(Updated) Lisbon’s most interesting hotels (truly unique lodging in Lisbon)

Updated Sept. 9, 2023. With thousands of hotels to choose from, which are Lisbon’s most interesting hotels (the truly unique lodging in Lisbon)? I have chosen nine hotels to look at, based on location, history, and style. I have included five-star hotels, as well as hostels – something for everyone.

Which are Lisbon’s most unique hotels and where are they located?

  • Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho Relais & Châteaux – Estrada do Guincho, 2413, Cascais, GPS Coordinates: 38.72844947651625, -9.476023496194323
  • Lisbon Destination Hostel – Rossio Train Station, Baixa, Lisbon, GPS Coordinates:  38.71482003566848, -9.1414532892537
  • Hotel Solar do Castelo – Rua dos Cozinhas 2, One minute from the Sao Jorge Castle

GPS Coordinates:  38.713326225999815, -9.133510417583329

  • Palacete Chafariz d’el Rei – Travessa. do Chafariz de El-Rei 6, GPS Coordinates:  38.710164935811086, -9.12959037525414
  • Santa Maria sailboat at Alcantara Dock – GPS Coordinates:  38.700192952233984, -9.17408891036503
  • WC by the Beautique Hotel – Avenida Almirante Reis 35,  near Intendente Metro station (green line)  GPS Coordinates:  38.723961018821576, -9.13539080274738
  • Pousada de Lisboa – Praça do Comércio 31, on the downtown riverfront at Praça do Comércio, (Terreiro do  Paço metro station – metro blue line)  GPS Coordinates:  38.70849070172684, -9.137779688748138
  • Hotel Avenida Palace – Rua 1 de Dezembro 123, near the Restauradores metro station (metro blue line)  GPS Coordinates:  38.71483583466828, -9.141240759312387
  • Hotel Convento do Salvador – Rua do Salvador 2B, Alfama, Lisbon, near Miradouro das Portas do Sol scenic viewpoint, GPS coordinates: 38.712810, -9.130013

Unique lodging? A one-time fortress on the Atlantic – Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho

While it is actually 18 miles outside of Lisbon, the five-star Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho makes this list because of its history and outstanding location.

What was a fortress in the 17th century is now the westernmost hotel in continental Europe.

The hotel sits atop a cliff and stands guard over a windswept, mostly undeveloped beach in a peaceful area of Cascais.

The hotel offers both a Michelin Star restaurant and a less formal bar that both have views of the ocean.

Even with a prominent ocean breeze, all 27 rooms have air-conditioning.

Courtyard rooms are located on the ground floor with a small fortress window. Partial beach view. One double or two twin beds. Size: 20 m2 / 214 – 247 sq ft. 196 euros – 255 euros per night.

Superior rooms are on the first floor with a view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Size: 25 to 28 m2 / 270 – 300 sq. ft. 284 euros -370 euros per night

Superior room with open balcony. On the first floor, with a breathtaking overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Size: 25 to 28 m2 / 270 – 300 sq. ft. 303 euros – 395 euros per night.

Junior Suites with a closed balcony are located on the first floor with a breathtaking view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. One king bed. Size: 33 to 38 m2 / 375 – 410 sq. ft. 352 euros to 460 euros per night

Junior Suites with an open balcony. On the first floor with a breathtaking view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Size: 33 to 38 m2 / 375 – 410 sq. ft.

Lisbon Destination Hostel – Top floor of Rossio Train Station

If Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho is not centrally-located, the Lisbon Destination Hostel has one of the most central locations in Lisbon, on the top floor of the beautiful Rossio Train Station.

The long communal dining table at Lisbon Destination Hostel - a unique hostel that occupies the top floor of the  Rossio Train Station

There is a full kitchen and bar on site. Tours, outings, and dinners organized daily. Breakfast is included.

The hostel has 30 rooms, 108 beds, 9 private baths, and 9 shared baths.

The common area below the glass ceiling and staircases at Lisbon Destination Hostel

They have a 10-bed mixed dorm, an 8-bed mixed dorm, 8-bed female dorm with an ensuite bathroom, a 4-bed family room ensuite, a triple room shared bath, a twin room shared bath, double room ensuite, single room shared bath.

Dorm prices range from $31 per bed to $42 per bed. Private rooms range from 96$ up to $228 for a private room with four beds.

The unique and historic Hotel Solar do Castelo

An 18th-century building nestled inside the walls of Castelo São Jorge, Hotel Solar do Castelo is a four-star boutique hotel offering 20 rooms with modern conveniences.

The Castelo Room is a cozy room measuring 14 sq m. It currently rents for 161 euros per night.

The Mansarda room is an exquisite room that measures 16 sq. m below the pitched roof. This room goes for 179 euros per night.

Guests will find a complimentary bottle of port when they arrive in their rooms. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk and room service, a concierge, elevators, air-conditioned rooms, wifi, a laundry service, a lounge, a safe deposit box, a wakeup service, and an honor bar in the room.

Built on the site of the former kitchens of the castle, it is the only hotel you will find within the castle walls.

The streets of the village are very narrow, and traffic is restricted to locals and taxis.

Palacete Chafariz d’el Rei – a former noble palace

Once the palace of a 19th-century aristocratic family, the Palacete Chafariz D’el Rei features intensely colored stained glass windows, magnificent tile,  and antique furniture. 

With an eclectic mix of architectural styles, it is best described as Art Nouveau. 

The six suites of the hotel offer exclusive views of the Tejo River or the famous alleys of all Fama.

The junior suite is spacious and offers two comfortable beds, period-style furniture, and an individual bathroom. From 299 euros.

The deluxe river suite, from 330 euros per night, has a large living area with double glass doors looking onto the river.  The room has a queen bed.

The luxury river suite is 1184 square feet spread over three floors. 

It has a terrace and 360-degree views of Lisbon and the river.  It is even equipped with a telescope. This suite starts at 445 euros per night.

Sunset cruise and sleep aboard a sailboat at Alcântara Dock

Also, if you are the rugged, adventurous type, maybe you’d be interested in renting a camper or a bungalow at an oceanfront campground. Read my article, A quick guide to camping and caravanning near Lisbon, Portugal

WC Hotel – One of Lisbon’s most unique hotels

This is a hotel with a unique theme. Think elegant bathroom and running water.

The hotel is located in a busy, working-class, immigrant neighborhood with all kinds of options for a meal from any country. See my article, Best places to try ethnic food in Lisbon

Lisbon's Avenida Almirante Reis is reflected in the window of the WC Hotel

Not very many tourists around, but the area Is very well served by the metro. 

Parking is very difficult to find in this neighborhood.

The Beautique WC Hotel is an easy walk from two of Lisbon’s best seafood restaurants, see my article Finding the best seafood in Lisbon , and the charming Largo do Intendente – a great plaza for a coffee or drink is nearby.

The face of a lady in a spa adorns the glass doors at Lisbon's unique WC Hotel, where the theme is an elegant bathroom and running water

A superior double or twin room with a queen bed (or two twin beds) measures 197 ft.² is $65 per night.

A deluxe double room measuring 280 ft.² with one king bed, is $78 a night.

The aqua marine lobby featuring a bathtub supports the bathroom and running water theme at Lisbon's unique WC Hotel

Pousada de Lisboa, Praça do Comércio

The Pousada de Lisboa, Praça do Comércio is in one of my favorite buildings in Lisbon – the yellow former Department of the Interior building at Praça do Comércio 33 -34.

The unique hotel has an outstanding location – overlooking the Praça do Comércio, the Tejo River, and is only steps from the Arco da Rua Augusta.

The hotel offers a restaurant and bar known as The Living room.

Other amenities such as air-conditioning, room service, wifi, an indoor swimming pool, a rooftop sunbathing deck, a small exercise room, and spa and massage treatment.

Guests may be provided with the use of a local cell phone while they are out site-seeing.

Pets are allowed.

The most basic room offers a cozy, city view and measures 17 m2. A double bed room with breakfast included is 239 euros per night.

Classic rooms have double beds and are roughly 21 m2. The rooms have views of either Praça do Comércio, Rua do Ouro, or Lisbon City Hall.

Rates range from 238 euros per night with breakfast to 306 euros with breakfast and dinner included.

Superior rooms measure 25 sq. m. and have spectacular views of either Praça do Comércio, Rua do Ouro, or Lisbon City Hall.

Rates range from 248 euros per night with breakfast to 319 euros with breakfast and dinner included. Some of these rooms include a balcony.

Mezzanine rooms measure 39 m2. Some of these rooms have a view of the castle.

Prices range from 270 euros per night with breakfast included to 347 euros per night with breakfast and dinner included.

Deluxe family rooms or 34sq.m. and can accommodate up to three people.

Prices range from 286 euros per night to 367 euros per night with breakfast and dinner included.

Deluxe rooms have a great view of the Tagus river. Rooms measure 29 m² and have a double bed and bathtub.

Prices range from €359 euros per night with breakfast included to €404 euros per night with breakfast and dinner included.

Suites measure approximately 51 sq. m. They are meant for two people.

The flexible rate with breakfast included is €639 per night, and with both breakfast and dinner included the rate is 684 euros per night.

Suite Áurea is a tribute to the Rua do Ouro –  the Gold Street.

The elegant room has oak paneling and hardwood floors and oozes luxury

The flexible rate which includes breakfast is €989 per night. With breakfast and dinner included, this room is €1034 per night.

The Praça the Comércio suite has the best views of the river.

The room measures 55 sq. m. There are two magnificent windows and a very high ceiling. The flexible rate with breakfast included is €1139 per night. The same room with breakfast and dinner is €1184 per night.

The premium room in the hotel is the presidential suite at 110 sq. m. It has a comfortable living room and two balconies from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tagus River; the flexible rate is €1239 euros per night with breakfast included.

The presidential suite with breakfast and dinner included is 1284 euros per night.

Hotel Avenida Palace

The Avenida Palace Hotel was designed by architect José Luís Monteiro, who also designed the nearby Rossio Train Station.

Located just off the noble Avenida de Liberdade, the Avenida Palace Hotel was built in 1892. 

All of the rooms have just been completely renovated and elegantly furnished in a classic style. 

An elegant sitting area in Lisbon's classic Avenida Palace Hotel

The Avenida Palace Hotel has had a role in the history of the Portuguese Republic, the Spanish Civil War, and World War II, having been a headquarters for many spies.

Amenities include free valet parking and a large buffet breakfast is served daily in the Palace Lounge.

The hotel offers a library with books in many languages, daily newspapers, and a modern gym.

The hotel has 82 rooms including a presidential suite, three palace suites, and 16 junior suites with panoramic views of Lisbon or the courtyard.

The area around Lisbon's classic Avenida Palace Hotel and Restauradores Metro Station is always busy with pedestrians and tour buses
The area around Lisbon’s classic Avenida Palace Hotel and Restauradores Metro Station is always busy with pedestrians and tour buses

Most rooms are fully soundproofed, have Wi-Fi and cable, air conditioning, and feature bathrooms decorated in marble.

 A basic double or twin room starts at $230.

A  242 ft.² double or twin room is $268.

The superior double or twin room is 269 ft.²,  completely soundproof, and includes a marble bathroom. The room overlooks the city or the inner courtyard and is $344 per night.

The junior suite with two twin beds includes a separate living room and offers views of Restauradores Square,  St. George’s castle, Avenida de Liberdade, or the courtyard.  The room has two twin beds, $337.

A single room, 242 ft.², with one twin bed and one full bed decorated and furnished in a classical style with views of the courtyard and the plaza is $215.

Hotel Convento do Salvador

If you are looking to stay in the Alfama district, consider Hotel Convento do Salvador.  Nearby, you will find the castle, the Sé Cathedral, traditional bars, restaurants, and Fado houses. Originally a convent, the building has been repurposed into a modern three-star hotel.

The hotel also supports the work of the Convento do Salvador Center, a youth center with cultural programming for children.

Late afternoon city view from my window at Lisbon's Hotel Convento do Salvador.  This unique Lisbon hotel was once a convent.
I can see the sun starting to set from my balcony at Hotel Convento do Salvador – but one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon is just a few meters away.

A single room with a city view, air conditioning, and a patio is $89 a night. For an additional $10 breakfast is included.

You should know, though, that some of the best views in Lisbon are just a few meters away from Hotel Convento do Salvador at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint. See my article Miradouro Portas do Sol viewpoint – What you need to know

A double room with one queen bed measuring 161 ft.² with a Cityview and a patio and air conditioning is $102.

A double room with an extra bed and a Riverview and air-conditioning. The same room can be had for $138 with breakfast included.

This hotel offers facilities for disabled guests, an airport shuttle, and free Wi-Fi in all areas. Hotel Convento do Salvador has a bar.

View of the interior courtyard from my balcony at Lisbon's Convento do Salvador Hotel
View of the interior courtyard from my balcony at the Convento do Salvador Hotel

Thank you for reading about Lisbon’s most interesting hotels – the truly unique lodging in Lisbon.

Prices may vary over time.

If you book one of the hotels I mention, I may receive a commission, but that will not affect your price.

If you are looking for ideas for things to check out in Lisbon, read this article: 25 things to see or experience in Lisbon, Portugal – Lisbon travel ideas If you are looking for shopping ideas, be sure to check out some of Lisbon’s most historic merchants: Lisbon’s historical family-owned stores and craftsmen sell the best souvenirs – Lisbon travel ideas

Thank you for reading about Lisbon’s most interesting hotels – the truly unique lodging in Lisbon.