Solar dos Poetas

We’d happily come back. The staff were friendly and helpful, and check-in was easy. Our room was small but cozy and comfortable, and seemed quiet since it faced a side street. The bathroom was compact but nicely updated, with a good sink and shower, a lit mirror, and a heated towel rack. There was YouTube access on the TV, plus Prime and Netflix, though we didn’t try those. Breakfast looked modest at first, but there was quite a lot: cheeses, cold cuts, breads and pastries, yogurt, eggs cooked different ways, fresh orange juice, cut fruit, and more. The hotel’s close to the subway, restaurants, pastry shops, and attractions. One small heads-up: the entrance is just an unassuming door you have to buzz open, or use your room card after check-in. In the rain, we walked past it three or four times while looking for a lobby.

The location is TOP, TOP, TOP, and we’ll definitely recommend this place to our friends and come back ourselves. Breakfast and the atmosphere during it were wonderful. We were delighted by the stay, and it was even better than we expected. From the start, a smiling, incredibly helpful receptionist welcomed us. The interiors are stunning, thoughtfully designed down to the small details, spotlessly clean, and very cozy. The décor reminded us of beautiful artistic hotels in Paris.

Breakfast was my favorite part. A girl playing piano live made the room feel completely peaceful, and the food was exceptional without feeling ordinary: fresh fruit, lots of breads, and delicious local pastries. Staying here felt like stepping into Portuguese culture, not just checking into a hotel. The historic building is gorgeous, with original wooden floors that give it character. Each floor is devoted to great poets. Our room in the Sophia de Mello Breyner wing was a real gem, with distinctive décor and a stylish shower in the room. It’s a thoughtfully put-together experience for anyone looking for something authentic in Lisbon.

We had a balcony over the square, which was lovely, though you could hear some noise at night and early in the morning. The beds were comfortable, the bathroom was clean and had nice soaps, and the rooms were cozy, nicely decorated, and a good size. Breakfast was decent, with plenty of fresh fruit, pastries, cakes, cheese, and deli meats. I’d have liked more variety in the hot food, which was limited to scrambled eggs, chorizo, mushrooms, and vegetables. The staff were friendly, and the hotel felt like very good value. It’s right in the center, near shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. There’s a really good pastel de nata place two doors down.