The 16 Best Hotels in Portugal—From Lisbon to Madeira
PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
If you (like us) have a European escape on the brain, you're likely thinking of a trip filled with history-packed museums, rustic vineyards and delicious desserts, mixed in with a few under-the-radar stops—and Portugal has it all. More specifically, cities like Lisbon, Porto and the stunning islands of Madeira and São Miguel have everything we could want in a far-flung getaway—including some stunning hotels.
Below, you’ll find our carefully vetted list of the best hotels in Portugal, including luxury stays, budget-friendly picks, family-friendly locations and spots where your even your pets are welcome.
The Best Hotels in Portugal at a Glance
How We Chose the Best Hotels in Portugal
When vetting the best hotels in Portugal, we considered reviews from multiple trusted travel sites, such as TripAdvisor and Expedia, paying special attention to amenities like spas and restaurants, location and overall satisfaction with the stay. We also took into consideration designations such as Travelers’ Choice Awards and hotels recommended first-hand by PureWow editors.
Your Guide to the Perfect 3 Days in Lisbon
1. Iberostar Selection Lisboa
If Lisbon’s first on your list for your upcoming Portugal trip, you’re not going to want to miss out on the stunning Iberostar Selection hotel. Reviewers rave over the comfortably sized rooms and luxurious amenities such as the spa and call out the friendliness of the staff as a huge perk. The hotel is also equipped with both indoor and outdoor pools, so you can go for a dip no matter the weather. If you happen to ever want to leave the property (we kid), you’ll be in close proximity to attractions like Commerce Square and Castle of São Jorge.
2. Wine & Books Porto
Noted as one of most beautiful cities in the world, Porto has a ton to offer. And if you’re looking for a homebase to head back to between wine tastings and river cruises, Wine & Books Porto will more than suffice. It has all the trappings of a luxury stay, including an on-site spa, pool and restaurant, plus a daily breakfast buffet (from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.), included at a very competitive rate. Pets are also welcome with a deposit and nightly fee, and reviewers say that their stay at this new location went above and beyond their expectations.
3. Marina Rio
Situated on the edge of the marina allowing for spectacular views, the Marina Rio hotel is loved for its location, which is also just a short walk from the historic old town and perfectly positioned for water activities like kayaking tours and private cruises. One smart Portugal itinerary idea? Make the oceanside city of Lagos your homebase and explore other cities an easy train ride away. Afterall—who wouldn’t want to return to this stunning hotel?
4. Savoy Palace Funchal
Whether you’re looking for hiking, dolphin watching cruises or wine tours, the Portuguese island of Madeira has something for everyone, as does the Savoy Palace hotel. Not only is the hotel within walking distance to attractions like the CR7 Museum—an entire museum dedicated to soccer star Cristiano Rinaldo—a casino and a farmer's market, but the hotel itself has tons to do. There are five restaurants to choose from, along with a spa, multiple bars and lounges and a library—not to mention daily breakfast is included with your stay.
5. Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
São Miguel is another island packed with outdoor experiences like wildlife tours and natural parks featuring volcanic hot springs and geysers—and after a long day of exploring, we suggest kicking back to relax at the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico. It’s earned a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor, and considering the plethora of amenities it features, such as an area shuttle, marina and views, an onsite restaurant, included breakfast and much more, we can totally see why.
6. Corinthia Lisbon
Treat yourself to a lavish stay at the beautiful Corinthia Lisbon hotel (that may or may not have had us whipping out our phones to search “flights to Portugal”), which is celebrated by reviewers for its unbeatable service, classic aesthetic and ultra-convenient location. It’s pet friendly with a nightly fee, and is equipped with *everything* you’d find yourself wishing for while staying at a 5-star hotel, including an expansive health club with fitness classes offered, spacious rooms, pillow menus, indoor and outdoor dining options, and a full spa and hair salon.
7. Eurostars Porto Douro
Truly *roomy* rooms can be hard to come by on European travels, but the Eurostars Ponto Douro hotel has some incredible options, which is why it landed as our pick for a family-friendly stay. The whole crew will eat up the riverside views and snack bar, while parents will especially appreciate the full-service spa and on-site babysitting and laundry services. Plus, airport shuttles can also be scheduled to make your trip truly seamless.
8. NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade
There’s nothing like exploring a new city with your best furry friend, and if you’re on the hunt for a great pet-friendly place to stay, you’re sure to find it at NH Collection’s Lisboa Liberdade hotel. PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera shares, “While I haven’t stayed at this exact location, I’ve traveled to a couple of other NH Collection hotels in Europe with my pup in tow and have had incredible experiences. There was plenty of space for him to roam around and they even added thoughtful details like food bowls and a dog bed to the room.” The Lisbon location features a rooftop terrace perfect for sipping cocktails before your dinner reservation, along with onsite shopping and a pool, with extras like a buffet breakfast and nearby bike rentals available for an additional fee.
9. Terceira Mar Hotel
Soak up the sun at the oceanside Terceira Mar Hotel that reviewers say is a go-to spot for its location, comfortable room sizes and sea views. The eco-certified hotel is situated on Ilha Terceira, an island that offers everything from volcanic wine tours to cave explorations and is equipped with plenty of features that earn it its 4-star rating. Beyond a sprawling saltwater pool complete with poolside bar, you’ll also find amenities like tennis courts, a game room, spa and rooftop terrace. And if you haven’t already pulled out your credit card to book a stay, know that a breakfast buffet, deemed “delicious” by reviewers, and even fitness classes are included.
10. Hotel das Virtudes
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience in a uniquely styled space, Hotel das Virtudes is the pick for you. The stone walls will have you feeling like you stepped back in time, while still having access to loads of modern niceties like 24-hour room service, on-site bars and lounges, a rooftop terrace and the pièce de résistance, a pillow menu that allows guests to choose their personal most comfy option. Plus, it’s within a short walking distance to the historical Ribeira Square.
11. Palácio Estoril Hotel
Located near the oceanside city west of Lisbon, Cascais, the historical Palácio Estoril Hotel is where you’ll want to head to focus on relaxation and wellness. The hotel has everything you could need and more, including fitness classes, a spa, gym and a swim-up bar for when you’re ready for a treat after a round of golf or yoga session. You can also head to nearby Tamariz and Ribeira beaches, both less than a ten-minute walk away, for water activities like sailing, windsurfing and more if you’re up for a bit of adventure.
12. Douro Palace Hotel Resort and Spa
Take a step off the beaten path and head inland from Porto to the Douro Palace Hotel Resort and Spa for an unforgettable riverside stay. The resort is surrounded by ancient vineyards in the gorgeous (and less tourist-packed) Douro Valley, which we love for its food and wine options, along with the natural beauty of the area. A pick-up shuttle is available to schedule to make accessing Douro Palace easy, and once you’re there you won’t want to leave thanks to the onsite ultra-relaxing spa, rooftop terrace, included breakfast buffet and delicious restaurant offerings.
13. Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel
Convent Square Lisbon, an IHG hotel
For those looking to be in the middle of all Lisbon has to offer, you’ll want to check out the Convent Square Lisbon hotel. It’s just a three-minute walk from Rossio Square and a mere five-minute walk from the shops at Avenida da Liberdade, which is noted to be the “Champs Elysees of Portugal,” according to TripAdvisor. The hotel is also an easy 21-minute drive from the Lisbon airport and has tons of upscale amenities like a courtyard lounge, restaurant, in-room minibar, indoor pool and fitness facility.
14. The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel
For a stay that will feel upscale without breaking the bank, look no further than The Editory House Ribeira in Porto. You’ll be conveniently nearby Ribeira Square, Porto’s Historic District and the Porto Cathedral, and should easily be able to score a room for less than $200 per night (we spotted a few for as low as $105 per night!). The hotel definitely won’t make you feel like you’re on a budget either, as you’ll have access to the on-site bar, optional breakfast and room service for an additional fee, laundry services and a snack bar.
15. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
If you’ve got your mind set on a splurge-worthy trip, opt for the luxe Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, which PureWow editors say is idyllic for families, couples and solo travelers alike. Our editors called out the rooftop fitness center (which they report offers some of the best views of the city), Pilates studio, luxury spa and heated indoor and outdoor pools, along with the top-notch service as huge perks. And don’t miss grabbing a bite at the Varanda restaurant for local specialties, pastries and more, the poolside Ritz bar or one of the many other tasty offerings at the multiple on-site restaurants.
16. Hilton Porto Gaia
If you need *options* for your vacation space, the Hilton Porto Gaia can’t be beat. This hotel offers a bunch of different room setups, from a standard room with a king-sized bed or double twins to a river-view suite and a duplex that can accommodate up to four people. It’s also located on the waterfront of the Douro River, across from the main city center of Porto, so you can score some fabulous views to admire while you’re relaxing after a swim in the indoor pool.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon: The Crown Jewel of Portugal
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
