Be Poet Baixa Hotel, Lisbon

Pros

• An address on a central pedestrian artery in the Baixa/Chiado neighborhood puts you just a block and a half south of Rossio Square and within strolling distance of most Lisbon sites.
• The compact but stylish rooms feature contemporary decor, pops of cheerful color, and modern tiled bathrooms.
• Top-floor rooms include original Pombaline iron balconies, some with views toward the Tagus River.
• You'll be welcomed with a glass of port and a Portuguese pastry, and the small adjoining restaurant offers a breakfast buffet for guests each morning.

Cons

• Rooms are on the small side, common in historic buildings in this part of town, and there are no larger suites or adjoining options. 

Authenticity

Tucked unassumingly between busy sidewalk cafés and boutiques on one of Lisbon's busiest pedestrian avenues, it's easy to walk right past the entrance to the Be Poet Baixa Hotel. Step inside the tiny lobby wrapped with inlaid wood and marble tiling, and the wall art featuring dozens of unfurled books gives your first hint at this boutique hotel's literary theme. Each floor is named for a Portuguese poet, with distinct color palettes (think deep blues for the modernist Fernando Pessoa and pale mint for the early 20th-century feminist Florbela Espanca) and sketched silhouettes across room doors. 

Location

The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring Lisbon on foot. Situated on the pedestrian thoroughfare of Rua Augusta between Rossio Square and Praça do Comércio, this lively area of Baixa is bustling with restaurants, shops, and street performers, and you can stroll to the Santa Justa Elevator or the transport links at Rossio within minutes. A 15-minute walk uphill takes you to Castelo de São Jorge and Alfama, and the famous number 28 tram is accessible in under 10 minutes. The pedestrian-only street means you'll need to be dropped off around the corner if arriving by taxi, and there's no on-site parking.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 30+ rooms are split across four floors reached via elevator, each named for a Portuguese literary great. The decor is contemporary and playful, with geometric designs and minimalist furniture, and all rooms feature modern bathrooms with walk-in showers. The tiny Standard doubles are furnished with pops of deep blues or reds, while Superiors add space and light with larger windows, pale mint furnishings, and king or twin beds. Top-floor Mansarda rooms are tucked into the Pombaline building's sloping roofline and feature tiny original balconies with city views. All rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed.

Amenities

This is a small, townhouse-style property, so amenities are limited, but the welcoming staff is a key part of the hotel's appeal. After greeting you at check-in with a glass of port and a pastel de nata, they're on hand to recommend the neighborhood's best restaurants or arrange rental bikes for you to start your exploring. The hotel's adjoining ground-floor restaurant is a cozy spot with warm lighting and colorful murals, and you'll find a breakfast buffet here in the mornings, followed by Italian fare throughout the day.

Family-Friendliness

While the Be Poet Baixa Hotel welcomes families, its compact rooms and lack of suites or adjoining options mean it's best suited to couples and older children.