Memmo Alfama Hotel

From the outside, the Memmo Alfama Hotel doesn't look like much has changed since it opened in the 19th century. Cobblestones line the pathway to the entrance and smooth rock frames the windows on the milk-white facade. But the interior's showcase architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho's bold, eco-minded 2013 redesign, starting with the lobby. For the reception desk, a polished slab of wood rests atop 50 or so metal cylinders, while a halo of tiny lights hangs above, serving as a chandelier. The smooth oatmeal-colored walls occasionally break to expose rough stone and brick underneath, a relic of the centuries-old craftsmanship holding up the building. Weathered wood boards line the floors, speaking to the site's history as well as the current trend for reclaimed materials. The wine bar and terrace have a casual, cosmopolitan flair, with long, unfinished wood tables surrounded by Arne Jacobsen Swan swivel chairs and Ming armchairs. Polished marble lines the outer frame of the terrace. On the roof, a small red wading pool is surrounded by oval-shaped lounge chairs. These spaces have been carefully sculpted to create an easy and refined atmosphere. It's an excellent setting for young, design-conscious couples or solo travelers.

Alfama, where the Memmo Alfama Hotel is located, is Lisbon's oldest district and offers plenty of historic monuments for tourists. The hotel is in a residential part of the district, but it's within a five-minute walk of restaurants and shops. One of the easiest ways to see all of the sites of the city is to catch a ride on Tram 28, a trolley route that passes through several neighborhoods, including Alfama. The initial stop for tram 28 is a 12-minute walk away. The medieval St. George's Castle, a structure once used by the Romans, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Museum of Decorative Arts (also known as the Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva Foundation) is a four-minute stroll away from the property. Igreja de Santa Engracia-Panteao Nacional, which was designed to be a cathedral and now houses remains and cenotaphs of several local figures, is a six-minute drive away. Travelers arriving at Lisbon International Airport should expect the drive to the hotel to take about 20 minutes.

The 42 rooms at Memmo Alfama range in size from Standards to Suites, and some have furnished terraces or patios with views of the rooftops or the Tagus River. Walls are unadorned, except for the occasional Fado album cover or painted portrait. And throughout, a soft, airy palette of white and dove-gray is used in the decor. Most beds are queen or king size with Egyptian cotton sheets and plush mattresses. Overall, rooms are stylish, but minimally furnished; some only have directors' chairs and reading lamps in their lounge spaces. Suites, however, have loveseats and chairs. All rooms have minibars, safes, iHome docking stations, and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms are sleek, with glass walls that encase modern rooms with polished stone surfaces and designer fixtures. For those guests who don't want to be on display in the bathroom, a privacy curtain can be rolled down. Bathrobes, slippers, and individual toiletries add to their luxurious feel.

The amenities at Memmo Alfama Hotel encourage relaxing and include a small, oval-shaped library with books about Portuguese culture. There's also a red-tiled rooftop pool that's big enough for guests to wade in; it looks out over the local rooftops and onto the River Tagus. A small workout room with a treadmill and a handful of other machines is available for exercising. On the terrace, Portuguese tapas dishes and other snacks are available and include ham croquettes and codfish cakes. There's also an extensive wine list. A breakfast buffet with eggs, meat, and pastries is also available for a fee and gets good reviews. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but there's no on-site parking, and public parking in the area is limited.