HotelChatter

The hotel is actually in what used to be a Moorish rampart when the Arabs were in charge of Lisbon. Hence the name Mouros, which means Moors or Arabs. The décor is African-themed and bright, spick and span - a real shock to the senses at first.

The best pad has to be the suite, a 70 sq m duplex extravaganza with huge windows gazing out over the river and city. But all the rooms are pretty large and snappy, with huge beds, brightly coloured walls and original art. Ask for a room as high up as possible, as they're bigger and lighter. The artworks are either by or chosen by Portuguese artist Luis Lemos, a friend of the owner. He's not shy.

All rooms are individually designed, and with only 12 of them, the service is pretty personal too. Breakfast or drinks in your room, in the lounge, a small room service menu, a friendly smile. It doesn't quite have the instant appeal of the Solar do Castelo's location inside the castle itself, but it's a damn fine (and cheaper) second best.

Rack rates range between €190-€370 ($294-$574) per double per night plus a rather pricey €12.90 ($20) for breakfast (go down the road to a café instead). But you can often get special deals out of season - as low as €79 - so it's worth checking the website.

And if you're looking for a good dinner/drink stop and can't get enough of that river view, walk 50m down the road to Restô do Chapitô, a super terrace restaurant inside a cultural centre where there's often live music and shows at the weekend.

Tags: Lisbon Hotel Scene / Monica Guy / Boutique Hotels

by femmefatale