Hotel Santa Justa

The pale yellow stucco and masonry facade of Hotel Santa Justa, on a busy corner overlooking a cobblestone street, contrasts its contemporary interiors. The lobby features a glass-covered white reception desk under tiny silver pendant lights, and cayenne-painted walls adorned with silver framed mirrors. The contemporary furnishings include crushed orange velvet fabric and dark leather upholstery, dark-wood tables, and gray silk shaded pendant lights. At the bar, stools upholstered in pale leather pull up to a thick marble counter. Niches of seating in arched, stone-columned spaces extend the lounge and adjacent restaurant whose tables include street-facing views and Old World touches like fresh flowers and silver candlesticks. Art in the hotel reflects the city's design history with black-and-white photo murals of various architectural flourishes. 

Hotel Santa Justa is situated on the corner of two busy pedestrian streets, and it's within walking distance of many of the city's historic attractions. There are lots of restaurants and retail shops selling clothes, shoes, and souvenirs in the immediate vicinity. It's a three-minute walk to the Rossio Metro stop and one minute more on foot to the Chiado Metro. It is a three-minute walk to the historic square of Praca Dom Pedro IV. The medieval Carmo Convent is six minutes on foot, while the Lisbon Cathedral is an eight-minute walk away. Sao Jorge Castle and the historic Alfama neighborhood are a 15-minute walk, while the Belem district, with attractions like the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, is about a 20-minute drive or 40 minutes by public transit. Lisbon Oceanarium is a 15-minute drive or a half-hour by public transit. The Lisbon Airport can be reached in about 15 minutes by car or public transportation. 

Rooms at the Hotel Santa Justa are quiet due to serious soundproofing, and stylish thanks to their modern decor. Large, tufted headboards, and sleek black furnishings give the spaces a sexy feel. The floors are light wood with cayenne-colored area rugs that match bed throws, while white walls and bedding make the bright hues pop. Large windows are framed by long, silver silk black-out drapes and sheers. Some rooms have balconies that overlook the pedestrian street below, while others overlook the city. Black-and-white photos of city icons and architectural motifs adorn the walls. All rooms have air-conditioning, Krups espresso-makers, 40-inch LED flat-screen TVs, safes, irons/ironing boards, and a variety of electrical sockets to accommodate international travelers. Minibars are stocked with free water, juice, soda, and beer. Free cakes and small bottles of Port upon arrival are a nice touch, as are the nightly pillow chocolates. Marble bathrooms have glass and marble shelving, prettily packaged toiletries, hairdryers, and lighted magnifying mirrors. In addition to the glass wall shower, there are rainfall and powerhead fittings and modern fixtures. Some rooms have jetted tubs. Some guests complain that the rooms can be a bit dark, especially on gray days.

Given its size (55 rooms) the Hotel Santa Justa is missing some of the features expected of an upscale hotel -- there's no gym or spa -- but the features on hand are rather luxe. The hotel's restaurant and bar serves breakfast (for a fee) as well as a regional menu for lunch and dinner, plus room service is available (during limited hours). The 24-hour front desk offers concierge service and rental car arrangements, and guests can book a shuttle or private car to the airport (for a fee). There is parking nearby for a fee as well. Guests can borrow beach towels at no charge. Babysitting and laundry services are provided for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout and free newspapers are available in the lobby. Two computer workstations are available for guests' use.