38°42'56''N, 9°7'33''W Santa Clara 1728, Lisbon, Portugal
The Hotel
Behind the building’s restored 18th-century facade, contemporary lines and palest-white walls offset antique treasures and period features. Architect Manuel Aires Mateus has forged a gentle interplay between texture and light, old and new. Here, owner João Rodrigues extends guests a warm welcome in his family residence.
Picture windows let light flood in and frame views of Alfama – the Moorish quarter – winding cobbled streets and the Pantheon’s baroque-style dome. White oak Artisan Neva chairs, 18th-century oil paintings and plump Marechiaro modular sofas look striking against their simple, luminous backdrop.
Take breakfast together before heading out to stroll the medieval streets of São Vicente. Lisbon’s Atlantic breezes, delicious cuisine and colourful, tile-clad buildings await.
Rooms Just six, large one-bedroom suites, with tactile travertine tubs and Juliet balconies. Santa Clara suites have a large living room, river views from the double bedroom, and garden views from the bathroom; these sleep two adults and up to two children on a sofa-bed. Tejo suites sleep two adults in a spacious, river-view bedroom, with a sitting area and bathroom.
Hotel Fact File
How far to the nearest…
Resident/Neighbour 10m
Beach 15km
Shop 15m
Café/Restaurant 25m
Airport 6.5km (Lisboa)
Build The building is largely original: a survivor of earthquake, fire and flood in 1755. Any new materials used reflect local heritage – Sintra-sourced stone, pine and handmade tiles.
Energy No air-conditioning. Mains electricity; in Portugal, most of this is derived from renewable sources, including wind, hydro- and solar power as well as biomass.
Community The property has an authentic family feel – here, you are a true Lisbonite in a less touristy area of the city.
Digital detox Rooms are blissfully free of gadgets and gizmos; there are no screens here.
Creature comforts Espresso machine. Minifridge with water, soda and wine. Free WiFi.
Quiet Season Pleasures
Engage
Lisbon is at your disposal with its weekend-away hit list of amazing food, cultural sights and historic buildings – many just a short walk away. Hunt for treasures at the legendary Feira da Ladra flea market, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays right on your doorstep. Wend your way to the art-filled church of São Vicente de Fora; or climb up to the 11th-century Castelo de San Jorge or the Miradouro da Graça terrace for sweeping city views.
Savour
Delicious home-cooked food, focusing on fresh local ingredients, is taken family-style at Santa Clara’s communal table for breakfast and lunch. The streets outside are lined with charming traditional cafés and Portuguese restaurants - your hosts will happily point you in the right direction. Make a beeline to Belém to sample the city’s famously tasty custard tarts.
Go slow
Take a book into the sun-dappled courtyard to drink your coffee with. Watch traders setting up flea-market stalls in the morning light. Sketch the skyline from a rooftop terrace. Drift through the day without a plan.
Why we love it
«A beautifully revived 18th-century townhouse, where heritage meets forward-thinking design»