Faith-Ashley Travel Blog

Lisbon just… gets it. No trying too hard, no fake vibes. The azulejo buildings glow in the sun, the trams wobble up those disrespectfully steep hills, and somehow every café is out here serving pastel de nata like it’s their Olympic sport.

It’s the kind of place where you can wander Alfama’s tiny maze-y streets in the morning, get lost on purpose, then end your day posted up at a miradouro with a glass of wine watching the Tagus do its thing.

Lisbon isn’t performing for anybody. It’s Portuguese, it’s stylish without the ego, and it’s the most “take me as I am” city you’ll ever meet.

Here are my go-to Lisbon hotels under $500 a night (though prices definitely jump during busy weeks). Whether you want a cute boutique moment in Baixa, a retro-cool spa vibe, or a coastal escape in Cascais, these stays hit the sweet spot: great design, smart amenities, and locations that won’t have you trekking across the whole city.

AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado

If you want that classic Lisbon charm without the crowds breathing down your neck, AlmaLusa is it. It overlooks one of the prettiest squares in the city, and the building itself dates back to the 18th century—which you really feel in the stone floors, the Juliet balconies, and the Portuguese textiles everywhere.

Rooms come with all the little things that make travel nicer: comfy Colmol mattresses, Benamôr bath products, Nespresso machines, and even microwaves. Suites add kitchenettes if you’re an “I want leftovers at midnight” person.

Delfina, the downstairs restaurant, pulls in locals for comfort food—get the bacalhau and the game croquettes. You’re close to Rossio Station and the river, but still tucked away from the chaos.

Fora Perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, extended check-out, and an upgrade whenever possible.

Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade

If “quiet luxury” is your ministry, this one nails it. Sofitel brings that soft French elegance onto Lisbon’s most stylish avenue. Think Hermès toiletries, cozy rooms, dark woods, and local art woven in.

AdLib is a local fave for its French-Portuguese menu, and the bar is perfect for a nightcap under the moody lighting. Some rooms have stunning views over Liberdade, and the Opera Suite features a terrace that extends all the way to the Tagus.

There’s no spa or pool, but the location and shopping make up for it—and you can book in-room treatments if you want to stay in robe mode.

Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible.

Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG

An 800-year-old convent turned modern boutique hotel? Lisbon loves a glow-up. The design mixes original stonework and blue tiles with sleek rooms, pink marble bathrooms, and Juliet balconies.

The courtyard, once a haven for nuns seeking silence, now hosts an afternoon tea inspired by Portugal’s spice-trading days. Capitulo serves modern Portuguese dishes under vaulted ceilings, and there’s a rooftop plunge pool, sauna, and a gym with views over the tiled rooftops

Fora’s IHG Destined partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible.

The Vintage Hotel & Spa

If retro glam and strong design are your thing, The Vintage has your name on it. It’s close to Bairro Alto and Chiado but far enough for some peace. Rooms lean bold—velvet, color, mid-century touches—and the DIY cocktail trolleys are a whole moment.

The rooftop bar has postcard views of São Jorge Castle, and the underground spa is warm, moody, and super relaxing with a hammam, sauna, and candlelit pool. Lots of Portuguese art and ceramics are sprinkled throughout.

Fora Perks include $50-100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible.

Martinhal Lisbon Chiado

This one is for the parents. It’s right in the middle of everything—Chiado, Bairro Alto, all the good stuff—but fully designed for families. Think bunk beds, Tintin prints, step stools, welcome packs with chocolate milk, and apartment-style suites with full kitchens and laundry.

The kids’ club and Pyjama Club are clutch (open until 10 pm), and Bar 1855 keeps things casual with breakfast and snacks. If you want more space or a pool, Martinhal Oriente has bigger rooms and both indoor and outdoor kids’ clubs.

Fora Perks include €20 hotel credit, a complimentary bottle of wine, a welcome amenity, and an upgrade whenever possible.

Farol Hotel

If your ideal Lisbon trip includes ocean views and salty hair, Farol is the move. It used to be an aristocrat’s summer home, and now it’s this bold, dramatic, ocean-front escape. Most rooms face the water, the saltwater pool hangs over the rocks, and the interiors lean moody-cool with a fashion-designer touch.

The Mix restaurant does elevated, seasonal dishes (get the octopus), and the sushi bar is surprisingly good. On the Rocks bar is perfect for a sunset cocktail before wandering into Cascais.

It’s a quick 30-minute ride from Lisbon, but the vibe is totally different—in the best way.

Fora’s Preferred Hotels & Resorts Platinum partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible.

If you’re like “okay but which one should I pick?” — that’s literally what I’m here for. Book with me and I’ll match you with the right vibe and snag the perks.

Book Free Discovery Call

If none of these feel exactly right yet, don’t stress — Lisbon has layers, and I know the ones worth peeling back. Whether you want quiet-and-local, bold-and-bougie, something beachfront, or a hidden little boutique in a neighborhood you’ve never heard of, I can match you with the right spot and make sure you get the perks.

If you want upgrades, breakfast, late checkout, and a rate that makes you go “wait… how?” — book with me.

Looking for something different? Tell me the vibe and I’ll pull options tailored to you.