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Forbes
5 days ago
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Lisbon 2025
L isbon regularly draws in millions of tourists from across the world thanks to its excellent food scene, temperate climate and signature Pombaline-style buildings. The best hotels in Lisbon go the extra mile to spotlight local offerings with superb gastronomy, thoughtful amenities and impeccable service. Plus, they primarily reside in historic properties that preserve a distinct, old-world charm. To curate this list of Lisbon's finest hotels, I drew from my own personal experiences and consulted Claire O'Brien, senior Portugal specialist at Audley Travel. Bairro Alto Hotel is my top recommendation thanks to its excellent location and sophisticated atmosphere, while the Four Seasons Ritz reigns as the city's top luxury stay. The fairytale-esque Olissippo Lapa Palace is ideal for couples looking to be transported away, and the Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel is notable for its unique wine-tasting experiences in a former 18th-century palace. Ahead, the best hotels in Lisbon in 2025. The buzzy fifth-floor eatery is popular among guests for catching up with a glass of wine and light bites while enjoying the beautiful river views. Bairro Alto Hotel Who Will Love It: Tourists seeking superb amenities in the heart of the city center All-Star Amenities: 24-hour room service; spa; pillow menu; fitness center; bakery; Le Labo toiletries; valet parking; balconies What Not To Miss: Having a glass of wine during sundown on the rooftop, with views over the Tagus River Location: Bairro Alto Nestled in the heart of the city—right between the cosmopolitan hubs of Chiado and Bairro Alto—lies Bairro Alto Hotel, a five-star boutique haven. The interiors here are a testament to the city's bohemian elegance, blending vibrant textures, artwork and colors to create a unique, luxurious atmosphere inspired by traditional Portuguese arts. Suites are as thoughtfully designed as they are quiet, with some featuring tucked-away living and work areas; others impress with sweeping vistas of the city's clustered rooftops. Sprawling views of the Tagus River can also be seen from the fifth-floor Bahr And Terrace, an eatery serving light drinks and bites until midnight, as well as on the rooftop, which is a favorite spot of O'Brien's. 'The views there are breathtaking—especially at breakfast or during cocktail hour,' she says. In the sleek lobby, a sophisticated palette of golden yellows highlights a museum-worthy collection of Portuguese mid-century tapestries and paintings. Four Seasons Ritz Who Will Love It: Travelers with more upscale taste; mid-century design lovers; celebs flying under the radar All-Star Amenities: Indoor heated lap pool; spa; six restaurants, bars and lounges; afternoon tea; expansive artwork collection What Not To Miss: Working out along the outdoor, rooftop running track Location: Avenidas Novas From the lobby to the halls, walls at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz are adorned with a sophisticated collection of mid-20th-century Portuguese paintings, tapestries and sculptures. The hotel's artful touches extend to the bright, Art Deco-meets-Louis XVI decor found in suites, many of which offer prime views of the Parque Eduardo VII. While the luxury property is known for its warm, attentive service (ask the concierge team about the curated beach yoga and tile-painting experiences), its culinary offerings are also not to be missed. At CURA, the hotel's Michelin-starred fine-dining establishment, renowned chef Rodolfo Lavrador indulges guests with artisanal dishes embodying Lisbon's regional flavors. Lighter fare, meanwhile, can be had at the Almada Negreiros Lounge, where you can sip on afternoon tea while appreciating the namesake artist's tapestries on the walls. The hotel's regal interiors are flush with pops of color and original features like crown moldings, patterned ceilings and azulejo tiles. Palacio das Especiarias Who Will Love It: History buffs who can appreciate a period-immersive, regal escape All-Star Amenities: Underground spa; breakfast; private balconies; a courtyard; daily wine tastings What Not To Miss: Local tours aboard the hotel's vintage 1931 Ford A, the Alfacinha Location: Baixa-Chiado A true historic stay, this boutique getaway is housed in a former 16th-century mansion, transporting guests back to the Age of Discovery, when Lisbon was a global trading hub. As such, an atmosphere of opulence pervades throughout, from grand staircases and ornate ceilings to the 41 regally designed suites bursting with rich patterns, velvet drapes and lush, intricate details. The hotel lies just steps away from the Praça Luís de Camões, with rates starting at a reasonable $166 per night. While the Palacio das Especiarias lacks an on-site restaurant, you can still indulge in Portuguese cuisine during their Fado night dinners, in which professional musicians play wistful melodies while you dine on a multi-course tasting of local dining favorites. Best Boutique Hotel In Lisbon: Corpo Santo Hotel This award-winning boutique property sits in the historic Cais do Sodré neighborhood, and almost every aspect of a stay here feels considerately curated. Corpo Santo Hotel Corpo Santo Hotel Who Will Love It: First-time visitors who'd relish in top-notch service in one of Lisbon's most eclectic neighborhoods All-Star Amenities: Spa; pillow menu; concierge; reading room; complimentary walking tours; restaurant and bar; Nespresso coffee machines; bathrooms with chromotherapy; valet parking What Not To Miss: Embarking on a complimentary 2-and-a-half hour walking tour throughout the city Location: Cais do Sodré The charming Corpo Santo Hotel sits in the historic Cais do Sodré neighborhood, and is a favorite of O'Brien's. 'It's my go-to for its genuinely warm service, central location and thoughtful details—like a pillow menu and complimentary walking tours,' she says. Indeed, almost every aspect of a stay here feels considerately curated, from the 75 individually decorated guest rooms (all neutral, minimalistic yet cozy in design) to the exclusive culinary and wine-tasting workshops held on a rotating basis. Another personalized perk is the Brunch Affair breakfasts at the 146 Bar: In the mornings, you can choose between three customized menus for either an Italian, Manhattan or Casablanca-inspired meal. All of these elements and more are why this hotel remains prominent in Lisbon's competitive boutique hotel scene. 'There's even preserved medieval ruins beneath the building, which adds a fascinating sense of history,' shares O'Brien. Best Hotel In Lisbon For Couples: Olissippo Lapa Palace The property's seasonal outdoor pool and bar are a popular hangout spot during the warmer months. Olissippo Lapa Palace Olissippo Lapa Palace Who Will Love It: Couples looking for a fairytale-esque hideaway All-Star Amenities: Full-service spa; indoor and outdoor pools; gym; soundproofed rooms; Tesla car charger; three restaurants and bars; wedding coordinators What Not To Miss: Fresh treats prepared by the on-site pastry chef at the Lapa Restaurant Location: Lapa This 19th-century, five-star estate overlooking the Tagus River stands out for its regal yet cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for couples who want to stay in a storybook-esque property. Suites in the royal wing, for instance, are outfitted with neo-classical furniture from Paços de Ferreira, with lavish decor and marble bathrooms that harken back to the days when noblemen would traverse the halls. Thoughtful amenities are also available to elevate an intimate stay: Pairs can savor tapas, caviar and more in bed via the hotel's 24-hour room service, and when done, venture to the spa to enjoy a soak in the Turkish bath together. During the summer, the palace's subtropical gardens and outdoor pool are popular areas for cocktails and mingling, with roaming servers always at the ready to cater to your every whim. Best Hotel In Lisbon For Families: Martinhal Lisbon Oriente Parents can leave their children in the kids' club and explore the area's many bars and restaurants. ANTONIO AZEVEDO Martinhal Lisbon Oriente Who Will Love It: Families and larger tribes who've yet to explore the best of what Lisbon has to offer All-Star Amenities: Apartment and penthouse-style accommodations; fully equipped kitchens; cribs; indoor and outdoor pools; gym; spa; kids' club and play area; workspaces; baby concierge What Not To Miss: Rejuvenating treatments for teens and tweens at the fifteenth-floor spa Location: Park of Nations At the conveniently located Martinhal Lisbon Oriente (right in the middle of the Park of Nations, and a mere eight-minute walk from the Lisbon aquarium—one of the largest in Europe), families are allowed ample room to spread out. Accommodations here are modern, pristine and spacious. The largest apartment-style suite accommodates up to six guests and features a kitchen, a rain shower and a wide range of high-end SMEG appliances. Children can make a splash in the indoor and outdoor pools, while extra fun awaits at the hotel's decked-out Playspace. Craving a bit of alone time? Reserve the Family Paradise Dine And Play At Terrace package for two hours of private fine dining at The Terrace, the hotel's Mediterranean-Asian fusion eatery, whilst kids play to their hearts' content at the kids' club. Best Hotel In Lisbon For Design Lovers: The Lumiares Hotel & Spa In this stunning 18th-century building, guests are surrounded exclusively by furniture, textiles, bed linens and artwork produced in Portugal. The Lumiares Hotel & Spa The Lumiares Hotel & Spa Who Will Love It: Artists, designers and aspiring curators of Portugal's local creative scene All-Star Amenities: Spa with a steam room and sauna; gym; rooftop bar; coffee shop; locally made artwork and furniture; Claus Porto bathroom amenities; apartment-style accommodations What Not To Miss: Taking in panoramic views of the city skyline while sipping a cocktail at the Lumi Rooftop Bar And Restaurant Location: Bairro Alto The contemporary yet distinctly cultural design of the Lumiares Hotel & Spa represents a unique hallmark in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Outside, the hotel resides in a majestic, 18th-century building that stands out on the streets with its golden hue; inside, the stylish, black-and-white checkered lobby immediately imbues guests with a sense of chic modernity. The contrast isn't a coincidence: A selection of Portugal's leading artists, craftspeople and brands came together to ensure the hotel's design blends Lisbon's historic and current sensibilities. Signature interior delights include the brass chandelier above the grand staircase, the high-ceilinged suites filled with natural light and the vibrant splashes of color found in locally crafted textiles, bed linens and artwork throughout the property. Best Hotel In Lisbon For Food And Wine Lovers: Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel At Federico, a bar has been built into an ancient wine cellar, where guests can enjoy a five-course dinner accompanied by exclusive wine pairings. Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel Who Will Love It: Food and drink enthusiasts; amateur sommeliers All-Star Amenities: Free-standing soaking tubs; airport transfers; spa; pillow menu; complimentary welcome drinks; Caudalie bathroom amenities; gym; restaurant; a bar constructed within a wine cellar What Not To Miss: The five-course wine pairing dinner at Federico Location: Bairro Alto Portugal is celebrated for its excellent wine, and the Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel offers a chance to sample its finest. 'It's housed in a restored palace in the heart of Bairro Alto, and offers a refined, elegant atmosphere with curated wine experiences,' says O'Brien. Facing the gorgeous São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, this palace was once the private residence of King João V's architect, João Federico Ludovice, circa the 18th century. Since then, architect Miguel Câncio Martins has transformed the 61 rooms and halls into a contemporary 5-star boutique getaway while still preserving some historical elements. The hotel's storied history is impressive in its own right, but it's especially renowned for its unique culinary experiences: At the Portuguese-French fusion restaurant Federico, a bar has been built into an ancient wine cellar, where guests can enjoy a five-course dinner accompanied by exclusive wine pairings. Best Hotel In Lisbon For Spa And Wellness: Epic Sana Lisboa Head to the rooftop swimming pool and spend a lazy afternoon enjoying refreshing dips and beautiful views over the neighborhood. EPIC Sana Lisboa Epic Sana Lisboa Who Will Love It: City-dwellers who love being pampered from head to toe All-Star Amenities: Soundproofed rooms; walk-in showers; Nespresso coffee machines; 24-hour gym access; full-service spa; rooftop pool; outdoor terrace What Not To Miss: Live music and barbecue at the Scale Bar every Saturday Location: Amoreiras Upon entering Epic Sana Lisboa's award-winning Sayanna Wellness And Spa, travelers are instantly transported away from the clamor of the historic Amoreiras neighborhood to a serene, luxurious hideaway. Earthy tones, warm wood panels and glimmering tiles abound in this 18,000-square-foot wellness facility—one of the most expansive spas in the city. In the seven private treatment rooms, trained therapists offer a selection of holistic treatments, including deep tissue massages and aromatherapy facials, utilizing hydrating and nourishing ingredients. After your treatment has concluded, engulf yourself in soothing steam at the sauna and Turkish bath, before taking a cold plunge in the ice fountain. Additional wellness activities can also be had at the rooftop swimming pool, where guests can swim endless laps against the backdrop of the bustling, cobblestoned cityscape below. Hotel With The Best Views In Lisbon: Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade The renovated Sky Bar at the hotel's rooftop boasts unobstructed views of the entire city, remaining one of Lisbon's best—and chicest. Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade Who Will Love It: Luxury lovers in need of a prime location, high-end amenities and a stunning view All-Star Amenities: Spa; concierge; an outdoor pool with a pool bar; rooftop; children's welcome amenity; valet parking; gym What Not To Miss: Unique treatments combining East-Asian therapies and indigenous Portuguese rituals at the Anantara Spa Location: Avenida da Liberdade Since 1933, the Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade has remained a Lisbon staple due to its renowned, top-notch hospitality; the late Portuguese actress Beatriz Costa even made the hotel her home for over thirty years. Renovations have brought the almost century-old building into the modern era, with an expansive lobby adorned in warm accents and velvet, featuring rich navy textures. The 264 spotless rooms also feature walk-in showers, classical furnishings, and—most notably—balconies with sweeping city vistas. The views from the suites alone are enough to attract new visitors from across the globe, but it's the views from the hotel's rooftop bar that truly steal the show. At the Seen Sky Bar, the entire eatery serves as an outlook surrounded by unimpeded city scenery. During sundown, a resident DJ emerges to play pulsating beats, while guests and locals alike take it all in, savoring colorful cocktails in hand. Why Trust Forbes Vetted Here at Forbes Vetted, our travel team has researched, written and reported on countless hotels across the globe. This story was written by Forbes Vetted lifestyle editorial assistant Whitney Bruno. Bruno has written numerous hotel guides for Forbes Vetted and most recently visited in Lisbon in the summer of 2025. Astrid Taran, Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor, has overseen every iteration of this story. As a 8-year industry veteran, she's visited over 40 countries throughout her career, including multiple trips to Lisbon, where she indulged in vinho verde and pastéis de nata. Bruno gained additional insight from Claire O'Brien, senior Portugal specialist at Audley Travel. O'Brien shared her thoughts on the best Lisbon stays, along with additional recommendations for her favorite neighborhoods to visit. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Lisbon Our contenders for this list were selected based on personal stays and extensive research. For this story, Bruno considered personal testimonials from websites like TripAdvisor, and more. As every vacation is different, we chose various accommodations from upscale boutique affairs to larger, family-friendly properties. We ensured the diversity of our selections by including hotels across a wide variety of neighborhoods and price rates. What Area Of Lisbon Is The Best To Stay In? 'Barrio Alto is my favorite to stay in,' says O'Brien. 'It's trendy and beautiful, not overly touristy and offers easy access to the whole city.' Other popular neighborhoods include the hilly Alfama for its historic, cobblestoned charm and Baixa-Chiado for its bustling, central location. What Is The Number One Hotel In Lisbon? The Bairro Alto Hotel ranks as our top hotel in Lisbon, thanks to its prime location, luxurious service and unforgettable, breathtaking views. It also features a host of amenities, including 24-hour room service, a luxurious spa, a fitness center, Le Labo toiletries and valet parking. Where Do Celebrities Stay In Lisbon? The high-end glamor of the Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon makes it a frequent destination for under-the-radar celeb vacations. In 2024, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce rented out the entire third floor for a bit of privacy.
BreakingNews.ie
12-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Leaving Cert business papers 'nice' while Junior Cert German was 'approachable exam'
The higher and ordinary Leaving Certificate business papers were "nice", while the Junior Certificate German paper was an "approachable exam", according to teachers. Commenting, Studyclix subject expert and business teacher, Claire O'Brien of Colaiste Muire, Crosshaven, Cork, said: 'Overall, the Higher Level paper looked to be a nice paper; students in our school said that they were happy with the paper but found some of the short questions tough. Advertisement "There were a lot of short questions focused on units 6 and 7, including questions on Inflation, Taxation, European Union, Global Business and International Trade. This highlights that global current topics are always related to the Business course and exam. 'The Applied Business Question this year was on units 2, 3 and 4, so there was no surprise that part A asked about entrepreneurial skills and characteristics. "Part B asked about the management activity of control, asking students to evaluate, meaning they need to share their opinions with relevant business knowledge. Some students can find this difficult. "Part C was about the functions of Human Resource Management, which is a nice question, but students would have had to be careful to relate the functions to the text about Inis Bia." Advertisement O'Brien said in the long questions there was, again, a link to current affairs, with the European Union and International Trade being reflected on. "This question brought in Global Marketing, which allowed students to connect between units and highlight their global knowledge, again linking to the real world," she said. "There was a nice mix of the units throughout the long questions that helped students to have more choices on the paper. Questions from Contract Law, Employment Equality, Government's effects on businesses, Unfair Dismissal Act, Management Skills (Communication and Management), Insurance, Change, Business Expansion and Marketing. "There were a few mathematical questions, with a calculation on pay and the break-even chart. This again would have helped with students' choice as it gave a break from the theory questions.' Advertisement On the ordinary level Leaving Certificate business exam, O'Brien said it had a "nice mix" of short questions using a lot of different techniques, like ticking the box, giving definitions, labelling diagrams, and matching the terms. "Again, we see real life example coming into the ordinary level paper's long questions, with the high-ticket prices for Oasis to Apple's €13 million tax bill ruled by the European Union. "Overall, seems to have been a nice paper with a range of questions to cover all the units." Junior Certificate German exam Commenting on the Junior Certificate German exam, which was common level, Studyclix subject expert and German teacher Geraldine Dwyer said it was "pleasant" and covered a range of topics. Advertisement Lifestyle Leaving Cert Irish Paper 2 'very manageable' with... Read More Dwyer, who teaches German at St Mary's Secondary School, Macroom, Co Cork, said the paper covered a range of topics in the Reading Comprehensions, such as signs, compound nouns, celebration and food, holidays, travel, and German school tradition. "The exam included different question formats, such as match up, multiple choice and questions to be answered in English," she said. "The comprehensions to be answered in English required considerable detail and a good range of vocabulary. The written section was like the format in past papers, as it contained a fact file and blog. "The blog covered a range of topics and gave an opportunity to use knowledge on various topics, such as siblings, weekend, pet, pocket money, school, school trip, languages and Christmas Holidays in the past tense. In all, the exam had a good variety of topics and was an approachable exam.'
RNZ News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Netball: ANZ Premiership wrap
Carys Stythe (left) and Catherine Hall (right) Photo: Photosport Analysis - An out of sorts Magic were punished 69-41 thanks to a near flawless performance by the Steel in Hamilton on Monday. The Magic are a far better team than what they've shown in their two opening games of the ANZ Premiership season and they don't have much time to rectify it. The Magic scored eight super shots to the Steel's three but it was nowhere enough to limit the damage. Twenty seven turnovers cost the Magic dearly as they struggled to gain connections on attack. Silver Ferns wing attack Claire O'Brien, who is usually so assured, was benched at one point. The Magic struggled to get enough shooting volume out of goal shooter Saviour Tui but she was put under enormous pressure by Steel goal keep Carys Stythe. Aliyah Dunn for the Steel was magnificent, shooting 52 goals at 96 percent. The Steel have had to call on replacement players with Silver Fern Kate Heffernan dealing with an injury, along with defenders Abby Lawson and Dakota Thomas. Steel shooter Georgia Heffernan said it felt good to put out such a complete performance and said her twin sister Kate was glued to the TV. "She's got the biggest FOMO right now. I think that's what we're so proud of, losing Kate before the first round and then Abby this week and then not having Dakota, we've had to adjust a lot and really trust that we've done the work and we can still be really strong out there and we showed that tonight," Heffernan said. Catherine Hall and Carys Stythe are two of the most exciting young defenders in the country. The problem was, they also came from the same catchment area and started their elite careers with the Auckland-based Mystics. Last year the pair shared a lot of court time with Hall getting her first full contract. Stythe made a really smart decision to move to the Southern Steel where she was likely to get full games. Hall and Stythe, both 21, are too good to be on the bench and both are thriving as starting players for their franchises. Stythe has been sensational in her first two games for the Southern Steel, picking up back-to-back MVPs. Hall has been in terrific form for the Mystics too. It might not be long before the pair are in the Silver Ferns together. Maia Wilson Photo: PHOTOSPORT Since the birth of the Stars franchise in 2017, Maia Wilson has been the side's starting goal shooter. Now, with the 196cm tall Charlie Bell at the back, the side has an out-and-out tall target. The Australian import is the tallest-equal player in the competition and looks like a handy addition to the Stars, who upset the Tactix 57-52 in Auckland on Sunday after a challenging week. Wilson has finally been able to take on the goal attack position, which could help her Silver Ferns prospects. Not having to be responsible for the majority of the side's scoring has also taken some pressure off Wilson's shoulders. "It definitely has, I think it's nice to be able to have a strong, tall target and it shows that we have so many different options to be able to throw out there. I think tonight she was really able to muscle it out so really proud of her to be able to come out here with a 60 minute performance," Wilson said. It turns out that former Stars coach Kiri Wills, who is now in charge of the Queensland Firebirds, wanted to go down that track earlier. When the 201cm shooter Mary Cholhok signed with the Queensland Firebirds for 2025, it was revealed that the Ugandan previously turned down two offers from Wills to play for the Stars. Donnell Wallam Photo: Bradley Kanaris The Mystics did about as well as they possibly could when they had to fill the gaping hole left by Silver Fern Grace Nweke. The defending champions had to act fast when Nweke announced she would be playing across the Tasman in 2025 and pulled off a real coup when they signed Australian Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam. Wallam had another commanding performance when the Mystics beat the Pulse 59-48 on Saturday. But it should not come as a surprise given Wallam was second in Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) for total goals in 2023 and 2024, just behind the most prolific shooter in the world - Jamaican Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. It came as a shock to fans in Australia when the Queensland Firebirds let go of the 31-year-old after three seasons, instead signing Mary Cholhok. Wallam is a late bloomer to netball and didn't make her Test debut until 2022. It's a little surprising that she has only played five tests for Australia since then. After two rounds of ANZ Premiership, Wallam is the top goal scorer. Nweke is also the top goal scorer after six rounds of SSN. But while Wallam is still able to represent Australia, Nweke is not eligible to play for the Ferns this year. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
