Lisbon is a city that charms—from rich historic ruins and a burgeoning design and architectural scene, to award-winning dining, beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring countryside, the list goes on. A stay in Portugal’s coastal capital welcomes the opportunity to simultaneously make yourself at home while encouraging adventure to explore and experience the best of the city’s classic-meets-chic modern offerings. The Vintage and The Lumiares, two 5-star boutique hotels under the Bomporto Hotels group, have mastered this balance. Beloved by both locals and visitors alike who return time and again, each are distinct but both promise the same: an unforgettable stay.
The Lumiares
Housed in a former 18th-century palace, The Lumiares Hotel is located in the lively Bairro Alto district within the vibrant heart of the city. Step inside from the bustling cobblestone streets where you’ll find a warm welcome from staff and complimentary room goodies, including a bottle of Portuguese wine, beer, water, tea, Nespresso coffee, milk, soft drinks and Portuguese chocolates.
Settle in and feel like a local within one of the 47 open and airy apartment-style accommodations that all feature fully-equipped kitchens with Smeg appliances and separate living rooms with flat-screen TVs and comfortable seating. Some rooms even offer loft bedrooms, while three penthouses feature private terraces, which are perfect for families or large groups, or if you simply appreciate the luxury of added space.
From the handwoven wall tapestries and colorful rugs and bed cushions to the Benamôr bath and beauty products, every detail and touchpoint at The Lumiares is carefully crafted as a love letter to Portugal, highlighting the talent of local artists, makers and brands.
Download the hotel’s handy app and head up to Lumi Rooftop to indulge with a complimentary welcome beverage where breakfast is also served each morning as part of your stay. The Lumiares’s prime location at the top of one of Lisbon’s iconic seven hills allows for unparalleled panoramic views that sweep from the historic São Jorge Castle to the bright red 25 de Abril Bridge that crosses the sparkling Tagus River to the Sanctuary of Christ the King that benevolently watches over the city.
Whether you’re coming or going, the street-level Rebel Café serves up craft coffee, tasty pastries, savory snacks and artisanal ice creams, plus doggie treats for your pooch, who is also welcome to join you inside. Grab a seat at one of the terrazzo tables and enjoy the floor-to-ceiling postcard-worthy views of the breathtaking São Pedro de Alcântara garden lookout.
After you’ve walked around the city and eaten yourself full of petiscos (small, yet delicious, plates), book yourself a relaxing spa treatment, such as a rejuvenating jet lag massage, personalized facial or a mani-pedi, or unwind in the sauna and steam room. The small yet effective gym is outfitted with high-tech equipment for an efficient workout, while a personal trainer and pre-designed workout routines are also available upon request.
The Vintage
Sister hotel to The Lumiares, The Vintage Hotel can be found just a few paces north in one of Lisbon’s poshest neighborhoods, nestled between the famous Avenida da Liberdade, one of the most exclusive shopping boulevards in Europe, and the cosmopolitan design district of Príncipe Real.
The Vintage’s timeless, midcentury-modern design elegantly exhibits a combination of specially-sourced retro furniture pieces and unique bespoke reproductions and commissions that effortlessly fuse the past with the present.
True to its nature, the hotel pays homage to its roots, amplifying local artisans, makers and producers; from tableware by Costa Nova, one of Portugal’s premiere porcelain manufacturers, to the classic Couto toothpaste offered in its signature golden safflower-hued packaging. Each of the 56 rooms and three suites are painted in a rich color palette of either natural green, deep blue or warm terracotta, evoking an inspirational, relaxing or playful feeling.
Upon arrival, guests will discover a fun, complimentary DIY gin and tonic kit waiting for them on top of a vintage trolley bar cart that’s also stocked full of classic Portuguese treats. Now feeling like you can make a cameo appearance on Mad Men, opt to either enjoy your drink inside the comforts of your room, looking out from the portes-fenêtres to the neighborhood below, or go upstairs to the V Rooftop Bar for a thrilling 180-degree view of the Lisbon skyline.
Close out the evening with a nightcap at the spacious lobby lounge under the watchful gaze of Portuguese artist Margarita Fleming’s bold portrait of a female fado singer that hangs above the bar, listening to tunes from the vintage record player next to the cozy fireplace.
Amidst all the action, don’t forget to carve out some self-care time and hit the gym, or decompress with a therapeutic treatment at the luxuriously muted subterranean spa that also features an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.
Photos courtesy Bomporto Hotels
