Lisbon's hotel scene continues to blossom, thanks to these must-visit hotels

Santa Clara 1728

Housed inside an 18th-century pile on one of Lisbon’s most romantic squares is Santa Clara 1728. Set atop one of the city’s seven hills, overlooking the Pantheon and the Tagus River beyond, the hotel has been designed by local architect Manuel Aires Mateus, whose clean, modern interiors are refreshing trimmings to the building’s ancient walls. Downstairs, unwind under the warm glow from Davide Groppi’s ‘Simbiosi’ lights with a glass of Portuguese wine and comforting home-made meal, using the freshest market produce.

Campo de Santa Clara 128; tel: 35.1 934 418 316; www.santaclara1728.com; rates: from €300

Verride Palácio Santa Catarina

Located in Lisbon’s hipster Chiado quarter, the handsome four-storey Verride Palácio Santa Catarina was revitalised into a modern boutique hotel by architect Teresa Nunes da Ponte, who meticulously restored the intricate Pombalino interiors including the wrought iron staircase, ornamental ceilings, Portuguese and Greek marble and original blue and white Azulejo tiles. Return to one of the 18 spacious rooms wrapped in a muted palate of light browns after dining at either gastro bar Suba, which serves king crabs with a citrus and guacamole cream; or Criatura, a more formal dining room featuring the likes of cabidela and roasted sea-bass.

Rua de Santa Catarina No. 1; tel: 35.1 211 473 058; verridesc.pt/experience; rates: from €500

Memmo Alfama

The romantic Alfama neighbourhood is a maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with orange trees and trendy terrace bars, and crowned with an ancient cloistered cathedral. Though surrounded by history, Memmo Alfama has an uber-contemporary feel, from the exterior mural by conceptual artist Vhils (Alexandre Farto) to the clever minimalist design by local architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho. Views from the 42 rooms will not disappoint, whether you opt for patio, bairro or river vista. Egyptian-cotton bed linens make for a comfortable night’s sleep, while a well-stocked wine bar provides gourmet snacks and African, Brazilian and Portuguese dance tracks.

Travessa das Merceeiras 2; 35.1 210 495 660; www.memmohotels.com/alfama-hotel-overview.html; rates: from €228

AlmaLusa Baixa-Chiado

Tucked into a charming corner, AlmaLusa Baixa-Chiado is a boutique hotel offering a slice of history and rooms with a view from within its 18th-century frame. Once the city’s arsenal, it sits on the magnificent Praça de Munícipio, one of Lisbon’s most emblematic squares, which is paved with its characteristic, calçadas – or cobblestones – and is dominated by the neo-classical façade of the City Hall. The 28-room gem draws on all things Portuguese, where, from textiles to soaps, designer Giano Gonçalves has skilfully woven original flagstone floors and ancient fireplaces with 21st-century comfort and technology.

Praça do Munícipio 21; tel: 35.1 212 697 440; www.almalusahotels.com/en/hotel; rates: from €110

Memmo Príncipe Real

Lisbon’s increasingly vibrant Príncipe Real neighbourhood, where sleek concept stores now jostle with buzzy restaurants, sets the scene for Memmo group’s Lisbon iteration. Designed by architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, Memmo Príncipe Real is decidedly 21st century, where interiors mix moss green fabrics with warm oak floors, and huge chandeliers from Santa & Cole cast their light on contemporary art. 41 bedrooms and suites are softly lit with hand blown glass from Marinha Grande, and bathrooms are clad in warm local limestone. Additionally, Café Colonial dazzles with offerings including slow cooked pork cheek with rosemary and caramelised vegetables.

Rua D. Pedro V, 56J; tel: 35.1 219 016 800; www.memmohotels.com/memmo-hotels.html; rates: from €226

The Lumiares

Located on one of Lisbon’s seven hills in the charming Bairro Alto district, The Lumiares skilfully blends the 18th and 21st centuries to feature 53 guestrooms, a spa, two restaurants and a bar, with dramatic effect. The original sweeping stone staircase takes centre position under a Beau McClellan-designed cubic brass lighting installation that echoes the geometric black and white flooring in the lobby and the bespoke hand-woven tapestries from rug brand Ferreira de Sá in every room. Food comes courtesy of chef Miguel Castro e Silva whose sea bass with orange and fennel is a must at the rooftop restaurant, Lumni.

Rua do Diário de Notícias 142; tel: 35.1 211 160 200; www.thelumiares.com; rates: from €190