Travellers House

Travellers House is located right in the middle of Lisbon's action, in the bustling (and touristy) Baixa-Chiado area. It's a historic part of town, and the building holding the hostel was erected in the 18th century. It still has plenty of classic appeal, like towering windows and wainscoted walls. Like most hostels in Lisbon -- and reflecting the lively neighborhood -- the hotel has a perky, communal vibe, with international guests mingling in spaces like the living area and communal kitchen. The bright style helps keep things upbeat, and details include damask wallpaper and sharp pendant lighting. Traditional azulejo tiles are incorporated here and there, reflecting the area's history. The hotel draws budget-minded tourists to its central location, affordable rates, and social vibe. Expect to see mostly younger travelers here, including couples, families, and solo travelers.

The hostel is in the heart of all of Lisbon's charming -- if touristy -- action, in the buzzing Baixa-Chiado neighborhood. It's a three-minute walk from the Baixa-Chiado Metro station, as well as innumerable bars, restaurants, local shops, confeitarias, and chain stores. It's just five minutes on foot to Praca do Comercio on the Tagus River, while the cathedral or Rossio Square are the same distance in opposite directions. Those in town to party are in luck, as the bars and fado joints of Alta Bairro are only a 10-minute walk away. It's a 20- to 25-minute walk up the hill through the Alfama to reach Sao Jorge Castle, the Moorish citadel overlooking the city and river. Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery are about 20 minutes from the hotel by a combination of walking, metro, and tram or train. Lisbon Portela Airport is a 20-minute drive, or 40 minutes by metro, from Travellers House. 

The dorm rooms and en-suite private rooms have a simple look that still feels a step above most budget hostels we've visited. Many rooms have hardwood floors and furnishings, and some have vintage details like wingback chairs that complement wainscoted walls. Many are done entirely in white, but some have vivid colors like violet or red on the walls. Keep in mind that some rooms are compact and lack actual closets. Standard rooms include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and heating. Some have ceiling fans. Safes or luggage storage and electronic keying also come standard. Some rooms share a bathroom, with a ratio of one bathroom for every five guests. Bathrooms have soap and hairdryers. Towels are changed daily in shared bathrooms and daily upon request in private bathrooms. Private bathrooms are cleaned daily and shared bathrooms are cleaned regularly throughout the day, so there are rarely issues with maintenance. Occasionally there are issues with the water temperature fluctuating in the showers. The studio apartments have a more contemporary look and higher-quality furnishings and bedding. These rooms come with kitchens and flat-screen TVs as well. The rooms are on several floors, with no elevator service, so carrying luggage up the stairs can be a hassle. 

Traveller's House serves a free, high-quality breakfast buffet that includes a nice range of hot and cold options. On occasion, it also hosts occasional dinners, wine tastings, and happy hours (for a fee). There's a communal kitchen for those looking to cook their own meals, refrigerate groceries, or sip free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Beer is also available in the fridge, with payment via the honor system. The hotel hosts nightly social events in the music lounge, and leads activities like Alfama tours and Bairro Alto nightlife crawls. Travellers House has a TV room, mini-van tours and beach visits (fees may apply), free luggage storage, and free use of desktop computers and iPads. The reception desk is open 24 hours and the front door to the hotel is secured 24 hours a day. Nearby public parking is available for a fee.