Pousada de Lisboa
Built into the arcades of Praça do Comércio, Pousada de Lisboa turns a former government building into a 90-room city retreat with historic art, an indoor pool and the Tagus just steps away.
Pousada de Lisboa occupies part of the monumental yellow arcades of Praça do Comércio, one of the most important civic spaces in Portugal. The Tagus is only meters away, and the Baixa, Alfama and Chiado districts all begin within easy walking distance.
The building once served royal and government functions, and the conversion preserves imposing stone staircases, formal rooms and artworks on loan from the Museum of Lisbon. Contemporary guestrooms are more restrained, creating a useful contrast with the building's ceremonial public spaces.
With 90 rooms across four floors, the hotel is intimate enough to avoid the feeling of a large city property. Several higher categories make stronger use of the square-facing setting, while the best public spaces retain their historic proportions.
A small indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, treatment facilities and gym create a hidden wellness retreat inside the dense historic center. The restaurant and terrace spill toward the arcades of Praça do Comércio, giving meals a strong connection to the city.
Pousada de Lisboa is particularly good for first-time visitors who want to live inside one of Lisbon's defining landmarks. Its location is almost impossible to improve, while the historic shell gives the stay far more character than a newly built downtown hotel.