Housed in a pale pink building dating back to 1925, Hotel Portugal opened in 2013 after top-to-bottom renovations. Although some of the traditional Portuguese tiles that once covered the walls can still be seen in common areas and rooms, the only thing that remains from the original 1871 building on whose ruins the hotel was built is the main entrance, with a heavy wrought-iron arched door and a hallway with vaulted ceilings. The white and gold color scheme makes the reception area sleek, modern, and cozy, while easily blending with the arched openings with dove grey frames from the 1925 structure.

This boutique has limited on-site amenities, but is connected to its mid-range sister property Hotel Mundial, which offers several dining options and a popular rooftop bar with panoramic views. The Portugal has higher rates than the Mundial, but the latter is far less stylish.

Hotel Portugal has a central location a block from Rossio, Lisbon’s main historic square. There is a large concentration of restaurants, shops and bars here, and the iconic 28 tram and the subway are each a couple of minutes from the front door. Major sights, such as Casa dos Bicos, Praça do Comércio, and Santa Justa Elevator, are within a 10-minute walk. St. George’s Castle can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes, but those with mobility issues may want to take public transportation or a cab instead, as it is located atop a steep hill. The airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Designed by renowned Cristina Santos Silva, the hotel’s 53 rooms have sophisticated decor, with a white and royal blue color scheme, plush carpets, and contemporary minimalist furniture. Tufted benches and traditional Portuguese tiles are cute, classic details, while ornate ceiling moldings add elegance. Upscale in-room amenities include espresso machines, free Wi-Fi, pillow menus, slippers and robes, digital scales, minibars, Rituals toiletries, and high-tech TVs built into mirrors. 

Bathrooms are sleek and appealing with white surfaces and dark blue accents, and either walk-in showers or shower-tub combos. Suites have separate living areas and larger bathrooms with a hot tub and a separate shower cabin. Views aren’t the highlight here, as most rooms overlook either the nondescript buildings across the street, or the back of the hotel's sister property Hotel Mundial. Units on lower floors may get noise from the tram.

Jony Rules is a small but sleek bar serving light meals and drinks. A nice free breakfast consisting of hot and cold items can be enjoyed indoors or on a quiet deck with parasols and tables. There aren’t any other restaurants on-site, but the hotel offers access to its sister property’s features, which include two restaurants serving regional cuisine, and a stylish rooftop bar with great views. Aside from breakfast, the Portugal offers a number of other great freebies, such as free parking (limited spaces available), free Wi-Fi, and free fruit and bottled water on arrival. The hotel lacks a fitness center and a spa.