8 of the Best Hotels in Portugal in Historic City Centres

The Rebello Hotel stems from the transformation of several stone factory buildings that provide breathtaking views of the Douro River and Porto’s historical centre. The Rebello boasts 103 suites, studios and rooms, a restaurant, an Ancient Roman-style spa, and a rooftop bar. The hotel’s name honours Porto's legacy of port wine warehousing and the traditional wooden cargo boats, called rabelos, that once sailed its waters.

Pátio do Tijolo is a 24-room boutique hotel that offers a hidden retreat in the centre of Lisbon. The hotel's design centres around its communal spaces, such as the garden patio, the kitchen and the 'Loureiro' lounge area. The interior spaces reveal a minimalist design with a neutral colour scheme punctuated by wood accents and soft textiles. The rooms, available in standard, superior, and family suite options, feature king-size beds or separate beds, with some boasting large windows and balconies that open up to the Lisbon skyline.

Memmo Príncipe Real is a sleek and warm five-star boutique hotel located in the fashionable Príncipe Real neighbourhood of Lisbon. Designed by Portuguese architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, it features 41 elegant bedrooms, some with outdoor fireplaces on the terrace. The interiors are decorated in luxurious and warm tones of green velvet, local limestone, oak floors and chandeliers from Santa & Cole. The hotel's collection of contemporary art by Portuguese artists showcases the neighbourhood's noble heritage.

A Casa das Janelas com Vista is a cosy B&B tucked away on a peaceful street in Bairro Alto. The house is artistically decorated, where modern and designer furniture meets retro decor. Some of the rooms at 'The House of the Windows with a View' offer gorgeous views over a grid of steep cobblestoned streets, red-roofed townhouses, and the Tagus River in the distance. With only 12 rooms, six can be combined to make family suites.

These serviced stylish apartments are set in a stunning townhouse right in the heart of Downtown Lisbon's Baixa neighbourhood, a stone's throw away from the best historical sightings. All the accommodation types showcase their exclusive interior design, with a choice of one to two bedrooms, and every living room comes furnished with a sofa bed. Daily cleaning, laundry services and breakfast are included, which is a lovely touch.

Casa Mãe is a gorgeous five-star boutique hotel in the coastal town of Lagos, in the western part of the Algarve. With various accommodation options spread across distinct spaces, Casa Mãe perfectly blends traditional Algarvian architecture and minimalist style. The hotel features a big organic orchard, farm-to-table restaurant, triangular pool, spa with a rooftop pool, outdoor cinema, juice bar, and a concept store dedicated to Portuguese design.

Artsy Cascais is a boutique hotel in Lisbon’s seaside town of Cascais. Located on Avenida Dom Carlos I, this hotel offers 19 uniquely decorated rooms featuring bespoke furnishings and original artworks. Artsy is housed in a historic palacete, originally constructed in 1899, is complemented by a contemporary structure adorned with a facade by renowned Portuguese artist Vhils.

Armazém Luxury Housing is a cool boutique hotel in the heart of Porto. It's set in an old iron warehouse from the 19th century, offering industrial warehouse vibes and cosiness without compromising on either. There are nine suites and three apartments, all uniquely decorated. Definitely one of the best small hotels in Porto.

Memmo Alfama is considered one of the best hotels in Lisbon. It was the first boutique hotel to open in the city's oldest neighbourhood, Alfama. The hotel's 42 bright and breezy rooms are inspired by a contemporary Nordic style with Portuguese touches. Memmo Alfama is still a hidden treasure, tucked away in a maze of cobbled streets, featuring a red infinity plunge pool with a bar and glorious views over Alfama and the Tagus River.

The Ivens Hotel is a five-star hotel set in an iconic 19th-century building in Chiado with 87 rooms, a buzzing bar and fun jungle vibes. Inspired by the expeditions of 19th-century explorers Roberto Ivens and Hermenegildo Capelo, the hotel's decoration pays homage to Portugal's Golden Age of Discovery, with rooms decorated in the colours and materials of the period. With views of the city or river, the rooms are all lit by Lisbon's beautiful light.

The Lumiares is a five-star boutique hotel and spa in Bairro Alto, designed in collaboration with local artists and designers to offer a "local" design approach. The hotel features six self-contained studios, spacious suites, charming mezzanines, stylish two-bedroom suites, a Glória Suite, and corner penthouses. All rooms have fully fitted kitchens, and the spa offers high-quality treatments, a sauna, and a steam room.

Palácio Ludovice Wine Hotel is a luxurious five-star boutique hotel in Lisbon, offering 61 individually designed rooms and suites, gastronomic experiences, wine tastings, and grapevine wellness treatments. The hotel, a former private residence of an 18th-century architect, has been transformed by Miguel Câncio Martins, blending original XVIII-century elements with a contemporary touch, and includes grand décor with hand-painted tiles and carved wood.

B28 Apartments are set in an authentic 17th-century Porto bourgeois building which has been renovated with extreme care to bring back its original splendour. The seven fully equipped apartments are flooded with light and are beautifully decorated. We love the minimalist decoration, intricate ornate ceilings and hardwood custom doors. These are among some of the best serviced apartments in the centre of Porto, and we highly recommend them.

The charming Casa Céu is a four-bedroom guesthouse located in Olhão, a quirky fishing town near Faro. This beautifully decorated house features high ceilings, white walls, and plenty of natural light. The stunning rooftop terrace, where breakfast is served, boasts incredible sunset views and wooden board games for guests to enjoy. Other highlights include the goat paintings by local artist Meinke Flesseman and the guesthouse's central location in the heart of Olhão. Plus, Faro's airport is just a 15-minute drive away.

São Paulo Boutique Hotel is a beautifully decorated 18th-century Algarvian house turned into a boutique hotel with five uniquely decorated rooms. It features a shared living room, dining room, and inner courtyard with a small saltwater pool. The hotel is adorned with fine works of art by renowned artists and is located in Jardim da Alagoa, one of Tavira's most lovely squares.

Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments is a luxury boutique hotel in the historic centre of Porto that caters to those who seek more than just a room key. With elegant rooms and suites in a former palace on Rua de Mouzinho de Silveira and exclusive apartments on Rua das Flores, the hotel offers a unique and historic accommodation experience. The 12 rooms and suites are themed after continents, while the 11 apartments are named after exotic materials brought back by explorers.

Mo House is a restored 17th-century townhouse turned boutique guesthouse in the heart of Porto. With nine generously sized rooms, each with a kitchenette and a small living area, this guesthouse offers good value for couples and families. Breakfast is served in a communal dining room overlooking a courtyard. Some rooms offer stunning views of the Douro River. Art books are scattered throughout the property, and the location in central Porto is hard to beat. Note that the house is full of character and charm, so expect creaky floorboards and unique architectural details.

A 19th-century neighbourhood in Porto has been turned into 40 accommodation units across five restored buildings. Village by BOA features fully furnished apartments ranging from one to two bedrooms, designed with natural materials and a neutral colour scheme. The hotel's web app allows guests to manage reservations and book tours, while The Space, a penthouse venue atop the building, hosts exclusive boutique events.

Exmo. Hotel is a 16-room boutique hotel set in a gorgeous 14th-century building in the Ribeira neighbourhood, a stone’s throw away from the bustling riverfront. The rooms offer lovely views, either of Porto's magnificent buildings or the riverside. Exmo. Hotel's central location provides an excellent starting point for those exploring the city's best sights. And here's more, there's no rush to get out of your comfy beds - brunch is served until 1 pm.

Dona Graça offers gorgeous boutique serviced apartments in the heart of Graça, an old and charming neighbourhood built on the hilltops of Lisbon. This elegant and intimate 19th-century house offers eight stunning independent apartments with a peaceful atmosphere. The well-kept secret here is the private orange tree garden with a swimming pool, perfect for recharging after a busy day walking up and down the hills of Lisbon. Breakfast is delivered daily to your door.

Bairro Alto Hotel is a luxurious five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon, surrounded by the bohemian Bairro Alto and Chiado neighbourhoods. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, carefully designed with modern touches and traditional Portuguese features. The hotel's location is perfect for exploring Lisbon's historic centre, and there are several dining options available on-site, including BAHR & Terrace - a rooftop bar with some of the best views of the city.

The Modernist offers six minimalist apartment-style suites in the centre of Faro. Set in a genuine 1970s modernist building, each suite has been restored with full respect for the original mid-century modern design. There's a shared garden patio, a rooftop where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and an outdoor shower. Discover Faro's architectural gems with the self-walking tour created for guests.

Canto de Luz is a downtown Porto boutique guesthouse with bright and colorful interiors. Accommodation options include six spacious suites, three self-contained apartments, and a two-bedroom villa with a pool. All the rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and colorful original artworks. The homemade organic breakfast is made with the best and freshest local ingredients.

Aljana is a charming guesthouse in Beja, owned by a family and comprises seven beautifully designed bedrooms. The living room features a cosy fireplace, and the terrace offers a picturesque view of Beja's Cathedral bell tower, with a swimming pool to refresh yourself. Breakfast is organic and locally sourced.

Experience a fusion of minimalist design and authentic Alentejo charm at Casas Caiadas Open House, a four-bedroom boutique guesthouse in the tranquil village of Arraiolos. Set in a historic building that once hosted a renowned bakery and 19th-century refuge, it features stylishly designed rooms and a rooftop pool with panoramic views. Just an hour's drive from Lisbon.