Lisbon’s hotel scene has evolved dramatically in recent years, with design-forward properties seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with Portuguese heritage. From renovated palaces to modern architectural marvels, these 10 design hotels offer unique experiences that capture both Lisbon’s historic charm and its dynamic present.
1. MYRIAD by SANA Hotels
Rising like a sail against Lisbon’s eastern waterfront, MYRIAD by SANA Hotels is an architectural masterpiece of glass and steel. This 186-room property showcases ultramodern design with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Tagus River. The interiors feature a bold color palette of purples and silvers, with custom-designed furniture and lighting installations that create an atmosphere of contemporary luxury. The hotel’s distinctive shape and riverside location make it a landmark of modern Lisbon.
2. Altis Avenida Hotel
Housed in a 1940s building on Restauradores Square, Altis Avenida Hotel embodies the glamour of vintage travel with an art deco aesthetic. The boutique hotel’s 118 rooms combine classic elements with contemporary comforts, featuring black and white marble bathrooms, leather headboards, and geometric patterns that pay homage to the building’s original era. The rooftop restaurant, Rossio, offers stunning city views while maintaining the hotel’s sophisticated design language.
3. EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel
A masterclass in understated luxury, EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel brings together clean lines, natural materials, and sophisticated neutral tones. The 379 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, custom wooden furniture, and marble bathrooms. The hotel’s design emphasizes wellness and serenity, evident in its expansive spa featuring an indoor pool with a living wall, and the rooftop infinity pool offering cityscape views.
4. Verride Palácio Santa Catarina
This meticulously restored 18th-century palace combines aristocratic grandeur with contemporary design sensibilities. The 19-room boutique hotel preserves original features like ornate ceiling frescoes and azulejo tiles while introducing modern elements that complement rather than compete with the historic setting. Each room is uniquely designed, featuring custom furniture and artwork that bridges past and present.
5. The Vintage Hotel & Spa Lisbon
True to its name, The Vintage Hotel & Spa draws inspiration from mid-century modern design while maintaining a distinctly Portuguese character. The 56 rooms feature warm colors, vintage-inspired furniture, and playful design touches like record players and curated vinyl collections. The hotel’s striking blue-tiled spa and speakeasy-style bar demonstrate its attention to creating unique, design-forward spaces.
6. Bairro Alto Hotel
Occupying a historic building in Lisbon’s bohemian quarter, Bairro Alto Hotel showcases Portuguese design at its finest. The 87 rooms blend traditional elements like hand-painted tiles with contemporary Portuguese furniture and textiles. The hotel’s recent renovation by celebrated architect Souto de Moura has enhanced its position as a design destination, with special attention paid to preserving historic details while creating modern, comfortable spaces.
7. Torel Palace Lisbon
Set within two restored 19th-century mansions, Torel Palace Lisbon offers 28 rooms themed around Portuguese writers and poets. Each space is uniquely designed with bold color choices, custom artwork, and vintage furniture pieces. The hotel’s terraced gardens and pool area provide stunning views over Lisbon while maintaining the property’s romantic, literary atmosphere.
8. Memmo Príncipe Real – Design Hotels
Perched on a hillside in the fashionable Príncipe Real district, this 41-room hotel is a study in minimalist luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame city views, while the interiors feature a sophisticated palette of whites, greys, and natural woods. The infinity pool, seemingly suspended over the city, exemplifies the hotel’s dramatic yet refined design approach.
9. Browns Avenue Hotel
Browns Avenue Hotel brings together industrial chic and warm sophistication in its 84 rooms. Exposed concrete elements contrast with rich textiles and custom wooden furniture, creating spaces that feel both contemporary and inviting. The hotel’s restaurant and bar areas feature distinctive lighting installations and carefully curated artwork that enhance the overall design narrative.
10. PortoBay Liberdade
Located on Lisbon’s grand Avenida da Liberdade, PortoBay Liberdade harmoniously blends a historic façade with contemporary interiors. The 98 rooms feature a calming neutral palette accented with Portuguese materials and craftsmanship. The indoor pool area, with its distinctive vaulted ceiling and mood lighting, exemplifies the hotel’s ability to create atmospheric spaces that respect architectural heritage while embracing modern design.
These design hotels represent more than just places to stay – they are a testament to Lisbon’s evolution as a design destination. Each property offers its own interpretation of Portuguese style, from historic renovation to bold contemporary statements, providing visitors with unique perspectives on the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge modern design or thoughtfully updated classic elegance, these hotels offer distinctive experiences that enhance any visit to Portugal’s dynamic capital.