AlmaLusa Alfama in Lisbon – a beautiful hotel right in the middle of history is written by Jens Skovgaard Andersen. RejsRejsRejs was invited by AlmaLusa Alfama. All opinions are, as usual, those of the editors.
Hotel comfort in a historic setting
Right in the heart of historic Lisbon lies the medieval district of Alfama. And in Alfama is the hotel AlmaLusa Alfama. It is simply the perfect place to stay when you want to experience Portugal atmospheric capital.
One of the coziest neighborhoods in Lisbon is the historic Alfama, which still looks as it did in the Middle Ages, with steep, narrow, winding streets, small intimate squares, local life and plenty of attractions.
At the top of the steep streets of Alfama lies the Castle of São Jorge, one of the city's great highlights. And down at the bottom of the hill, right next to the water, lies the newest of AlmaLusa's two centrally located hotels.
The other hotel, AlmaLusa Baixa-Chiado, is located a few minutes away, just across the large square Praça do Comércio. Both hotels are located in historic buildings, and history is generally important to AlmaLusa. You will have no doubt about that when you stay there.
The hotel in Alfama is located in a yellow building from the 1100th century, which served as a watchtower in the city walls during the Middle Ages. In fact, the gate through the hotel itself is one of the old city gates from the harbor into Alfama, and with Lisbon's old cathedral as your closest neighbor, you are truly in historic surroundings here.
Attention to detail at AlmaLusa Alfama
Sometimes it's the little things that make the big difference. That's how it is at AlmaLusa Alfama. Here, you don't skip where the fence is lowest. The focus is on quality down to the smallest detail.
All the rooms are individually decorated, and you are greeted with comfortable beds, comfortable bathrooms and generally comfortable surroundings. That means something. The fact that you are also greeted with a homemade chocolate cake when you arrive is just the icing on the cake.
When you live in the middle of a popular city full of experiences, of course you're not supposed to spend the whole holiday in your room, but it's nice to be able to take a few hours out of the program and just enjoy that AlmaLusa has made an effort for you.
Eat, drink and be free – AlmaLusa helps you with everything
Some of the best of Lisbon is that you don't need to have any plans before you arrive. The city itself is the main attraction. Slow down and enjoy the calm pace that you find here, despite being in a busy city. Lisbon is not like other cities.
Take a walk without looking for anything in particular. Especially right behind the hotel there are lots of narrow alleys that hide little experiences wherever you look. There is street art of all kinds, paintings and photos of local residents, crooked old houses, flowers in the windows and laundry on the line.
Lisbon's city centre has a special atmosphere, and you can spend your entire holiday just strolling around, sitting down at a local restaurant – called a 'tasca' – and enjoying the fresh catch of the day and a jug of the house wine. It doesn't get much better than that.
If you still want to do some more organized sightseeing, get out of town a bit, or just need help finding something specific, AlmaLusa's concierge service is ready to guide you. They know the city better than anyone. And you can even get a phone from the hotel so you can find your way around without having to turn on your own phone - you're on vacation, after all.
Another highlight of the hotel is the café and restaurant Delfina, located next to the reception with seating both inside and out on the square down towards the river. They offer delicacies both for the breakfast buffet and also throughout the day when they open to people from outside.
Enjoy the locals petiscas – Portugal's response to Spain tapas – and don't forget the sweets. The restaurant has also been thoughtfully designed, and it's easy to sink into the soft cushions and watch the city life pass by in the square, forgetting to go out and experience Alfama and Lisbon.
On the doorstep of the Middle Ages
When you walk through the gate of the Hotel AlmaLusa and up the stairs, you can immediately feel that Alfama is from a different time. A time before cars and wide boulevards, and a time when everything was done on foot.
Lisbon was hit by a massive earthquake in 1755, leveling much of the city. An unimaginable tragedy that has left its mark to this day. The long, straight streets that lead down to the water and the hotel were built after the ruins from the earthquake were cleared.
But Alfama and the neighboring neighborhood of Mouraria were spared. The Middle Ages are still alive here. Turn left when you come out of the hotel door and take a walk along the old city wall with the old narrow gates. Slip through one of the gates and explore medieval Lisbon.
The old churches and monastery buildings are worth a visit, as is the castle on top with its fantastic views. Overall, the view is one of the biggest attractions of Alfama. Many restaurants and cafes have terraces where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshment with a view of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
Lisbon is for life-lovers, and so is AlmaLusa Alfama. Here, coziness and history are the focus – and you are also in the center, right in the middle of Portugal's cozy capital. Really enjoy.
5 reasons to stay at AlmaLusa Alfama
- Great location
- Good breakfast
- Concierge service
- Lovely rooms
- The hotel's restaurant Delfina
Did you know: Here are the 7 cities in Europe with the most hours of sunshine
7: Nice in France – 342 hours/month
6: Valencia in Spain – 343 hours/month
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