The Pensao Royal is a family-run bed-and-breakfast that opened in 1998, and occupies the third floor of a 19th-century building. Hanging and potted plants fill the common entry -- the building's central staircase, topped by a skylight that washes the interior in natural light. The third floor door opens into a little reception room with blue and yellow walls, lit by paper globe lamps hung from the ceiling. There's no elevator, but the bed-and-breakfast caters more to young couples and budget travelers who don't mind the climb.

The bed-and-breakfast is located in central Lisbon, close to many of the city's main attractions, one block from the Baixa-Chiado metro stop. The Santa Justa Elevator, which connects the lower streets of Baixa to the higher elevated Carmo Square section, takes three minutes to reach on foot. It’s a five-minute walk to Praca do Comercio, and about a 17-minute walk to Sao Jorge Castle. Guests don’t have to go far for food, bars, or shopping, as many tourist-friendly businesses can be found on the surrounding streets or within a 10-minute walk. It’s also a 10-minute walk to nightlife in Bairro Alto. Expect just under a 30-minute drive to Lisbon Airport. 

Guest rooms at Pensao Royal are funky and stylish, with hardwood floors and a smart mix of contemporary and traditional decor, and they burst with color. Each room has a different palette in a rainbow of bright hues, with complimenting lamps, fabrics, and wood furniture. Some also have ornate Portuguese tiles covering the lower half of walls, which add character and a sense of place. Most rooms have twin or double beds, and there's also a triple room with three twin beds. All units have en-suite bathrooms with stall showers and free Wi-Fi, though not all contain TVs (some have old tube TVs). 

This isn't much in the way of amenities at this hotel, but a free breakfast is served in a cozy room with a dining table (though it only seats four) and a couch with a large coffee table. A flat-screen TV hangs over the kitchenette at one end of the room, where guests can make use of a microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, and mini-fridge at all hours. A small shelf holds a computer in one corner of the space with a printer underneath, and Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the hotel lacks an elevator.