The Portuguese city of Lisbon is the perfect place for a romantic holiday in Europe. With plenty of charm, fascinating history, delicious food and rich culture, the city has much to offer for a couple’s getaway. Plus it’s also very economical compared to other European capitals like Paris and London. The same stands true for hotels and you can get some real gems for reasonable prices. Some of the most romantic hotels are within the small, boutique Lisbon Heritage Hotels group, made up of classy accommodation in historic hotels and converted homes. Take a peak inside these delightful hotels with me below!
Five Beautiful Heritage Hotels
The five hotels of the group are all unique and are either in historic buildings or former aristocratic homes. These lovely hotels reflect Portugal’s tradition and culture through their design and the special history these buildings tell of the city of Lisbon. They’ve all been brought up to modern standards all the maintaining their historic charm, so you can expect luxurious contemporary amenities within an intimate and welcoming setting. The hotels sprinkled around the historic center, all conveniently located for sightseeing and next to the city’s top sites.
Unique Atmospheres for all Personalities
What’s particularly original about this boutique hotel group is each of the hotels is quite unique and presents different design sensibilities. If you’d like to immerse yourself in the early days of Lisbon’s history, then book in at the gorgeous little jewel the Solar do Castelo. Set in a sublime historic mansion, it’s the only hotel within the São Jorge Castle walls. Alternatively, if you’re partial to the early 20th century, you can surround yourself in the swank grandeur of the Art Deco era at the restored Hotel Britania, a classified building designed by the notable Portuguese modernist architect Cassiano Branco.
If you’re looking for a base in the city’s poshest district, then the Hotel Lisboa Plaza is for you. Family owned and operated since opening in 1954, it was entirely renovated in 2015 with a stylish look which successfully blends new and old Lisbon, plus it’s steps away from some of the city’s best shops and restaurants on and around Avenida Liberdade. If you want to be right on this famous street, then reserve at the Heritage Avenida Liberdade. a chic abode within a refitted 18th-century mansion. Lastly is the charming As Janelas Verdes, another former mansion-hotel which I was fortunate enough to discover personally.
As Janelas Verdes, an Elegant Historic City Mansion
Tucked away on a quiet street (from which the hotel takes its name, rua das Janelas Verdes, meaning “green windows”) in what was the 18th-century hub of aristocratic Lisbon, this city mansion is emblematic of this affluent and creative era in Portugal. It’s also thought that the famous Romantic-era Portuguese novelist Eça de Queirós lived for a time in the house.
It’s also a strategic location for anyone wanting to combine history, the National Art Museum is next door, with new Lisbon (it’s right near LX Factory, a collection of cool shops and cafes in an old factory complex and a current hip area of the city), plus be easily accessible to Belem, famous for its Pasteis tarts, the Jeronimos Monastery and the port. These are only around 20 minutes further from the hotel on the bus or tram and the historic downtown is a mere 8-10 minutes away by car, bus or tram.
Cozy & Romantic Home Away from Home
The team at the hotel has done a wonderful job creating an inviting environment. The hotel truly feels like a home, and as such, it can be your own “home” in Lisbon. Guests are encouraged to enjoy its cozy lounges, which feel like the stylish living room of an avid history buff. The ground floor has two lovely common spaces and a gorgeous outdoor terrace, the ideal place to take your breakfast on Lisbon’s frequent mild and sunny mornings. The top floor is home to the marvellous library with an explorers’ theme, Portuguese navigator Vasco da gama would fit right in! This whimsical and elegant room leads onto a fabulous sun terrace from which you can imagine the likes of great sea explorers setting sail from the large Tagus river below. Settle in on its outdoor sofa to take in some rays or in the evening enjoy some porto and a good book inside next to the fireplace.
Attention to the Finer Details
Nothing is amiss with the hotel’s exceptional attention to detail. This is expressed from its collection of antiques, artwork and other curiosities to thoughtful notes for guests and complimentary porto in your room and tea/coffee and tasty egg tarts available in the dining room throughout the day.
Refined, Comfortable & Spacious Rooms
There are several different categories of rooms which all feature elegant furnishings, deluxe beds and luxurious bathrooms, some with excellent soaking tubs. All rooms are supremely quiet and many are sunny throughout the day with wonderful views over the river. I stayed in a large Eça de Queiroz suite, the writer’s room with a lovely writing desk and reading arm chair, it also has a small separate living room with a sofa bed and personal tea and coffee facilities.
The wonderfully welcoming staff add to the hotel’s homey feel, completed a perfect romantic stay in Lisbon.
Room rates at the As Janelas Verdes range from 260-440 depending on the room and booking dates. See their website here for further information, booking and special offers.
I was a guest of the Lisbon Heritage Hotels, however, all of the opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
