Independente Príncipe Real

The rooms have older furniture and decor, but there’s a vintage feel that suits the historic building. The amenities cover the essentials, and for the price, it was comfortable without needing a modern renovation. Service was a highlight. The staff were warm, attentive, and helpful from check-in through check-out, and the breakfast buffet had fresh ingredients and an impressive range of choices. It was a lovely way to start a day out. The location is hard to beat: right in Príncipe Real, close to chic boutiques, gardens, and some of Lisbon’s best known viewpoints, the miradouros. It’s convenient and central while feeling a little removed from the busy tourist crowds in the lower districts.

The facilities felt badly neglected, even if the building itself is old. The doorknob came off in our hands, and the kitchen had almost nothing usable, with some things broken. Wi-Fi didn’t work. The French balcony door in our room wouldn’t fully close, so it let in sound and heat. There also shouldn’t be a shared area right beside a room where people are trying to sleep. The bathroom and toilets were very dirty, and there was no privacy in them. For all the rooms on the first floor, men had only three bathrooms and three toilets. The three-tier bunk beds were awful. Dorms should have an age limit; it doesn’t seem right for a 20-year-old to share with someone who’s 55.

We would have stayed here again if there had been room for the rest of our time in Lisbon. The front desk staff were kind and answered our questions, and the breakfast had a good variety, served in a peaceful courtyard. Our basic bathroom was neat, though I couldn’t find a hairdryer in the room, so bring one. The hotel is about a ten-minute walk to the metro, even with luggage, and buses and Uber are easy options. Our room was a few floors above street level and quiet enough for a good night’s sleep; earplugs were there just in case. The hotel, separate from the hostel, is well placed for nightlife, only a minute or two away. Across the street there’s a nice park with a beautiful viewpoint, a lovely spot to watch sunrise over the castle walls. There was also a cute market while we were there.

The showers are cramped and have no ventilation. They also added hidden fees at check-in. Wi-Fi is advertised as free, but the routers are only in the lobby by reception, with no coverage elsewhere.