“A meticulously crafted boutique hotel that seamlessly combines old and new. Constructed from Roman-era ruins using the original ancient blueprint. Vibrant, hand-picked interior design by owner Heleen Uitenbroek. Extensive breakfast menu served by some of the friendliest staff in Lisbon.”

Hotel review

Very few hotels can boast the historical pedigree of Santiago de Alfama, nestled amidst the winding staircases of Lisbon’s upcoming Alfama district. A 15th-century former workhouse built atop Roman ruins which have been integrated into the structure, this exquisite building was snatched from the jaws of dereliction by hotelier Heleen Uitenbroek. After a six-year renovation, now each of Santiago de Alfama's 19 rooms are unique in both layout and decoration and feature decor flourishes ranging from exquisite French armoires to rich taupe slate bathrooms. The pristine white rooms are accented with vivid splashes of colour thanks to hand-made Indian fabrics, and beds are adorned with bespoke Portuguese cotton bedding. And if you're lucky enough to end up in room 303, you'll sleep beneath an original Roy Lichtenstein painting. The hotel’s Café Audrey boasts one of the best full English breakfasts this side of the Channel, while its restaurant, A Fabrica de Santiago, features a menu full of dishes inspired by the golden age of Portuguese exploration, with flavours from Brazil, Macau and everywhere in between – rather fitting for a hotel that sits next door to the church in which Christopher Columbus married in 1479. A palpably global feel - and plans in the pipeline for further renovations to an adjacent building – make Santiago de Alfama a must for those looking for a sophisticated, eclectic Lisbon hideout.

Gabriel Power
Gabriel Power Review published: 11/01/2018

Recommended for

  • City Style

    • An unmissable stylish and sophisticated converted palace, nestled in the historic streets of Alfama.
  • Romantic Break

    • With luxurious suites and a sleek bar- it's perfect for an indulgent, romantic weekend in Lisbon.
  • Close to nightlife

    • Nearby Chapitô is a lively spot, hosting performance art, gigs and physical theatre.
  • Great walks

    • A great starting point for a city walk through the historic old town of Lisbon.
  • Museums

    • Visit the Chiado Museum of Contemporary Art, ten minutes walk from the hotel.
  • Sights nearby

    • Five minutes walk from Santiago Church and Lisbon Cathedral.
  • Views

    • Stunning views over Alfama and the Tagus river
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Romantic

  • Contemporary

  • Child friendly

  • Chic

  • Historic

  • Boutique

  • Restaurant

Facilities

  • Rooms

    19 rooms in this hotel
  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

    Beauty bar in basement offering hair and nail treatments
  • Views

    Stunning views over Alfama and the Tagus river
  • Parking

    Parking nearby at EUR 15 per day
  • Bar

    with large cocktail list
  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Meeting Room

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Outdoor dining

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Safe

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

  • Concierge

  • Room service

  • Sitting Room

  • Child friendly

  • Restaurant

Activities

  • Close to nightlife

    • Nearby Chapitô is a lively spot, hosting performance art, gigs and physical theatre.
  • Great walks

    • A great starting point for a city walk through the historic old town of Lisbon.
  • Museums

    • Visit the Chiado Museum of Contemporary Art, ten minutes walk from the hotel.
  • Sights nearby

    • Five minutes walk from Santiago Church and Lisbon Cathedral.

Map & Location

Other reviews

Santiago de Alfama

'Located in the oldest part of the capital, Santiago de Alfama's 19 rooms are all different whilst celebrating the best of Portugal, from the modern art on the walls to the Claus Porto soaps in the bathrooms. An atmospheric café spills out onto the cobbled street.'

Originally published by The Telegraph

Santiago de Alfama

'Hidden around a corner off Rua de Santiago, Alfama’s main thoroughfare, this 15th-century former palace has 19 stylish, blue and white breezy rooms and suites, with tiled floors, giant beds, colourful Claus Porto toiletries.'

Originally published by The Times

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.