AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado Lisbon: Hotel Review

There’s no denying that Europe has plenty to offer when it comes to mini-moon spots. It’s far too easy to forget about the places we have right on our doorstep (or a two-hour flight away, as the case may be) when considering far-flung, often wildly expensive honeymoon destinations.

There’s a lot to be said about a shorter romantic break in Europe post-wedding. In fact, staying close to home could be one of the best choices you ever make.

If thoughts of sunshine, sightseeing and tonnes of Pastéis de Nata tickle your fancy, Lisbon could be the mini-moon destination for you. And right at the heart of the hustle and bustle in Portugal’s capital is AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado – a chic and stylish boutique hotel with bags of character and the most attentive team imaginable.

Location

AlmaLusa sits in the corner of the stunning Praça do Município, and from the moment you arrive (it’s super easy to get to with taxis able to pull up just meters away) you’ll feel as though you’ve discovered a hidden gem.

Its prime location in the heart of the city has got to be one of the biggest selling points. Within minutes you could be right on the sea front, wandering the winding streets of the Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods or standing in the middle of the famed Terreiro do Paço square.

You’re also a stone’s throw away from world-class nightlife, an abundance of trendy bars and restaurants and more independent shops than you could ever dream of visiting. Seriously – stay at AlmaLusa and the city will be your oyster.

Style & Vibe

As we stepped inside for the first time, the friendly team offered us a cup of fruit tea as we admired our new surroundings. It’s their attentiveness which made us feel at home immediately – the staff were quick to offer us a tour of the property, tips about the city and the mobile number of the manager who we could contact “at any time of day”. What more could you ask for?

Much more than just your average boutique hotel, AlmaLusa is alive with Portuguese culture. Despite its neutral and minimalistic interiors, Portuguese-style tiles, sculptures by local artists and opulent fabrics really bring the spirit of the country to life.

Downstairs, there is a stone-tiled entrance hall, reception desk, relaxing restaurant (more on that later) and outdoor seating.

Upstairs, there are 28 bedrooms, each individually decorated and stylishly designed. Whether you’re after a cosy and compact mini deluxe room or a large and lavish suite, there will be something to suit. There are even four triple rooms at the property for those travelling with children.

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Our home for the week was a Junior Suite, of which there are four under AlmaLusa’s roof. With views across Praça do Municipio (we arrived at sunset and the square looked stunning) and an overwhelming sense of calm, we were happy to call it home.

The focal point of the room was a king-sized bed, complete with luxury cotton sheets and feather pillows. Heaven!

In the room we also got to enjoy complimentary toiletries, a Delta tea and coffee station, a 4G smartphone for making free international calls and roaming the internet. And that’s just the beginning.

Everything in the room is from local designers or brands – a running theme throughout the hotel. The team work with local artists and creators to create an unforgettable experience for its guests, whether that be the bath towels, the power shower or the tea and coffee.

Food & Drink

If, like us, you judge a hotel on the impressiveness of its breakfast spread, you won’t be disappointed at AlmaLusa. Our first morning (and every morning, in fact) was a total treat.

Forget the 10am buffet breakfast rush – your first meal of the day at AlmaLusa will be a sophisticated affair. It’s all-you-can-eat goodness done well – fresh, filling and relaxed. Breakfast is served in the chic and stylish Delfina Restaurant (“Delfina” translates to “a Portuguese deli”) where statement mirrors fill the walls and the hotel’s neutral vibe is continued.

From smoked salmon to freshly-baked bread, pastries and eggs, the spread is a total delight. A three-course breakfast is whole-heartedly encouraged.

A similarly relaxed and welcoming vibe continues into the night, when the team serve everything from fresh fish to tapas and meat.

In the summer, dine outside in the square as the sun sets, or cosy up next to the bar in the winter. Oh, and don’t forget to try a glass of the hotel’s house Sangria before you leave. It’s among the best we’ve tried.

It’s not just the food at AlmaLusa itself which is worth shouting about. Lisbon is all about eating, so foodie couples will love to explore this city. When it comes to restaurant recommendations, we could go on forever, but no trip to Lisbon would be complete without a visit to the Time Out Market, Pharmacia and the many eateries of LX Factory. Oh, and the custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém are the best in the city.

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What to Do

There’s plenty to do in the intervals between eating in Lisbon. Wander through the winding streets to LX Factory on the West side of the city where you’ll find bars, coffee shops and independent boutiques aplenty.

Science buffs will love the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (it’s close to Pastéis de Belém, too, so you can stop off for a custard tart en route), but the Museums of Modern and Contemporary Art and Maritime are also nearby.

Head up to Castello de Saint Jorge for beautiful views of the city, scoot along the sea front on one of the city’s pay-as-you-go scooters and watch the most famous tram in Lisbon, tram 28, as it crosses the city centre.

What  to Instagram

When it comes to what to Instagram at AlmaLusa, the answer is quite literally everything. Breakfast has got to be up there with the most photogenic parts of your trip, but a quick snap of that bed wouldn’t go amiss either. Or how about breakfast in bed? Two birds, one stone.

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Best For…

Mini-mooners looking for a post-wedding city break will adore AlmaLusa. If you’re on the hunt for a hotel with excellent service, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and Instagram-worthy interiors, there’s no better place to go.

Essential Info

AlmaLusa is located 7 kilometres and a 25 minute taxi journey away from the airport.

You can also reach the hotel via the Aerobus on line 2. It leaves the airport every 20 minutes between 8:10am and 9:10pm, and you’ll need to take exit number nine (Praça do Comércio). The hotel is one block away, in Praça do Município.

Alternatively, you can take the metro from the airport. Take the Red Line from Aeroporto until S. Sebastião. In S. Sebastião, switch to the Blue Line, direction Santa Apolónia, and get out of the metro at the station Baixa/Chiado.

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Double rooms start at 165 Euros per night. To book, call +351 212 697 440 or email reservas@almalusahotels.com. Visit AlmaLusa’s website for more information.