The two have worked together since 2006. At that time, the Alfama neighbourhood was not the popular destination it has since become, and there were no boutique hotels like the new property. Seven years ago the AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado opened, just a short walk from the new hotel with the busy Praça do Comérçio sitting between the two properties.
Why book AlmaLusa Alfama?
There aren’t many locations as appealing as this. The historic Alfama district is the soul of the city; the hotel’s embrace of all things Portuguese – from interior design to cuisine – and its warm and friendly service add up to a uniquely appealing place to stay in Lisbon.
Set the scene
Diminutive ground-floor café Delfina is flooded with sunlight and decorated with vintage maps from Simões de Almeida’s collection, near the restaurant and soon-to-open sun-trap terrace. Almeida is the man responsible for all of the hotel’s interiors, which are brighter than its more subdued and rustic sibling, the AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado. Think beige, green, and earth tones and floors and furniture in dark woods with some rattan elements. The hotel is ultra-LGTBQ+ friendly, and since it offers more connecting rooms than its sister hotel, it is a little more family-friendly as well.
The backstory
The property’s sister hotel in Baixa/Chiado was built in a 14th-century royal armoury, but this new opening is located in an even older building. Among the remarkable discoveries at this location is an interior courtyard that was part of an ancient Roman home (while it has been preserved, that part of the building is not accessible to the public). History lovers will also appreciate the Pombaline-style façade (named after the Marques de Pombal, who was central in the city’s reconstruction following the devastating 1755 earthquake). The building also incorporates the historic Arco das Portas do Mar, once part of the city’s defensive walls, which date back to the fourth century and were built by the Romans.
The rooms
Bright and warm, functional but with charming details, each of the 25 rooms is unique. The three suites are larger and have river views; others have views of La Se (Lisbon’s cathedral) and the Alfama. None have bathtubs – a choice driven by both aesthetic and sustainability concerns – but there are enormous showers. Bathrobes must be requested at reception, in keeping with the philosophy of giving guests only what they require and not overwhelming them with items that won’t be used. Toiletries are by Portuguese brand Benamôr (if you take a liking to them, they’re also sold at reception along with other local items and hotel merch). Decorative ceramic vases and trays are also made in Portugal. Simões de Almeida has been studying hotel beds for years and has come up with the perfect formula: Portuguese mattresses by Colmol and 600-thread-count Portuguese cotton percale sheets. The floor, covered in rustic carpets, does creak in spots – a reminder that this building has a long history.
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Food and drink
You will long remember the homemade croissants served at breakfast, so light and delicious that they may be a highlight of your stay in Lisbon. There’s a selection of cheeses along with bread from A Padaria Portuguesa; orange, detox, and tropical juices; fruit in fruit salad or slices; eggs cooked to your preference; incredible homemade jams; smoked salmon and ham; crème fraîche, yoghurts, compotes, and homemade sweets.
