Image by @lily_stock

Located in Avenida da Liberdade, the 5th Avenue of Lisbon, Valverde Hotel is a luxurious mix of contemporary, vintage and mid-century design in a dark glamorous palette by José Pedro Vieira e Diogo Rosa Lã. Designed more like upscale townhouses, the experience from the intimate restaurant to the heated pool in the patio is a comfortable luxury that was missing in Lisbon.

Avenida da Liberdade, 164,
1250-146 Lisbon

Image by Browns Central

The Browns Hotel Group know what they're doing. Portuguese-owned Browns Central is a renovated downtown classical building renovated in a contemporary/mid-century vibe. The lounge area is casually sophisticated in jewel-tone velvets, brass and great lighting, with brutalist cement stairs leading up to the warm contemporary rooms complete with all marble bathrooms. We once completely messed up a reservation (or rather an online booker did) and they absolutely stepped up and made the experience an incredibly positive one. I've been recommending it to anyone who'll listen since then. Also in the downtown Baixa neighbourhood are Browns | Boutique and Browns | Downtown, done in different but equally stylish design. 

Rua da Assunção nº75,
1100-042 Lisboa

Image by The Independente

A former palace (sensing a theme?) now decorated in an eclectic approachable style, the Independente is two buildings next to eachother that are a great place to stay without breaking the bank. With spacious rooms with tall ceilings, you could call it a "Luxury Hostel". Downstairs is great lunch spot The Decadente, with the front bar the perfect spot for a drink before you hit the night - the best part is that it's right by nightlife favorite Bairro Alto neighborhood. Part of the Portuguese-owned "Independente Collective", they also have a country farm hotel and a few restaurants. All stylish and casual, check them out.

R. São Pedro de Alcântara 81,
1250-238 Lisboa