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The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
Best luxury hotels in Lisbon 2025 for a chic city break, from butler service to Michelin-starred meals
Lisbon is quickly becoming the go-to city for a luxurious European getaway, and it's easy to see why. While it's no longer the budget destination it once was, the Portuguese capital still offers a stylish city break at prices more accessible than other capitals like Paris or London. With centuries of history leaving behind a legacy of palaces, palacetes, and noble mansions, many of which have been restored into luxe lodgings, the city combines old-world charm with modern luxury. Whether you're seeking a food-forward hotel with Michelin-star dining, a whimsical boutique stay, or a wine-themed journey through Lisbon 's rich history, the city caters well to those with a taste for the finer things in life. Throw in family-friendly options for urban adventurers and decadent spas for pure relaxation, and you've got the perfect destination for a blow-the-budget trip. Best luxury hotels in Lisbon 2025 At a glance Lisbon's luxury scene offers plenty of scope for lording it up, such as complimentary wine tasting at Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel Lucy Bryson, destination expert Best luxury hotels in Lisbon 2025 1. Torel Palace Lisbon hotel Lisbon's luxury scene offers plenty of scope for lording it up in historic buildings, but Torel Palace delivers what few others can – some of the city's most spectacular views without the crowds or leg-burning climb. This five-star retreat, spread across four historic buildings including two early 1900s palaces, sits right beside the 19th-century Ascensor da Lavra, the city's oldest funicular, which whisks guests to and from Avenida da Liberdade. Enjoy the view from the two outdoor pools, the terrace at Black Pavillion restaurant, or by braving the winding staircase to the top of the gleaming Torel Tower – once Lisbon's highest point. By night, take a seat by the open kitchen to watch skilled chefs work their magic at the intimate Michelin-starred 2Monkeys chef's table restaurant, or relax at the hammam-equipped spa. Oh, and keep an eye out for the regal presence of hotel cat Dona Chica as you explore her domain. 2. Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel A stay at this artfully restored 1747 palace combines three of Lisbon's most alluring features – rich history, lively nightlife, and excellent wine. Front rooms face São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the River Tagus and São Jorge Castle, while back rooms overlook vibrant Bairro Alto (thankfully with superior soundproofing). Every guest enjoys a complimentary wine tasting, setting the tone for a vinho-focused stay. The building's remarkable survival following the 1755 earthquake reveals itself in preserved 18th-century tiles and frescoes, while Federico restaurant serves sophisticated Portuguese-French fusion cuisine. Wine enthusiasts can continue their grape-based indulgence with treatments at the adjacent Caudalie spa. 3. Bairro Alto Hotel Sophisticated but far from stuffy, the Leading Hotels of the World-affiliated Bairro Alto Hotel occupies an 18th-century building that once housed the Grand Hôtel de L'Europe. A 2019 renovation, led by Pritzker Prize-winner Eduardo Souto de Moura, restored its historic façade and expanded the hotel across an entire block. Its 87 rooms, including 22 suites, are both deeply comfortable and supremely stylish, but while most have sweeping city views, it's hard to compete with those from the rooftop bar. After a sundowner (try the Mouraria cocktail) BAHR restaurant delivers Michelin-recommended Portuguese cuisine, and the wellness centre offers deeply pampering treatments to soothe limbs tired by climbing Lisbon's seven hills. 4. Casa do Barão hotel Don't be fooled by the reasonable rates or discreet residential street location – the sturdy front door of Casa do Barão conceals luxuries rarely found in central Lisbon. This artfully restored hideaway greets guests with the aroma of freshly baked cakes and the scent of lavender and jasmine drifting from its secluded garden, complete with an inviting dipping pool. The property doubles as a miniature gallery, showcasing treasures from the owners' Brazilian adventures alongside works by notable Portuguese artists such as Vhils. Many light-filled rooms feature covered balconies or vast private terraces perfect for surveying surrounding rooftops and neighbouring gardens. Enjoy breakfast on the sunny terrace, sip port in the well-stocked library, or step out to explore sophisticated Chiado or bustling Bairro Alto – both just moments away. 5. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon If money is no object, consider a stay at Lisbon's most unabashedly glamorous hotel. Surrounded by designer boutiques on the well-heeled Avenida da Liberdade, this glittering establishment houses one of Portugal's largest private collections of mid-century Portuguese art, including Almada Negreiros' stunning Centaur tapestries. The hotel is a treat for foodies, with Michelin-starred Cura offering fine dining tasting menus, while neighbouring Kabuki has also earned a star for Japanese dishes showcasing the freshest Portuguese seafood. You can burn off a night's gastronomic adventures with laps in the 18-meter pool, jog around the rooftop running track with panoramic city views, and hush any thoughts about your spiralling credit card bill with soothing sessions at the zen-like spa. 6. Hotel das Amoreiras Tucked away on a leafy residential square shaded by mulberry trees and Lisbon's 16th-century Aqueduct, this cosy , chic spot opened in 2022 following the meticulous restoration of two 18th-century townhouses. The striking bottle-green tiled facade and Small Luxury Hotels of the World plaque hint at the stylish interiors within. This boutique bolthole features memorable touches like enormous walk-in showers and an in-room tea service. Far enough from crowds to feel like an escape, yet close enough to bars, restaurants and attractions to explore without endless cab rides. The à la carte breakfasts are a leisurely affair, and the neighbourhood square allows frazzled parents to enjoy a drink from the traditional kiosk while children play in the park. Child-free guests might prefer a margarita in the hotel's slick mirrored bar or exploring nearby Bairro Alto and Principe Real. 7. The Ivens hotel Nobody could accuse this 2022 addition to Lisbon's luxury hotel scene of taking itself too seriously. In affluent Chiado, The Ivens – named after Portuguese explorer Roberto Ivens – embraces a spirit of adventure with a jungle-themed lobby, macaw motifs, and safari-style staff uniforms that tend to be a big hit with junior urban explorers. It's part of Marriott's Autograph Collection of independent hotels, and it's clear that the more staid parent company has let the Ivens' design team have full control over the hotel's interiors. The 86 rooms blend plush comfort with tropical fever dream décor, while Rocco, its hip Italian dining space, spans a crudo bar, an acclaimed Italian restaurant, and a flamboyant gastrobar with a dedicated negroni menu. 8. The Vintage Hotel & Spa A fragrant subterranean spa, a hidden rooftop bar, and a secluded location overlooking Lisbon's botanical gardens make this luxury boutique hotel feel like a true find. As the name suggests, the décor is pure retro-chic – think jewel-toned velvets, vintage radios, and statement mid-century furnishings. Rooms lean into the theme, with wooden hostess trolleys stocked for the perfect G&T, though the bartenders at the breezy V Rooftop Bar may outshine your efforts. It all feels like stepping into another era, but contemporary bars, restaurants, and the designer boutiques of Avenida da Liberdade – Lisbon's answer to the Champs-Élysées – are just a short stroll away. Address: R. Rodrigo da Fonseca 2, 1250-191 Lisboa 9. Palácio do Governador hotel Once home to the Governor of Belém Tower, this 16th-century palace offers luxurious accommodation just steps from the Tower itself and the grand Jerónimos Monastery. Roman ruins discovered during renovation have been thoughtfully incorporated into the hotel's design. Sip a poolside cocktail beneath enormous palms or dive into one of Lisbon's most impressive underground spas – a 1,200-square-metre playground of heated pools, dual cascading waterfalls and icy fountains. Foodies can enjoy excellent Portuguese-Asian dining without the crowds of downtown at on-site restaurant Po Tat, and it's just a short walk to join the queue at Pastéis de Belém, where locals have been getting their custard tart fix since 1837. 10. Hotel Pestana Palace When Lisbon house prices surged dramatically in 2017, locals liked to (half) joke that it was all the fault of Madonna, who spent six months at this beyond-grand restored palace while house hunting that same year. This 19th-century National Monument set between Belém and central Lisbon offers four Royal Suites, where Madonna and her entourage stayed, complete with butler service. The remaining 177 rooms, 13 suites and regally furnished shared spaces aren't too shabby either, and guests can dine at the suitably lavish on-site Valle Flôr restaurant before whiling away days – or months – in the manicured gardens, complete with outdoor pool (the heated indoor pool is an enticing rainy day alternative). Address: R. Jau 54, 1300-314 Lisboa Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Portugal's Montenegro Is Formally Named Premier for Second Term
Portugal's center-right leader Luis Montenegro was formally named prime minister for a second term after his ruling coalition won a snap election earlier this month. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced the appointment in a statement on the presidency's website on Thursday evening. The president met different parties earlier, and said parliament will allow the new minority administration to start governing.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
UK weather: Brits to bask in glorious sunshine this weekend with ‘Iberia heat' sending temps to 26C – but only for some
SOME Brits could be set to enjoy temperatures as high as 26C this weekend as "Iberian heat" rolls in alongside glorious sunshine. The Met Office has forecast that the jet stream, which is coming up from the Atlantic Ocean, will allow warm air to be drawn up from the Iberian Peninsula, carrying it to the UK. 6 6 6 This could lead to above-average temperatures across parts of Britain, while some other areas could be in for showers and cloudy conditions this weekend. Met Office Meteorologist Alex Deakin explained that the "reasonably active" jet stream "may well tap into some real warmth from Iberia as we head into Friday and Saturday." He added: "Temperatures across the south - where it warms up on Friday - could get to 24C, 25C, maybe even 26C." The Iberian Peninsula, which includes Spain and Portugal, typically enjoys far warmer weather than the UK - and so winds carried over from this region are expected to help heat up southern and eastern England. Alex added that as we head into Saturday, parts of central England could also experience higher temperatures, pushing towards the 26C mark. He said: "By the time we get to Saturday, that warmth extends further north across more parts of central and eastern England - so we'll see temperatures more widely over 20c and into the mid-20s in parts of eastern England." However, this warmth won't be for everyone, due to winds coming in from the west and south west. Alex explained these winds would mean that western areas in the UK wouldn't feel "as warm". However, he added: "It'll still feel quite warm and humid everywhere as we head towards the end of this week. "But temperatures [will have] quite a contrast - it is going to warm up but only for some." 6 6 6 While temperatures are likely to be above-average across East Anglia and the south east, conditions are expected to be average for this time of year in the west of the UK, Alex said. In terms of sunshine, much of the south and east are expected to bask in glorious bright conditions, while western and northern areas are hit with clouds and scattered showers. Alex added: "If we see some sunshine on Saturday, it will really feel quite warm in these eastern areas." He explained western areas will likely not feel the sunshine this weekend, as an area of low pressure from the west brings "more cloud and more rain". By Sunday, there are expected to be scattered showers across parts of the north of England and Scotland, while southern areas should remain largely dry. This comes just days after Brits were soaked in a washout Bank Holiday Monday, with temperatures having dropped to as low as -5C in some regions. Thunderstorms hit across the UK, with one area - in and around the River Mimram in Hertfordshire - being issued with a flood alert. It followed the driest start to the spring in nearly six decades. Met Office five-day forecast Today: Wind and rain will move steadily east, with heavy, persistent rain over northwestern hills in the morning. Rain becomes patchy, with sunny spells developing across central and eastern areas. Cloudy elsewhere with drizzle. Winds easing, feeling locally warm. Tonight: Low cloud and drizzle will persist across many western hills overnight, before more persistent rain returns to the north and west, along with strengthening winds later. Clear spells elsewhere. Friday: Rain clearing eastwards across northern areas, Cloudy across central areas, with sunny spells and showers across the south. Temperatures near normal overall, but feeling warm in the southeast. Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Further showery rain this weekend, mainly in the north. Some very warm sunshine at first further south. Feeling warm, especially on Saturday, cooler from Sunday, and often breezy.
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Portugal's Far-Right Chega Shatters 50-Year Two Party Dominance
During Portugal's recent election campaign, far-right Chega leader Andre Ventura argued that the two centrist parties that have ruled the nation for half a century have failed to increase living standards, control immigration and end systemic corruption. Ventura didn't win the May 18 election but he can no longer be ignored either. His party surged to second place, upending the decades-long dominance of the two groups that have governed Portugal since the end of its dictatorship.
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Spain denies power grid 'experiment' caused giant blackout
MADRID: Spain's government on Wednesday (May 28) denied a press report that an "experiment" on the national power grid caused a huge blackout that crippled the Iberian Peninsula one month ago. Authorities have been scrambling to find answers after the Apr 28 outage cut telecommunications, halted transport and plunged cities into darkness across Spain and Portugal. Conservative British daily newspaper The Telegraph reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources in Brussels, that Spanish authorities "were conducting an experiment before the system crashed, probing how far they could push reliance on renewables in preparation for Spain's rushed phase-out of nuclear reactors from 2027". "The government seems to have pushed the pace recklessly, before making the necessary investments in a sophisticated 21st-century smart grid capable of handling it," it added. Asked about the report in parliament, Ecological Transition Minister Sara Aagesen said: "It is false, totally false, that the government carried out any sort of experiment on the grid prior to the outage." "It is irresponsible to assign blame while the cause of the blackout remains under investigation. And it is equally irresponsible to claim that the government was conducting experiments," she added. The head of Spain's electricity operator REE, Beatriz Corredor, also called the report "completely false" in an interview with Spanish daily newspaper La Vanguardia published on Wednesday. "There was no excess of renewable energy" on Apr 28, nor short circuits, overloads or cyberattacks on the grid, she said, dismissing several widely circulated theories. Instead she said it appears that producers of "conventional" energy such as gas, nuclear and hydro plants "failed to properly regulate voltage" on the day of the outage.
