Amidst the charming Praça de Município in Lisbon stands the AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, a precious boutique hotel housed within an 18th-century edifice. Under the management of Miguel Simões de Almeida, this ancestral lodging place exudes an unpretentious yet distinctive Portuguese elegance set in a tranquil atmosphere.
Boasting a prime location merely a few steps away from the scenic waterfront, vibrant nightlife districts, and popular tourist destinations like Chiado and the Baixa, this hotel undeniably offers one of the most desirable addresses in the city. Unlike ostentatious and extravagant lodgings, the hotel exudes an understated elegance that merges historic charm with modern-day luxuries. Additionally, the hotel provides exceptional value for money, making it a perfect option for budget-conscious travelers who seek high-quality accommodation.
Hotel Reception and Welcome
The entrance to this hotel is unobtrusive and easy to overlook unless you know its location. Once inside the hotel, visitors are welcomed with warmth and hospitality at the reception desk in the cool lobby, which is adorned with original flagstones, arched roofs, and wooden roof beams that have been carefully restored. You will definitely notice the gallery ambiance, with artsy curios and vintage furnishings that add to its charm.
At the reception desk, guests can purchase beautifully packaged toiletries made in Portugal that make for excellent last-minute gifts.
Stylish Guest Rooms
AlmaLusa offers 28 exquisitely unique rooms, each bringing a distinct experience with significant variations in size and shape. Among them, the 12 luxurious suites stand out with their spacious living areas and compact kitchenettes. Every room is thoughtfully adorned with carefully selected furniture and decor, maintaining their historical charm while providing modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, Delta coffee machines, and REVO super signal radios. The plush beds guarantee a peaceful slumber, and guests can even request their preferred pillow from the menu. The decor of each room is designed to immerse guests in the grandeur of Lisbon’s past, with a nod to its captivating heritage.
Furthermore, the hotel prides itself on showcasing its passion for Portugal by offering guests Portuguese-made amenities, from the bottled water in the minibar to the toilet paper and toiletries. With exceptional soundproofing, guests can relish a tranquil night’s sleep without any disturbance despite the hotel’s central location.
My unobstructed room granted me a clear and uninterrupted view of the square.
Dining and Drinking
Adjoining the lobby, the Delfina restaurant has a cool interior and a sunny terrace on the flagstones of this picturesque square. The hotel’s famously Portuguese breakfasts are served here, and it also offers standalone lunch and dinner menus.
Delfina’s bar is impressively well-stocked with an array of Portuguese wines and cocktails available by the glass or bottle. The interior of the bar provides a perfect spot to enjoy a warming drink during the chilly winter months. Alternatively, you can opt to unwind with a refreshing drink on the terrace, making it an ideal way to start or end your evening in Lisbon during the long, scorching summer nights.
Getting Around
Just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry, rail, bus and metro hub at Cais do Sodre, AlmaLusa has excellent public transport links. Tourist trams, regular street cars, and tuk tuks depart from nearby Praça do Comércio, but the hotel is also perfectly placed for exploring Lisbon on foot. Tourist attractions abound in every direction, and the extremely clued-up staff will happily make suggestions for interesting sights and excursions nearby. A couple of minutes’ walk takes you to the waterfront, the bars and shopping of Chiado are close at hand, and it’s a manageable 20-minute walk to Alfama or the Bairro Alto.
Tourist attractions within 20 minutes of AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado hotel
| Tourist Attraction | What to Do | Distance from Hotel | Cost |
| Praça do Comércio | Visit the Square and Riverfront | 5-minute walk | Free |
| Elevador de Santa Justa | Enjoy panoramic views of the city | 5-minute walk | 5.15 |
| Rossio Square | Explore the historic center | 10-minute walk | Free |
| Lisbon Cathedral | Visit the oldest church in Lisbon | 15-minute walk | Free |
| Sao Jorge Castle | Enjoy stunning views of the city | 20-minute walk | 10 |
| Miradouro de Santa Luzia | Enjoy a beautiful view of Alfama | 20-minute walk | Free |
| National Pantheon | Visit the final resting place of national heroes | 20-minute walk | 4 |
| Museu Nacional do Azulejo | Learn about Portuguese tile-making | 10-minute drive | 5 |
| Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga | View art collections from the 12th to the 19th century | 10-minute drive | 6 |
| LX Factory | Visit the trendy creative space | 15-minute drive | Free |
With its prime location, guests are within walking distance of some of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, making the Alma Lusa Baixa/Chiado Hotel an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic and unforgettable Lisbon experience.
