AROUND THE WORLD WITH
JESS SIGNET
When traveling to Europe I encourage you to do something… visit Lisbon! As Portugal’s largest city, it is a must-see European destination due to its stunning architecture and picturesque backstreets, lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and mouth-watering cuisine. Anyone can experience this captivating city’s unique charm and fantastic views because it’s affordable on all budgets. After traveling to Lisbon myself, here’s a list of the 9 best hotels when you visit Lisbon on a budget… or as a baller.
BUDGET OPTIONS
1. Alfama Patio Hostel
By far the cheapest (and often the most fun) way to visit any city is by staying in hostels. Alfama Patio Hostel offers both singles and dorms for an extremely good price, so you don’t have to give up privacy in order to save. Plus, the unique roof terrace, where many exciting activities are held, makes this hostel a much-coveted accommodation when you visit Lisbon particularly during the hot summers. With a friendly staff and all the basic amenities such as airport transfers and luggage storage, it’s definitely a great start to any budget list.
2. Tagus Royal Residence
Located directly in the center of the city’s historic Marquês de Pombal area, the Tagus Royal Residence has great accessibility for an extremely reasonable price. With many of the main monuments and attractions in walking distance and the beach just down the road, there’s no reason to stay anywhere else! The hostel offers private rooms with their own balconies and its bright and colorful decorations give it a lively atmosphere when you visit Lisbon throughout the year. Tagus Royal Residence holds a special place in my heart because I spent many evenings on its balconies enjoying the view of the city — it’s where I fell in love with Lisbon for the first time.
3. Family Macedo’s B&B
An incredibly cheap and authentic way to experience true Portuguese hospitality, Family Macedo’s B&B offers you the chance to share the architecturally stunning home with generations of the hotel’s namesake family. It offers a garden, small pool and kitchen facilities, alongside a personal and friendly atmosphere with helpful hosts who are enthusiastic to help make your experience the best that it can be. It perfectly embodies that home-away-from-home for anyone who stays there.
MID-RANGE OPTIONS
4. Hotel Travel Park
Although its more expansive than the budget options, Hotel Travel Park is the ideal spot for those looking for convenience and ease. Located directly across the road from the metro station and in walking distance from the nearest shopping complex — the famous Rossio Square — it’s ideal for families or groups looking for a step up from budget travel. It offers room service, dry cleaning and has a business center with conference rooms on site that are available to book.
5. Brown’s Downtown
As the most budget-friendly option in the Brown’s Hotel Group, Brown’s Downtown is by far the best way to experience luxury for a fraction of the price. With chic decor and lavish amenities, including an iMac computer in every room, it gives the allusion of the five-star experience without breaking the bank. It’s situated in a good location and the friendly staff is more than willing to give you tips and information for making the most out of your time when you visit Lisbon.
6. Pensao Praca Da Figueira
By far one of the best-reviewed hotels in the city, Pensao Praca Da Figueira is loved by visitors and a great place to make home when you visit Lisbon. It offers simple, basic amenities but at a very high standard, with a focus on cleanliness and customer service. Its central location and highly recommended continental breakfast are gems in its minimalistic and down to earth charm.
HIGH-END OPTIONS
7. Valverde Hotel
For those looking to splurge, Valverde Hotel is one of the best options available. Its elegant decor is stylish yet comfortable and its use of antique furniture and paintings make for a truly spectacular experience. The rooms range from mini-singles to grand suites and each come with typical luxury essentials such as mini-bar, air conditioning and fast Internet access. The hotel is located on the picturesque tree-lined boulevard of La Avenida, so get ready for a classy experience from the moment you arrive on its doorstep. I popped in here for a drink during my last trip to Lisbon and was truly transported into another world.
8. Hotel Avenida Palace
For a five-star experience, Hotel Avenida Palace is a great choice when you visit Lisbon. It’s beautiful rooms and bar are exquisitely decorated and dripping in gold. All 82 rooms are completely soundproofed to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep and come with a fully equipped marble en suite bathroom. And get this! Each room has its own panoramic view over the city. A luxurious stay in the presidential suite and three palace suites also offers a hydro-massage bathtub.
9. Olissippo Lapa Palace
Finally, and by far the most extravagant, the Olissippo Lapa Palace takes luxury to a whole new level. Situated on a peaceful hilltop overlooking the Tagus River, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a tranquil and quiet stay when you visit Lisbon. Complete with an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, steam room and Turkish bath, it’s fully equipped to make your stay a memorable one. Just a short drive away from the city center with great views over the city, there’s nowhere better way to sit back, relax and really enjoy your time in Lisbon.
Do you know of any other great hotels that deserve to be on this list? Be sure to leave a comment below and share your experiences!
AROUND THE WEB
Jess Signet is an avid traveler who enjoys writing about her adventures. A big fan of the beautiful city of Lisbon, she hopes these accommodation ideas will inspire you to visit this great city no matter your budget. You can read more about Jess and her travels at her travel blog or catch up with her on Twitter.
