In Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, every stop for travelers is likely to yield a double feast of aesthetics and memory. The hotels here are not only a place to stay, but also a window to the soul of the city. Especially those scenic hotels located on the five hills, they not only give people a beautiful view overlooking the Tagus River and the red-tiled roofs of Alfama, but also allow people to look at the silhouettes of the castle and the church between the morning light and the sunset, as if they were in a flowing historical painting.
1. Solar do Castelo: Wake up at the foot of the Castle of São Jorge
Hotel history and overview
Solar do Castelo is a boutique hotel converted from an 18th-century noble mansion, located within the inner walls of the Castle of São Jorge. This hotel, known as “the only accommodation in the castle”, was restored and opened in 2006 by the Portuguese Heritage Hotels Group, retaining the original stone walls, ancient wells and tile details, becoming a residence that truly integrates history into life. The hotel has only 20 rooms, with a quiet environment, exquisite decoration, and a strong classical atmosphere.
Location and transportation conditions
Solar do Castelo is located at the commanding heights of the Alfama district. It is necessary to walk to the castle area. It is recommended to go up the mountain from the Rua das Escolas Gerais trail. Although it cannot be reached directly, it has excellent privacy and a wide view because of this. It only takes 10 minutes to walk from the hotel to Lisbon Cathedral, Mirador de Santa Lucia Observation Deck, etc. If you need to take a tram or taxi, you can arrange a pick-up at the foot of the mountain.
Cost
A standard double room is about 220 euros per night in the off-season and can reach 280 to 300 euros in the peak season. Breakfast is included, and some room types can directly overlook the castle tower and the roofs of the old town.
Nearby attractions
Sao Jorge Castle (0 minutes, just outside the door)
Alfama District (5 minutes walk)
Lisbon Cathedral (7 minutes walk)
Santa Lucia Viewpoint (10 minutes walk)
Booking platform
Booking is available on major platforms such as Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com, etc. Heritage Hotels occasionally have exclusive discounts.
Suitable for people
Suitable for couples, architecture enthusiasts and in-depth travelers looking for a quiet place. If you prefer to avoid tourist crowds and want to live in the “historical center”, this hotel is the first choice.
2. Memmo Alfama: Modern poetry on red tile roofs
Hotel history and overview
Memmo Alfama is a boutique hotel that perfectly combines contemporary design with traditional life. It was renovated and opened by the Memmo Group in 2013. Formerly a mid-20th century residence, it retained the texture of Lisbon’s old houses after the renovation, but incorporated minimalist design into the interior, with a perfect combination of white walls and warm wood tones. The most famous is its infinity pool, which faces the Tejo River and the red roofs of Alfama, which is particularly dreamy in the evening.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located on the top of the slope in the Alfama district, close to Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Viewpoint). It is about a 3-minute walk from the Santa Luzia stop of Tram No. 28. The surrounding streets are typical Alfama alleys, narrow but safe and pleasant.
Cost
Standard rooms are about 250 euros per night, while view rooms and rooms with balconies are about 280 to 320 euros, with a hearty breakfast and free local red wine welcome drink.
Nearby attractions
Santa Luzia Viewpoint (3 minutes walk)
Lisbon Cathedral (6 minutes walk)
Sao Jorge Castle (12 minutes walk)
Fado Museum (7 minutes walk)
Booking platform
Booking can be made through Tablet Hotels, Expedia, Agoda and Booking.com.
Suitable for people
Suitable for young couples, photography enthusiasts and internet celebrities who pursue a sense of design and a comfortable experience. The infinity pool and the balcony with a view are great materials for social media sharing.
3. Torel Palace Lisbon: A city palace hidden in the hills
Hotel history and overview
Torel Palace is a boutique palace hotel converted from a 19th-century aristocratic villa, located on the top of Santana Hill. The hotel has two main buildings, connected by a garden and a swimming pool. The interior is decorated with theme suites named after Portuguese historical figures, each with an independent design. Portraits of writers, explorers and queens hang on the walls, creating a cultural atmosphere of an aristocratic mansion.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located on Santana Hill, less than 10 minutes’ walk from the city center, close to Avenida da Liberdade. You can take the subway to Restauradores Station and then walk up the hill. The hotel also provides a paid pick-up service, which is suitable for passengers with luggage.
Cost
Standard rooms start at about 220 euros, while suites start at 350 euros. The peak season price will increase slightly depending on the room type and holidays, and breakfast and afternoon tea are included.
Nearby attractions
National Theater (6 minutes walk)
Rosio Square (7 minutes walk)
Avenida Street (10 minutes walk)
Gloria Cable Car (4 minutes walk)
Booking platform
Booking is available on Booking, Mr & Mrs Smith, Expedia and Small Luxury Hotels.
Suitable for people
Very suitable for honeymooners, high-end travelers and visitors seeking a cultural atmosphere. Quiet and not noisy, but very close to the city center, combining luxury and convenience.
4. The Lumiares Hotel & Spa: Between Day and Night in Bairro Alto
Hotel History and Overview
The Lumiares was once an 18th-century monastery, and later became a residence and art space. It was completely renovated into a luxury apartment hotel in 2017. The hotel retains the old building structure and injects modern Portuguese design brands, such as furniture from Luz Editions and Arcalo, and lighting with Azulejo patterns, full of vitality and local spirit.
Location and transportation conditions
Located on the top of Bairro Alto hill, opposite the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. It takes about 7 minutes to walk to the Chiado business district and about 10 minutes to walk to the Baixa business district. The Glória cable car station is right at the door of the hotel, and transportation is extremely convenient.
Cost
The price of a junior suite starts at about 280 euros, and the top-floor duplex with a view can reach more than 500 euros. The package includes a kitchen, washing machine, breakfast and spa services.
Nearby attractions
Sao Pedro Observation Deck (1 minute walk)
Church of São Roque (5 minutes walk)
Chiado Literary District (7 minutes walk)
Tram Line 28 departure point (4 minutes walk)
Booking platform
Booking can be made through Expedia, Booking.com, HotelsCombined and other platforms. Hotel’s own platform occasionally releases packages with dinner or spa.
Suitable for people
Suitable for long-term travelers, families with children, and business and leisure people. Complete facilities and modern design, suitable for multi-day explorers.
5. Palácio Belmonte: Live in the legend of the Renaissance
Hotel history and overview
Palácio Belmonte is an aristocratic palace built in 1449 AD. It is known as one of the oldest residences in Lisbon. It was once the residence of the poet Gil Vicente and many aristocratic families. It has now been converted into nine ultra-luxury suites, with a large number of 16th-century stone walls, domes, hand-painted tiles and handmade furniture preserved inside. It is a true “living history museum”.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located on the east side of the Castle of São Jorge, hidden at the top of the Alfama Hill. Because the building is protected and cannot be altered on a large scale, there is no elevator or tram to reach it, and you need to walk up the mountain. A special car pick-up service is provided, which must be booked in advance.
Cost
The cost per night ranges from about 600 to 1,200 euros, depending on the suite, including customized breakfast and private butler service.
Nearby attractions
São Jorge Castle (2 minutes walk)
Cathedral of Our Lady (10 minutes walk)
National Tile Museum (8 minutes drive)
Tejo River (15 minutes walk)
Booking platform
This type of high-end hotel is recommended to be booked through Mr & Mrs Smith and Relais & Châteaux. Some room types also appear on Luxury Escapes and Tablet Hotels.
Suitable for people
It is very suitable for literary and artistic people, architectural scholars, high-end customized tourists and filming teams. If you want to experience palace-style life, this is the most authentic and private choice.
In Lisbon, the hills are not only the geographical landmark of the city, but also the best angle to gaze at the past and present of the city. From castle ruins to viewing platforms, from noble mansions to modern designs, each of these five viewing hotels on the hills is not just accommodation, but a continuation of a journey.
Travelers can choose their favorite places through platforms such as Booking, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith or SLH according to their own budget, transportation preferences and travel style. At dusk on the rooftops of the city, seeing the bed of the castle will become the most beautiful page of the journey.
