But history lesson aside, AlmaLusa is a beautiful boutique hotel to make a base from which to explore the bustling Baixa-Chiado neighbourhood. And if the hoardes of tourists gets too much, you can retreat to the charming in-house restaurant Delfina, which serves a fine fusion of Portugal's regional dishes.

When it comes to the Hotel Santa Justa, the X-factor may be each room’s well-stocked minibar. Not that you need it – the hotel’s bar offers not only a vast drink menu but also some all-important snacks. The 55 rooms are modernly styled and spacious – family rooms and attic suites are huge and come with a Nespresso coffee machine, to give you one last shot of adrenalin before getting in line for the Santa Justa Lift, right next door.

Planning every minute detail of a holiday can be, well, tiring, making the whole experience feel like hard work. Built for the tourist that hasn't made any plans, the Gat Rossio is strategically located in a quiet street behind the Restauradores square and its friendly staff can tell you the best things Lisbon has to offer during your visit. Between the lounge and the outer terrace, you’ll also be rubbing elbows with other guests. A buffet breakfast is served on long tables, which is usually a good meeting point for early birds.

Essentially a bed & breakfast in terms of service, Augusta Boutique House’s 12 rooms are the centre-piece of the hotel – expect an irreverent aesthetic, including tapestries by the bedposts, wooden panels on the walls and wonderfully curated vintage furniture contrasting with the monochrome. There are few common areas, with the exception of a terrace, from which you can see the castle hill. Breakfast does comes with a catch: there is no specific room to have it. You can either enjoy it on the terrace or in your room at no extra cost.

If you're looking for a low-frills hotel in a great location, look no further! Snap up one of the 53 rooms in Portugal Boutique Hotel. What it lacks in pizzazz it makes up for in comfort and practicality. Loads of Lisbon’s key landmarks – the Rossio, Chiado and the Cathedral – are all just a short stroll from the hotel. The boutique stay also offers access to two bars in-house, plus two restaurants at its neighbouring sister Hotel Mundial, one of which – Varanda de Lisboa – combines traditional Portuguese food with a panoramic view of the city and the river. Nice. There's also 24-hour room service, so no matter what time you come back from a night out in nearby Bairro Alto (one of the nightlife districts), the chefs will be on hand to rustle you up something restoarative.

The building that houses the Hotel Convento do Salvador was once a convent, but you wouldn’t know it to look at it. The old backyard became a hip lounge bar, with light wreaths and mood music to enliven the evenings; the old dining room is now a vibrant living room with a mezzanine for serving breakfast. Proud of its artistic side, the Convento do Salvador likes to lend its salons and walls to major Portuguese and Lusophone artists. Works by Sebastião Salgado, Júlio Pomar, João Cutileiro and Paula Rego are all on display.