AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado

"An 18th-century building provides the framework for AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, a boutique gem positioned on Praça de Município, one of Lisbon’s most charming squares. Run by hotelier Miguel Simões de Almeida, the heritage hotel offers unassuming Portuguese charm in a quiet setting. The 28 rooms, by Giano Gonçalves, have a soft, neutral palette with pops from accent pillows and black-and-white-tiled bathrooms. Some rooms, like the Deluxe, have Juliet balconies with views of the square. The perks are in the details: Portuguese textiles, local soaps, comfy Colmol beds and mattresses, Renova paper, and free Wi-Fi and loaner smartphones. Suites have sitting areas; some have kitchenettes. Additional perks materialize upon request, including in-room massages, a pillow menu, and babysitting. —Jenna Scatena"

"For a touch of history Conveniently central but quiet with it, AlmaLusa (or ‘Portuguese soul’) is a boutique hotel set in the corner of Lisbon’s peaceful Municipal Square, opposite City Hall and in the middle of Bairro Alto. Most of the building dates from the 18th century when its ground floor housed the busy stables. In a nod to that, the theme here is rustic, with bare, partly stone walls and ceilings, exposed iron girders, and earthy decor: brushed brown leather, distressed wood, and Moroccan-style embroidered cushions. Rooms vary in shape—ours was tremendously long—and all the finishes are smart and at times a touch kooky: an oversized bed and canvas armchair, along with a Moorish mirrored chest of drawers and natty bookcase wallpaper. Best of all are the shuttered windows that look down over the square: be sure to ask for a plaza-facing room. At some point during your stay, sit out in the square and feel the sunshine on your face, whether at one of deli-restaurant Delfina’s alfresco tables or the pavilion cafe just in front that serves very reasonable ice creams and pitas (and to which the hotel Wi-Fi usefully extends). —Becky Lucas Prices: Doubles from $124 Address: Praça do Município n.º 21, 1100-365 Lisboa, Portugal" - Abigail Malbon

"Kick it off, and tell us a little about this hotel.An 18th-century building provides the framework for AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, a boutique gem positioned on Praça de Município, one of Lisbon’s most charming squares. Run by hotelier Miguel Simões de Almeida, the heritage hotel offers unassuming Portuguese charm in a quiet setting. Well, it all sounds pretty perfect. What’s the crowd like?Stylish but understated—just like the hotel itself. Excellent. How was check-in? The attentive concierge and staff provide a smooth orientation, and the hotel's simple layout isn't hard to navigate. In-room technology might be intuitive for some guests and difficult for others. Got it. Now, onto the good stuff: Tell us about the digs.The 28 rooms, designed by Giano Gonçalves, have a soft, neutral palette with pops from accent pillows and the black-and-white-tiled bathrooms. Some rooms, like the Deluxe, have Juliet balconies with views of the square. The standard rooms are smaller than you might imagine—upgrade if you can. Thanks for the heads-up. How about the little things, like the mini bar, or the shower goodies? What made your stay more comfortable?The perks are in the details: Portuguese textiles, local soaps, comfy Colmol beds and mattresses, Renova paper, and free wifi and loaner smartphones. Suites have sitting areas; some have kitchenettes. Additional perks materialize upon request, including in-room massages, a pillow menu, and babysitting. We feel more relaxed already. How about room service and the dining options, in general?Homemade breakfast is included in the room rate. Delfina Restaurant serves rustic Portuguese favorites like fried octopus with rice amid white bistro tables and potted plants. Onto the staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The concierge, particularly plugged-in to Lisbon’s changing landscape, is a great resource for insider recommendations. We'll be sure to seek them out. Any other services or features you'd like to shout out? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Sit outside at the restaurant—it's great people-watching. Noted. Bottom line: Is this hotel worth a stay, and why?In all, this is a solid option for a quiet boutique hotel." - Jenna Scatena

"I checked into AlmaLusa in Baixa Chiado, which is walking distance from most of the city’s major sites, including the Tagus River, bars, and museums. Formerly a grocery store, the hotel opened in 2016 and still maintains intricate tile work from the 18th century." - Kristin Braswell

"Housed in an 18th-century building on the Praça do Município, the site of Lisbon’s City Hall, AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado has just 28 rooms and suites defined by plush beds, a muted color scheme of whites, grays and browns, and views either of the elegant square or an inner patio. But thoughtful room amenities—among them a pillow menu and complimentary 4G smartphones loaded with the hotel’s app for recommendations, booking taxis, and more—give the impression of a much larger property. Plus, the concierge goes out of its way to help guests explore what Lisbon has to offer, from providing a running expert to help navigate street routes to arranging tile-painting lessons, surfing instruction, and even dolphin-watching excursions. Need some pampering after all of that activity? In-room massage treatments are also available."