LX Boutique Hotel

These two striking blue-and-white townhouses, overlooking the River Tagus, have one of Lisbon’s best locations if you want to be in the thick of things. The blue-and-white theme continues indoors with light and breezy bedrooms with bold feature wallpapers or blown-up photographs of the city, and minimal, Provencal-style furnishings. All rooms are a good size (even standard rooms) while those on the third floor have small balconies. Be aware the modern, pod-like bathrooms have a glass wall to the bedroom - but with shutters for modesty. The downside of the central location is that it can be noisy - Lisbon is not known for going to bed early - so ask for a higher or rear room if you’re a light sleeper. The slick restaurant offers a sushi menu in the evenings and a generous buffet breakfast. To revive after a day tackling the city’s steep streets, guests are offered a free glass of port and some of the city’s delicious pastel de nata.