AlmaLusa Alfama: A newly opened boutique hotel in Lisbon

AlmaLusa Alfama is the AlmaLusa Hotels’ third hotel (AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado being the first Lisbon property followed by AlmaLusa Comporta). The 25 individually designed rooms and suites are housed in a 12-century building in one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, offering a charming and authentic atmosphere. With friendly staff, 24/7 concierge service, a delicious breakfast, and a helpful concierge service, this is a great hotel for Lisbon ‘first-timers’ looking for a stylish yet comfortable hotel as a base when exploring Portugal’s beautiful capital. 

Lisbon is blessed with a collection of stunning design-led boutique hotels, perfect for a weekend break. Over the past few years, the capital city has seen an increase in design-led hotels honouring the city’s rich history whilst providing modern comfort, and AlmaLusa Alfama is one of them. The newly opened 25-room hotel offers charm, comfort and a slice of history.

Location

The newly opened AlmaLusa Alfama (October 2023), is housed in a bright yellow historic building, located in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods offering a taste of the capital’s rich history and charismatic atmosphere, overlooking the Tagus River.

Right on the doorstep of the hotel guests can immediately immerse themselves in the city’s ambiance by following one of the many narrow cobblestoned streets home to restaurants, cafes, crafts shops and bakeries.

Several of the city’s main sites are only a short walk from the hotel such as ‘Elevador De Santa Justa’, ‘Terreiro Do Paco’, Castelo De S. Jorge’, and ‘Casa Dos Bicos’. Right next to the hotel building a historic arch ‘Arco das Portas do Mar’can be found which used to be the official entry to the city back in the day. 

The reception staff is helpful pointing out some of the city’s best activities and experiences including restaurant and shopping recommendations. Guests also have access to a complimentary smartphone, featuring the ‘AlmaLusa Hotels’ app, during their stay for additional information.

The Deluxe Suite

The check-in is a smooth process. Prior to the stay, an email is sent out to guests asking them to add their details which significantly reduces the time spent at the reception upon arrival. 

Room no 24 is a beautiful and spacious Deluxe Suite in earthy tones, and the most spacious in the hotel with one large king bed,  housed in the restored 12th-century building which even has roots back to the Roman era and is believed to have been a ‘domus’ and private residence of a prosperous family at the time.

The Suite is 36 sqm and compromises an entry hall, a desk, a separate bathroom and a large bedroom with large windows overlooking the river. The kingsize bed has 100% luxury percale cotton sheets and the two open closets on each side of the bed can comfortably store suitcases, shoes and clothes.

The bathroom has a Mediterranean/Roman feel with white subway tiles, mosaic floors and wooden details. There is a rain shower. Shampoo and body lotion are from the Portuguese brand BENAMÔR.

Two large glass bottles of water are provided daily which is a clever way to reduce single-use plastic. A nice touch is the daily sweet treats brought to the room including two slices of a delicious chocolate cake.

Worth noting, the Suite doesn’t have coffee and tea-making facilities in the room, however, guests are welcome to use the coffee machine in the Delfina Cafe. 

Another delightful surprise is the small gift provided on the last night, an artisan bar of soap beautifully wrapped from the Portuguese brand ‘Leme’.

The heart of the hotel – The Delfina Cafe

Next to the reception is the heart of the hotel, the Delfina Cafe, a popular spot among both hotel guests and walk-ins. With large windows overlooking the river, and exposed brick walls, the cafe offers a variety of seating options from plush sofas to armchairs and lower tables.

This is where the daily breakfast is served which is a buffet presented at the bar. In addition to fresh yoghurts, juices, fruit salad, bread, spreads, cold cuts and cheeses, there’s also an option to order eggs to order. The food is fresh and the atmosphere is cosy and friendly.

The spaces fill up quickly around 9 am so to ensure your ‘favourite spot’ ensure to have an early alternatively later breakfast.

Authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurant Delfina

A short walk from the hotel is the hotel group’s other Lisbon property, AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado. The hotel’s restaurant Delfina is open for both lunch and dinner serves Portuguese dishes made from local produce, and is well-known for its extensive wine list.

The ambience is relaxed and the decor is rustic and warm. For dinner, the dining area is quickly filling up and reservations are recommended.

The sauteed prawns and fish soup are both fantastic starters. For main the confit duck leg is cooked to perfection and so is the tenderloin beef steak. Both are served with compliments such as roasted potatoes, and sauteed vegetables.

Although very filling, it’s difficult to resist the dessert menu. The dark chocolate mousse is rich and creamy and the apple and almond gratin served with lemon sorbet (the restaurant was out of the vanilla ice cream) turned out to be a surprisingly tasty combo!

Who is AlmaLusa Alfama for?

With its central location right in the middle of the historic sites and within walking distance to many tourist attractions, the hotel is great for Lisbon ‘first-timers’ who are looking to explore the city.

The hotel provides both baby cots, babysitting services and connecting rooms making it a great hotel for young and extended families and multi-generational travellers.

The service is professional and friendly and the staff is incredibly helpful when it comes to pointing out the best of the city, from the hottest restaurants, and the best coffee spots to specific shops and wellness activities. The staff at the reception went beyond and even lent out their own umbrella when the hotel had run out.