Lisboans and expats from across Europe have brought an exciting wave of hotel growth to Portugal, which has helped properties appear all across the country. There are can’t-miss new boutique properties (think: undiscovered modern structures rising out of the wildflower-covered hills of the Alentejo plains).
Of course, some beloved properties have grown their reputation over time—and by leaning heavily on Old World charm. The InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas, in Porto, for example, is an 18th-century palace features marble and crystal chandeliers, though rooms are decidedly contemporary. Readers raved about the hotel’s regal design and proximity to local attractions.
Each year in our World’s Best survey, we ask our readers to carefully rank their travel experiences with cities, cruise lines, islands, and more. When voting on the top hotels and resorts in Portugal, they considered the quality of the rooms and facilities, the location, the hospitality, and the overall value.
Of Penha Longa Resort in Sintra, T+L readers remarked it was a “wonderful surprise” to find such a fairytale-like hotel just outside of Lisbon, helping it score well for location.
“[It’s] an outstanding resort for a special occasion,” observed one reader, while others celebrate the chef, the on-site spa, and the beautiful gardens. The 194-room property has a dizzying number of diversions, including three pools, a Six Senses Spa, and horseback riding trails—as if visitors would tired of the nearby UNESCO World Heritage City, Sintra.
And of the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz in Lisbon, reader Bruce Christian called it a “wonderful hotel overlooking Edward VII park, [with] outstanding service. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and best of all, quiet.”
Whether you’re seeking a big city hotel in the heart of Portugal’s capital, or a quiet, converted convent in the Alentejo region, consider a room at one of the top five hotels in the country.
No. 1 Olissippo Lapa Palace in Lisbon
Overlooking the Tagus River, this palace-turned-city hotel transports guests to 19th-century Portugal, with restored gold-leaf walls, stained glass windows, and even a 170-year-old carpet. All the rooms have garden or river views, with balconies and marble bathrooms. Be sure to set aside time at the Lapa Palace Spa, which boasts a fragrant, eucalyptus Turkish steam bath.
