AlmaLusa Alfama: The Only Lisbon Boutique Hotel You'll Need

 

AlmaLusa Alfama. At the foot of Alfama and in a vibrant part of the city, you'll find AlmaLusa Alfama. This luxurious boutique hotel offers charm, peace and homeliness wrapped into one. It's traditional from the outside, and inside, it's as if you have stepped straight into your very own Portuguese home. Inside the decor is chic and warm. It incorporates rich textures and tones, patterns, and ties in a rich classy style. The hotel is small and cosy - the reception and staff are incredibly hospitable. With just 25 rooms and suites, you can already tell just how VIP this place feels. Welcome to a place where you can live quietly and relaxed.  In the lobby, you'll find bespoke artwork by Portuguese artist Pedro Calapez. 

Photo: AlmaLusa Hotels

Alfama's Charms...

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, dating back to the Moorish period (the name comes from the Arabic al-hamma, meaning “hot fountains” or “baths”). Spared from much of the destruction of the 1755 earthquake, its maze of narrow streets, tiled façades and hidden courtyards still preserve the city’s medieval character. It’s also considered the birthplace of Fado — Portugal’s soulful, melancholic music — which you’ll often hear drifting from traditional taverns at night.

The restaurant is attached to the reception area, Delfina Cafe, but we will get to the food in a moment. The little parlour and small corridors are so cosy, it feels as if you'll never bump into anyone! It's a place to escape the hustle and bustle, and in Lisbon, there is a lot of it! Homemade ice tea was on tap, a bit of hydration before you head to your room. The rooms and suites are all locked with your traditional key, which you leave at reception every time you go out - no fear of losing it! It feels authentic and unique. The deluxe suite, which we had the pleasure of reviewing, was a delight to the eye! The layout was perfect - a living area with television, coffee machine and a desk, the bathroom in the middle and the twin beds in the bedroom area with a second television, two full length mirrors and added extra design touches, such as floor lamps, two fireplaces, two large wooden drawer cabinets and three large windows with a view of the square. The wooden blinds give just enough light and privacy. They're made by Estores Império, a national symbol of quality and durability.

    

It felt an absolute treat. Silence is golden here. You'll find it's very quiet, so a night of relaxing with your tea is a given. The bathroom was spacious, with a large rainfall shower and soft black slippers! The lighting was yet another great element - it warmed the room perfectly on a evening, with wall lamps and large lamps, little hidden spotlights and more, these added touches really bring a room to life, whatever your mood is.

There are two large areas for clothing and storage each side of the bed, which makes organising clothes very easy. The bed sheets were embossed, and the sheets and pillows were super soft. The mattress was a delight, and helps you rejuvenate the muscles overnight after long days of walking the streets of the city. Breakfast on a morning is also incredibly laid back. From 7am to 11am, you can go and grab your delights to set you up for the day. No rush here at AlmaLusa, time is yours.

Breakfast at Delfina Cafe consists of cheeses, meats, fruits, cereal, croissants and sweet treats, and breads with homemade honey, yoghurt and juices. The coffee machine was also exceptional. Pick your own pod and load it up! Creamy and delicious. You can order your hot food from the menu, take your pick of scrambled eggs, fried or poached, or porridge if you feel like a sweeter bowl. Served with bacon and smoked salmon - or both - it's all you need over a conversation about plans, a book, or even simply in silence. There is a patio outside, open even this time of year, to enjoy any meal of the day there. The decor with its florals, and pops of mustards and blues add are gorgeous. 

 

A Taste of Lisbon at Delfina Cafe

We also had the privilege of tasting the food at Delfina Cafe at dinner. The service was incredible, with some delicious recommendations from our waiter. The first step was securing a refreshing drink, the mocktails were a good choice, and were just the right amount of sweet and fruity! Then it came to starters. Of course warm breads with homemade butter and tapenade were a great entree, but for starters, the garlic shrimp on toast were delightful. Not overpowering in taste, delicate and with a hint of coriander. 

• SAUTÉED SHRIMPS ON GARLIC TOAST
• COD LOIN CONFIT
• CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

The cod loin was tender, delicate and melted in the mouth. The garlic oil was not rich and complemented the potatoes and the green beans perfectly. The was a true freshness to these dishes, and it does not surprise, everything is fresh and using local ingredients - a true nod to sustainability. There is no surprise that the service was impeccable throughout, and the food came in excellent time, yet there was never any rush. The dessert was the final treat, a rich chocolate mousse, rich, thick and creamy, it was the best finish to such a gorgeous 3-course meal. Delfina cafe is also the home for the hotel's breakfast and they serve brunch, which is perfect for a cosy Sunday afternoon. To ensure that you have a spot, it's always good to book, it's simple and easy to do so at the hotel's reception. 

 

A luxury boutique stay in the beating heart of Lisbon

AlmaLusa Alfama gives 5 stars in every aspect. Its hospitality is also exceptional. A 24 hour reception and tailored recommendations. Also, with breakfast from 7-11am, it is perfect for those who are early risers and the ones who want that extra couple of hours in bed. As for checkout, 12 midday is perfect, there's no rush after breakfast, and it's simple and straightforward. It has soul, and it has sophistication. 

It's thoughtful in its approach to decor and style, it brings so much tranquility and luxury, in a place that feels as if it's all yours. They even offer a loyalty programme, which really seals the deal that they truly enjoy welcoming guests, and time and time again they return - and it's easy to see why. A wonderful city stay, in an ideal location. You are also within walking distance of the train station, Cais Do Sodre, where you can reach the coastal town of Cascais easily. Furthermore, the cobbled streets of Alfama are right above you, and Uber prices are exceptionally cheap to get across town, so you can easily try the bars and restaurants of the other AlmaLusa hotels. It truly shows you the essence of Lisbon and the cosiest most peaceful place to spend your time, whether it's relaxing, writing, drawing, working, talking or simply doing nothing, it meets every need!

AlmaLusa also have another two hotels, AlmaLusa Comporta and AlmaLusa Baixa /Chiado Lisbon, each with their own stories ready to be written. Find them on Instagram here. 

AlmaLusa Alfama
Rua dos Remédios 62
1100-449 Lisbon, Portugal
+351 21 886 4910
info@almalusahotel.com

www.almalusahotel.com

*pr stay