Altis Belém is the hotel for travellers who want to sleep by the Tagus, in the part of Lisbon where the Age of Discoveries left its monuments. It is at Doca do Bom Sucesso, on the riverside promenade, and places it in the Restelo area, connected to the convention centre, with Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery nearby. The hotel is a member of Design Hotels and describes itself as a luxury boutique property with Tagus views. It has 50 individually decorated rooms, which gives it a human scale for a hotel with such a full list of facilities. The booking page mentions an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool with sun loungers, a spa offering hot stone massage, two restaurants including one with a Michelin-starred meal, a bar, a terrace, a garden and a marina outlook. Free self parking and free valet parking are listed, which is an unusual perk in Lisbon, along with an electric car charging station and free in-room Wi-Fi. The booking page carries a class of 5.0 and notes a Green Key certification. Pets are not allowed, and the breakfast buffet carries a surcharge. For a combination of river views, calm and access to Belém's sights, there is nothing quite like it in the city.
The location is its defining point. Belém is a few kilometres from the centre, so you trade the Baixa's bustle for open skies, river light and monuments you can reach on foot. The Pastéis de Belém, the Coach Museum and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos are all in the same district. The tram and train bring the centre within easy reach when you want it.
Living in it
The hotel is calm and sleek, with a focus on the river views and on the restaurant and spa. The booking page gives pool access hours, so plan your swim accordingly. The convenience of free parking is a strong reason to stay if you are driving to Sintra or Cascais, because you avoid the usual search for a space. Remember that Belém is quieter in the evening than the old centre, so you will probably dine in the hotel or take a short ride into town.
Base math
Expect top-of-market pricing, especially in the warm months, and consider whether you want to be in Belém rather than the historic centre. It suits couples, history-minded travellers and anyone using Lisbon as a base for the coast. If you want to wake up in the middle of the old town, look at Alfama or Chiado; if you want river light and room to breathe, this is an excellent choice.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor and seasonal outdoor pools
- ✓Spa with hot stone massage
- ✓Two restaurants including a Michelin-starred meal
- ✓Bar, terrace and garden
- ✓Free self and valet parking
- ✓Electric car charging
- ✓Free in-room Wi-Fi
- ✓Tagus riverside promenade
Good questions
Is Altis Belém near the main monuments?+
Yes. The hotel lists a location near Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, on the Tagus riverside at Doca do Bom Sucesso.
Is parking free?+
The booking page shows free self parking and free valet parking, which is unusual for Lisbon.
How many rooms does it have?+
The booking page says 50 individually decorated rooms, so it feels more intimate than larger hotels.
