The Lumiares

Set into a former 18th-century palace on the hill of Bairro Alto, The Lumiares looks one way to the River Tagus and the other to São Jorge Castle. The neighbourhood does the rest of the work: narrow cobbled streets, tabernas and small galleries sit within walking distance, and Lisbon's old funicular line runs past the door. Rooms are apartment-style rather than conventional hotel rooms, each with a fully fitted kitchen, a separate living area and a private bathroom. Six studios come with a queen bed and en suite shower. The Glória Suite, a double corner room above the funicular tracks, has two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and hand-woven wall tapestries commissioned from a Lisbon workshop. The Penthouse suites go further: two bedrooms apiece, high ceilings, large windows, and a private outdoor terrace built for breakfast or an evening drink. The largest, the Miradouro Penthouse, looks directly onto the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint. Furniture and fittings throughout are largely Portuguese-made, down to the bathroom tiles and the soap from Claus Porto. Upstairs, the Lumi rooftop bar and restaurant serves food and cocktails with a wide view over the rooftops. There is a small spa and gym on site, and an underground car park connects by lift straight to the lobby. Check-in guests will find Príncipe Real, one of Lisbon's livelier districts, a five-minute walk away.