Altis Belém Hotel & Spa

This sophisticated design hotel has a look all its own, and brings lots of sharp style to the luxury hotel game in the Lisbon region. Its aim is to represent a contemporary view of the Golden Ages of Portugal during the discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. This theme is used throughout the hotel, including in guest rooms, where illustrated wall panels take guests on a journey from Mauritania on the West coast of Africa, through Arabia, India, Siam, Osaka, and across to the tropics via Brazil. One wall in the lobby displays artifacts and interesting objects from all over the world. It's a cozy yet chic setting where guests can gather and hang out in cushy black leather arm chairs. The atmosphere is complemented by true luxury-level amenities, like Michelin-starred dining and a gorgeous spa. The hotel draws mostly couples and business travelers. 

The Altis Belem is located in Belem, right on the Tagus River. This area is known for historic monuments, museums, famous pastry shops, and a scenic promenade along the river. Most of those sights are located within a 15-minute walk, including modern art exhibits at the Berardo Collection, the Tower of Belem, MAAT (which fuses contemporary art and technology), and Jeronimos Monastery.  You'd also be remiss if you didn't hit up Pasteis de Belem, which is supposedly where delicious pasteis de nata were born and is also a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Trains are easy enough to catch to central Lisbon, with a total journey time of about 30 minutes, including a 15-minute walk to the Belem train station. Budget 20 minutes to reach Lisbon's airport by taxi, though traffic can alter that.

Rooms and suites here are modern and unique, with views of the marina and river, or the gardens -- some even have glimpses of the Tower of Belem in the distance. Floor-to-ceiling windows only add to the effect. Decor is a bit different in each room, with a theme of Portuguese discoveries. Striking illustrated wall panels give each room a flavor of its own. Jewel tones like emerald and ruby figure alongside lots of white, dark wood, and black, to give the spaces just a touch of sex appeal. All are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, desks, minibars, safes, Nespresso coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Marble bathrooms are sleek and modern, with glass walls separating the bathing facilities from the bedrooms (modest guests should be aware that there are no blinds). Showers have rainfall showerheads, and there are deep soaking tubs as well. Mirrors line the walls, and toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided. Suites are larger and add separate living areas plus furnished balconies with jetted tubs.

For such a small hotel, Altis Belem offers an exceptional list of features. An extensive breakfast buffet is served in Cafeteria Mensagem for a fee, and can be taken indoors or outdoors, with views of the waterfront. Lunch and dinner are also served there, and sushi is among the offerings. For sophisticated dinners, guests can opt for the Michelin-starred Feitoria Restaurant & Wine Bar, which blends local and international fare. Bar 38º41' is a trendy space serving drinks and light fare along with gorgeous views of the water. Guests can sit inside or out on the terrace. Room service is also available. The large and lovely BSpa by Karin Herzog has a Thermo Garden comprising an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, Turkish bath and high-tech showers. The list of massages, facials, and body treatments is extensive. There's also an outdoor pool and deck with views of the Tagus and Lisbon's famous Ponte 25 de Abril. Children younger than 16 are not allowed in the Thermo Garden outside of limited morning hours. The fitness center is an attractive space with modern cardio and weight-training machines, free weights, and exercise balls.Three flexible events spaces can be used individually or combined for larger events. They all have windows for natural light. Outdoor spaces are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Free shuttles are available to the other Altis properties in Lisbon, but can be infrequent.