AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal

Although in the central Praça do Município, with the river a couple of minutes away and surrounded by the busy Baixa (lower town) and Chiado districts, this is a quiet square of offices and the City Hall, with the hotel discreetly tucked into a corner. Metro stations and trams are within five minutes. There are no views to speak of, but you choose this hotel for its quiet luxury and friendly but professional service. The busy shops and cafés of the Baixa are within strolling distance, as is the curious-looking Elevador de Santa Justa, modelled on the Eiffel Tower, which creaks up to the Bairro Alto (upper town).

By plane: flights to Lisbon take around 2 hours 50 mins from London and Manchester and 2 hours 30 mins from Bristol. The hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. Public parking available for €35 per day. Book flights to Lisbon.

The elegant 18th-century building combines original features of stone flags and pillars, plaster walls and open rafters with chic polished concrete floors, velvet-upholstered chairs and cool colours of grey, cream and caramel. Traditional Portuguese designs are referenced in the bedrooms, while modern art, sculptures and mirrors dot walls and corridors. The overall feel is stylish but relaxed.

Other than the bar-dining room, a few seats in reception and the dining area in the square, there are no public areas. Staff are welcoming and friendly and keen that guests make the most of the city. Guests are lent a mobile phone for browsing and local calls, plus there's a concierge service that can organise tours and book restaurants.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Public parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The bedrooms have a chic, monochrome palette with white walls, black woodwork, bold-patterned feature wallpapers, and glossy black or mirrored furniture. Traditional Portuguese elements are reflected in decorative bedheads, elegant linen-covered armchairs and embroidered white bedcovers.

Room types: Standard Room, Mini Deluxe Room, Deluxe Room, Triple Room, Junior Suite, Deluxe Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, free toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, TV, air con, free Wi-Fi

Self-described as a Portuguese 'cantina', the Delfina restaurant has a wide but simple choice of traditional dishes from tapas to larger plates. Seafood is popular - especially the local bacalhau (salted codfish) - as are the grilled meats. The well-priced wine list is almost exclusively Portuguese. Breakfast is a handsome spread of traditional pastries, fruit, smoked salmon, local cheeses and hams, with eggs and bacon on request.

Delfina: Portuguese cuisine, seafood, tapas, local wines. Dishes include salt cod and confit duck leg. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from €14.