The coolest hotels in Lisbon

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.