Nicola Rossio Hotel, Lisbon

Kimkim team favorite · 5.0 (1 review) · Mid-range
Charming Art Deco hotel in a restored Pombaline building overlooking Rossio Square, with vintage-style rooms and complimentary port and pastries

Overview

The small, townhouse-style Nicola Rossio Hotel offers an homage to the Art Deco from its perch at the edge of Lisbon's central Rossio Square. Travelers will find plenty of city landmarks on their doorstep, including the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge, and the 20+ rooms embrace the hotel's vintage theme with curved leather headboards, pale green accents, and parquet flooring. Larger rooms offer views over the square and castle, and downstairs there's a charming but snug breakfast room that serves fresh Portuguese pastries alongside the city's strong "bica" coffee.

Kimkim's Take

Coraima
Coraima Yañez kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, October 2024 (Learn more)
Pros
  • The hotel has a prime central location, overlooking Lisbon's famous Rossio Square and within walking distance of most major landmarks.
  • You'll be staying in a fully restored 18th-century Pombaline building, featuring Art Deco design elements inspired by the historic Café Nicola next door.
  • Rooms feel straight out of the 1930s with creamy mint green walls, parquet flooring, and marble accents, and some offer views over the square and Castelo de São Jorge.
  • You'll experience a warm Lisbon welcome with a glass of port and pastéis de nata at reception.
Cons
  • Access to the hotel is via a pedestrian-only street, requiring a short walk from the nearest taxi drop-off point.
  • While the hotel has an elevator, some sections are accessible only by stairs and aren't suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
  • The small breakfast room can feel a bit cramped in the mornings, but you'll also have the historic Café Nicola and plenty of other options on your doorstep.
  • The central location can mean a bit of noise from the street and square. 

Authenticity

The Nicola Rossio Hotel is reached from an unassuming pedestrian side street, but step inside this restored 18th-century Pombaline building and you'll find an homage to Art Deco. Inspired by the history of the adjacent Café Nicola (once a haunt of Lisbon's literati), the lobby features dark, polished marble, plush velvet divans, and gleaming brass accents. The small, intimate vibe of the hotel means you'll feel right at home from the moment you're welcomed with a glass of port and pastéis de nata, and the friendly staff is always happy to share local recommendations and neighborhood tips.

Location

Situated amid the grand plazas and neoclassical architecture of Baixa, just off Rossio Square, the hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring Lisbon on foot. Praça do Comércio is a mere 10-minute stroll south, and a 15-minute walk uphill takes you to Castelo de São Jorge and Alfama. The famous number 28 tram is accessible in under 10 minutes, and Rossio train station is just steps away. The hotel's entrance on the pedestrian-only Rua 1º de Dezembro 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 rooms continue the hotel's vintage, Art Deco theme, with creamy mint green walls, curved leather headboards, parquet flooring, and polished marble and walnut accents. Bathrooms are modern and well-equipped, with walk-in showers. You can choose between Standard and Superior room options (the latter offers a bit more space and better views), and all rooms include air-conditioning, free WiFi, and coffee-making facilities. For the ultimate Lisbon views, request one of the rooms overlooking the square and the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge. 

Amenities

This is a small boutique property and it doesn't offer much in the way of extra amenities. Common areas are limited to the swanky lobby and small breakfast room, which serves a bountiful buffet in the mornings, including fresh Portuguese pastries. The hotel has an elevator, though some areas, like the breakfast room, require navigating stairs, so it's not the best fit for those with limited mobility. 

Family-Friendliness

Children are allowed at the hotel, but there are no specific amenities for them, and there are no family rooms or suites to accommodate larger groups.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +351 21 054 8010
Hotel address icon R. 1º de Dezembro 12

Traveler Reviews

Coraima
Coraima Y.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024
I'm a kimkim employee and stayed at the Nicola Rossio for a work trip. The hotel is in a central location, making it very easy to explore the city on foot. It's tucked away in a pedestrian street, right off Dom Pedro IV Plaza (Rossio Plaza), so you don't experience heavy car traffic from the busy street nearby. The hotel staff was friendly and welcoming throughout my entire stay, and the breakfast was simple but delicious! Read more

I'm a kimkim employee and stayed at the Nicola Rossio for a work trip. The hotel is in a central location, making it very easy to explore the city on foot. It's tucked away in a pedestrian street, right off Dom Pedro IV Plaza (Rossio Plaza), so you don't experience heavy car traffic from the busy street nearby. The hotel staff was friendly and welcoming throughout my entire stay, and the breakfast was simple but delicious!

Authenticity & Character
The hotel's design is on the modern side, but its location retains the local feel and authenticity.
Location
There's heavy foot traffic outside of the hotel during the daytime, so sometimes you get a little noise. This never affected me later in the day or at night. It's on a pedestrian street, which can limit car access, but the pickup point was about a 2-minute walk from the hotel, so it wasn't an inconvenience.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2024

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +351 21 054 8010
Hotel address icon R. 1º de Dezembro 12