Hotel Lisboa Tejo

We love the swank, stylish and yet happily down-to-earth Hotel Lisboa Tejo. From the hip lobby and modern rooms to the preserved 16th-century well and original exposed stone walls, the Tejo offers something old, something new... and, heck, it's decorated in blue.

The Tejo's 58 rooms, all non-smoking and very clean, offer a modern (and blue) take on the nautical theme. All rooms are equipped with a satellite TV and air conditioning. Décor is cheerful and furniture is shabby-chic, if occasionally scuffed. Suites are larger and include a sitting room with a couch and second TV. Second and fifth floor rooms facing the street have balconies. Bathrooms are clean and white with marble sinks, and all are equipped with tubs.

Despite being below the lobby, the Tejo's book-lined breakfast room is light and airy. The included breakfast buffet comes with bacon and eggs (yes!).

The swank lobby, decorated with attractive mosaics and tiles, has a bar and Internet station. If you dig the funky Portuguese music streaming in, you can buy the CD at the reception. (Speaking of which, we couldn't ask for a friendlier staff.)

The Tejo's location, on the northeast corner of Baixa, is next to the Praça da Figueira and within easy walking distance of Alfama and the Castelo. It's a convenient and busy corner—and we'd recommend asking for a room on a higher floor (and maybe even the back side) to minimize traffic noise.

Wi-Fi is offered for free in the lounge, although you must pay to access it in your room.