Lisbon’s cobblestone hills are a pathway through a rich history of occupation, which includes the Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and the Romans. Following in the footsteps of these famous civilisations, we recommend that you call Portugal’s capital home, too, if even for a few nights. 

Spoiled for choice for exceptional places to stay, some of the best luxury hotels in Lisbon are also some of the most historic. Many are housed in centuries-old palaces, set next to ruins and shrouded with modern splendor. We’ve selected seven sensational historic Lisbon hotels to what your appetite for a visit to this enchanting city. 

Hotel Avenida Palace

Photo credit: @hotelavenidapalace on Instagram

Built in 1892, Hotel Avenida Palace was one of Lisbon’s first grand hotels.  Michelin-starred restaurants, city sights and high end boutiques are within walking distance, but prime location isn’t the only reason you desire a stay at what discerning travelers consider the best luxury hotel in Lisbon. 

Royals, aristocrats and wealthy bourgeoisie from around the world have checked-in to this Rossio hotel. Live music fills the hallways throughout each month, the sounds of Fado, jazz and classical piano pieces often the soundtrack to guest stays. Evening tea at the Palace Lounge offers a moment to stop, sip and speculate on which distinguished celebrities, dignitaries or nobles have claimed the presidential suite. 

Read more about royal retreats: 7 Luxury Gold Hotels That Have Hosted Royals, Celebrities and More

Corpo Santo

Photo credit: @corposantohotel on Instagram

Discrete luxury is a specialty at Corpo Santo, one of the best luxury hotels in Lisbon for those who appreciate lavishness with a historical flair. A section of the Fernandina Wall, commissioned in 1373 by King Fernando, sits in the refined Fernandina Room where a good book, a strong drink and sweet silence are always welcome. Free walking tours provided by Corpo Santo lend more context to this ruinous hotel, though complimentary access to the Sense Spa is a much more relaxed way to let the historical environment seep into your every pore.

If you love luxury stays: Why Ireland’s Best Hotel is Made for a Holiday Season Escape

Hotel do Chiado 

Photo credit: @hoteldochiado on Instagram

The ever-popular Chiado neighborhood is one of Lisbon’s most historical. Hotel do Chiado’s plot of land has been occupied since the 1200s. Centuries of fires, earthquakes and other damages have lead to reconstructions and renovations, until this historic building finally became a laid-back, upscale hotel. As one of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon’s commercial artery, Hotel do Chiado is an ideal stay for first-time visitors getting acquainted with the city. Head to the rooftop bar for a Chiado Champagne or find a more iconic view from the Elevator de Santa Justa just one block away.

You may also enjoy reading: 10 of the World’s Most Famous Luxury Train Rides

The One Palácio da Anunciada

Photo credit: @theonepalaciodaanunciada on Instagram

The relatively new The One Palácio da Anunciada has yet to become one of the famed historic hotels in Lisbon, but has all the trappings and is sure to be a feature of the city for many years to come. Just behind the Praça dos Restauradores neighboring the Coliseu dos Recreios and Teatro Politeama, The One is minimalist luxury set within a 16th century building. 

Refined traditional Portuguese plates line the tables of the Condes de Ericeira restaurant. Original refurbished hand-painted frescoes and a dazzling coffered ceiling adorn your surroundings. Original wrought iron columns are featured in the Boémio Lounge lobby bar, tempting you to stay in and savor The One’s historical flavor despite being at the epicenter of Lisbon’s gastronomy scene.

Take a look at these artsy accommodations: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels 

Solar do Castelo 

Photo credit: @lisbonheritagehotels on Instagram

The stunning Solar do Castelo hotel is situated in the Alfama neighborhood tucked within the medieval São Jorge Castle. Built on the grounds of the former kitchen of the Royal Palace, a complimentary bottle of Port wine greets guests in each of the Solar do Castelo’s 20 romantic rooms. The garden courtyard showcases relics found during the hotel’s renovation, including the palace’s water tank dating back more than 800 years. Solar do Castelo is the sole hotel in the Castle Village, making it an exclusive escape for visitors who seek a retreat in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and to enjoy a decadent stay at one of the best luxury hotel in Lisbon.

Bookmark for later: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa

Photo credit: @tivoliavenidaliberdade on Instagram

Less than a century old yet still capturing the opulence of Portugal’s famed historic hotels, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa delivers the best luxury hotel experience in Lisbon, bar none. Private sailings on the Tagus, private chauffeurs for trips to Sintra and Cascais, and private helicopter rides over the city are just the tip of the lavish iceberg. 

Both the Presidential Suite and the Diplomatic Suite have Avenida views stretched out before their private balconies. Dozens of specialized treatments at the Anantara Spa cater to every skin type, stress level and soulful desire. The Sky Bar by SEEN is renowned as the trendiest rooftop bar for long Lisbon nights while the pool bar offers exclusive DJ sets for guests only.

Pousada de Lisboa

Photo credit: @pousadasdeportugal on Instagram

We invite you to experience one of Portugal’s historic hotels on Spain & Portugal In Style where you’ll spend two nights at one of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon, Pousada de Lisboa. Located in the historic Terreiro do Paço, the building itself is over two-centuries old and is adorned with artifacts loaned out from nearby museums. With an indoor swimming pool, exceptional spa, savory steakhouse, and unrivaled views from your suite, your stay will be a highlight of your trip.

With Magnificent Stays a hallmark of every Luxury Gold tour, every night is an experience in itself. For more exceptional hotels and destinations, take a look at our worldwide collection of small group journeys.

The only way to top an unforgettable day of exploring the world is to spend the night in an equally memorable hotel. Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world are standard inclusions on Luxury Gold journeys, offering you an opportunity to experience supreme luxury even when you’re simply resting your soles from a long day of globetrotting. You may even spot a celebrity or two while you’re there, as rumors have it these are some of the most star-studded hotels in the world. 

Magnificent Stays with Luxury Gold

Don’t just dream about where the rich and famous stay — spend the night at some of the most luxurious resorts in the world on a Luxury Gold tour. 

The Rubens at the Palace | England

Photo credit: @rubenshotel on Instagram

On the Luxury Gold British Royale journey, your first two nights are spent in The Rubens at the Palace in London. This five-star hotel was once part of Buckingham Palace’s estate, so it comes as no surprise that it’s a favorite for legitimate royalty and celebrities alike. 

Meet Doorman John, who’ll be there to welcome you at The Rubens at The Palace

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Canada

With so much of Canada’s scenic splendor in its backyard, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a fitting site for one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock, and Christopher Reeve are among the famous faces who holidayed here. You’ll join them on our Majesty of the Rockies journey which includes at night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, plus stays at its sibling resorts Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Mena House Hotel | Egypt

Photo credit: @marriottmenahousecairo on Instagram

A most luxurious hotel in the world of five-star accommodations, the Mena House Hotel is fit for a pharaoh. Naturally, it’s an inclusion on the Luxury Gold Elegance of the Nile 11-day journey. You’ll spend two nights there as an introduction to Egypt. It may not be the most expensive hotel in the world, but settle into a pyramid view room and you’ll be rewarded with a priceless portrait of Giza’s greatest structures.    

The Leela Palace | India

Both Bollywood and Hollywood stars have checked-in to The Leela Palace’s most luxurious hotels in the world. With 13 properties under its name, big names like Tom Cruise and Akon are no strangers on the reservations list. You’ll find a stunning room at The Leela Palace Udaipur during the two final nights concluding the Imperial Rajasthan tour with Luxury Gold. This includes a celebration dinner with your group at the hotel’s restaurant, The Dining Room, where a banquet of Indian cuisine offers one last taste of this country’s vibrant culture.

Grand Hotel Oslo | Norway

Photo credit: @grandhoteloslo on Instagram

If you think you might be out of place in the most luxurious hotel in the world, we challenge you to stay at the Grand Hotel Oslo. The diverse list of celebrities and dignitaries who’ve stayed here is astoundingly eclectic: Arnold Palmer, Kid Rock, Jesse Owens, Barbara Walters, Vince Vaughn, Kenny Loggins, Mark Twain, Joe Theismann, Eartha Kit, five U.S. presidents, and Darth Vader himself, James Earl Jones. Your name is missing from the list, but joining the Timeless Scandinavia journey with Luxury Gold will change that. 

Alvear Palace Hotel | Argentina

Photo credit: @alvearpalace on Instagram

Alvear Palace Hotel doesn’t need to be the most expensive hotel in the world to draw a famous crowd: Walt Disney found it especially magical on his trip to Buenos Aires, while both Tony Curtis and Argentine poet Horacio Ferrer decided to make it their homes for a spell. We have a feeling you’ll never want to leave Alvear Palace Hotel either when you stay there on the Luxury Gold Grand South America journey. 

Fairmont Monte Carlo | Monaco

Photo credit: @fairmontmonaco on Instagram

Monaco may be a micronation but the immense wealth within its borders constitutes the need for one of the most luxurious hotels in the world for F1 drivers, movie stars, and everyday travelers alike. Whitney Houston, Robert Wagner, Stevie Wonder, and countless race car drivers have slowed down to appreciate this stunning resort set against the Mediterranean. Stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Southern France journey. 

Five-Star Celebrity Haunts

These hotels may not be on a Luxury Gold journey, but are worth keeping on your radar if celebrity spotting is your preferred vacation past time.

Most luxurious hotel in the world | Burj Al Arab, UAE

Discerning travelers who wish to stay in the most luxurious hotel in the world should book a trip to the United Arab Emirates. Burj Al Arab has already enticed the likes of Justin Bieber, Nelson Mandela, and Roger Federer to stay at what’s officially called the world’s only 7-star hotel.

Most exclusive hotel in the world | The Brando Resort, Tahiti

Photo credit: @thebrandoresort on Instagram

A private island getaway where villas sit in seclusion, The Brando Resort in Tahiti is a luxurious eco-resort where the likes of Oprah, the Obamas, and the Kardashians escape to for uninterrupted bliss. Take one look at the hotel’s name and you’ll not be surprised that it’s one of the most luxurious resorts in the world as far as Marlon Brando is considered: he owned the entire island. 

Most famous hotel in the world | Le Negresco, France

A famous French Riviera hotel rivaling the equally luxe Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Le Negresco’s century-plus history has an envious guest book, making it one of the most famous hotels in the world. The Fab Four, Liz Taylor, Salvador Dali, Elon John, and Queen Elizabeth II are among the once overnighters.