The Vibe: Authentic.

The Area: In Lisbon’s quaint Alfama district, a 5 minute walk from the São Jorge Castle. This is where Fado was born and the soulful music still echoes across these cobbled streets at night.

The DNA: Set in a refurbished, late 19th century building, Memmo Alfama is a boutique design hotel effortlessly combining a heritage setting with 21st century comfort, mixing a range of textures, from the thick, exposed, ancient, stone walls at the entrance, to the modern, micro-cement walls in the bathrooms. The stylish terrace, complete with red-tiled lap-pool and breathtaking views, is the crowning glory. The make-yourself-at-home vibe extends to a complimentary fridge filled with local delicacies at breakfast time. The sitting room, with wooden floors, tables and designer chairs, doubles as a breakfast room; whilst the Wine Bar upstairs offers food-with-a-view over Lisbon’s rooftops.

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms include the latest equipment, such as an iPod docking station, a LED flat-screen TV, and beds with Egyptian linens and 6 pillows. Luxury bathroom comes with 100% cotton towels and complimentary toiletries. Selected rooms have amazing views of the Tagus.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 42 rooms (17-30m2) (183-323 sq ft) • hotel opened: September 2013 • architecture: stc • bathroom amenities: Saboaria • public parking possible nearby (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk