Bairro Alto holds the honor of being Lisbon's first boutique hotel, and definitely one of the best. It also has a legitimate claim to the best location in Lisbon right on Praça Luis de Camões square, and surrounded by restaurants and bars. This upscale boutique hotel is centrally located between the popular Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods, and is within walking distance to most attractions. Its 55 rooms have all been individually decorated, and offer wonderful extras depending on their category. Some have clawfoot tubs, others Ralph Lauren-designed wallpaper, or charming balconies. There's also a nice restaurant serving local cuisine, a cocktail bar that's great for a nightcap, and conveniences such as a business center and massages. But the true highlight here is the wonderful rooftop terrace, boasting gorgeous city and river views. Virtuoso amenities are available at this property for Specialty Cruise & Villas guests.

The 282-room Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is a luxury property atop one of Lisbon's seven hills in a residential neighborhood overlooking Eduardo VII Park. There are few attractions within walking distance, but the Marques de Pombal metro station is nearby. Rooms and suites are spacious and elegant, and come equipped with all of the expected amenities. Most have a balcony or terrace, and some of the city views offered are exceptional. Dining at the two restaurants is recommended, and the two bars are popular gathering spots. The luxury spa with a heated indoor pool and the outdoor running track at the fitness center are both unexpected extras. Prices may be a bit steep depending on the dates, and if that is the case, you may consider taking a look at the Olissippo Lapa Palace or Pestana Palace, both of which offer comparable recreational and spa facilities, though they are located a bit further from the city center. 

Virtuoso amenities are available at this property for Specialty Cruise & Villas guests.

The Tivoli Lisboa is an attractive, upscale hotel located along bustling Avenida de Liberdade. It's within walking distance of restaurants, nightlife, and major attractions, and the Avenida metro system is nearby as well. Rooms are airy and modern, and come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffeemakers. The marble bathrooms are particularly sleek and modern. There are two upmarket restaurants offered, one being our recommended Cervejaria Liberdade, while two bar options include a popular rooftop space with stunning city views. It draws a lively mix of locals and tourists, and hosts live music on weekends. There's also a fitness center with a seasonal outdoor pool, plus numerous event spaces. There is no spa offered. 

Virtuoso amenities are available at this property for Specialty Cruise & Villas guests. 

Housed in a 19th-century palace in a quiet, upscale neighborhood a little ways outside of the city center, the Olissippo Lapa Palace is one the most iconic luxury hotels in Lisbon. It is known among well-heeled couples and business travelers for its opulent interiors, charming gardens complete with a pool, and an excellent Mediterranean restaurant. The serene spa has an indoor pool and several massage rooms, and the fitness center, though small, has plenty of cardio and strength-training equipment. Its elegant rooms have upscale amenities and lots of Old World character, but some may find the rich fabrics, plush carpets in pastel tones, and ornate antiques a little stuffy. The Pestana Palace Hotel has a similar historic feel but often offers lower rates. 

Virtuoso amenities are available at this property for Specialty Cruise & Villas guests.

This luxury boutique hotel opened its doors on Lisbon's high-end shopping street, Avenida da Liberdade, in 2014. The Valverde has chic designer interiors and 25 elegant guest rooms and suites with luxurious black-marble bathrooms. Most rooms have balconies, and come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars, and their Suites offer separate living rooms and extras like espresso machines. Other notable features include a pleasant leafy courtyard with a bar and small restaurant, and a library lounge. Like the neighboring buildings along this exclusive stretch of Avenida da Liberdade, the Valverde Hotel is in a beautiful classical town house of arched windows and sculpted balconies. But once inside, its swanky interiors are darkly moody and modern, with black accent walls and doors, wood-grain paneling, and ambient lighting. Furniture is a mix of contemporary and vintage, such as armchairs in a mod square-print fabric paired with Windsor chairs. The sunlit courtyard garden draws a stylish contrast between its lush vegetation and the streamlined furnishings that include black rectangular planters and wire chairs. One thing to be aware of - the Mini Rooms, at 215 square feet, are compact, and some guests find them cramped and dark. We suggest upgrading to the next category.

Virtuoso amenities are available at this property for Specialty Cruise & Villas guests.

This beautifully renovated 18th-century palace atop one of Lisbon's hills in the cobbled streets of the lively Bairro Alto district houses 47 apartments and penthouses, an elegant spa, and a rooftop restaurant and bar offering a tasty, all-day menu against the backdrop of Lisbon's red-roofed skyline. The narrow streets here in the beating heart of the capital are lined by tiled facades, ancient palaces and old family businesses, where shoes are still handmade and soaps, like the luxurious Claus Porto brand, are hand-wrapped. A boom of new gastronomic hot-spots adds to the mix, justifying Lisbon's increasing presence on the culinary map. Lisbon airport is just a 30 minute drive away. The property has been beautifully renovated, with the original 18th-century grand stone staircase serving as a central feature from which floors radiate off. A sculptural and cubic brass lighting installation hangs in the stairwell, echoing the brass Art Deco style lettering on the walls. Much of the furniture and artwork is bespoke, drawing on the wealth of Portuguese artisanal producers. Of particular note are the hand-woven wall tapestries in every bedroom, which incorporate the black-and-white motif of the hotel with the typical blue and ochre yellow of Lisbon. Despite its very recent opening, the service exemplary, and the staff is efficient and friendly. There is a small but elegant spa, offering four treatment rooms and La Sultane de Saba products. There are sauna and steam rooms available in both male and female changing rooms, and the well-equipped gym is open 24 hours. The 47 available apartments vary in size, with the largest - the three Penthouses - offering attached private terraces with views over the city rooftops. All rooms have French windows with white wooden shutters, and sleek black-and-white headboards. Tapestry bed cushions are made by artisan weavers from the Alentejo, and pictures from contemporary urban artist Maser adorn the walls. Bathrooms, mainly with showers, come with Claus Porto soaps and black-and-white geometric tiling. The sitting rooms of the apartments have rugs custom-made for the hotel by Ferreira de Sá, a long-established, family owned textile firm. Kitchenettes are luxurious, with high-end appliances and porcelain fixtures, as well as a fridge offering complimentary chilled white wine and water upon arrival. 

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Lumi Restaurant, with its open-kitchen layout inside the restaurant and rooftop seating on the terrace overlooking Lisbon, offers simple, well-done dishes drawing on the traditional Portuguese kitchen. Try the roasted octopus with sweet potato and padron peppers, the duck rice with black pork chorizo, the green bean tempura with lime and basil mayo, or the pork trotters wit ha coriander marinade served on garlic bread. Those in search of lighter fare should opt for the seared tuna with pepper, ginger and lime. 

Breakfast is a la carte and includes dishes such as avocado toast and chicken empanadas alongside the normal selection of eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt. Downstairs, Rebel Cafe with an entrance from the street is popular as a caffeine-fueled working hangout. 

Here is something a bit different. Tucked away in a gated compound in Chiado, this sweet-and-chic guest house offers luxury stays with a welcoming family atmosphere. The hotel's history will thrill those who have a soft spot for Portugal's famous cakes and pastries, as it is named for Balthazar Roiz Castanheiro, the founder of the Confeitaria Nacional (Lisbon's oldest patisserie), who moved into the property in 1882. The building still belongs to the family, and outrageously good cakes, pastries, and biscuits served at breakfast all come from the still-thriving pastry firm. With just 17 rooms, Casa Balthazar still maintains the atmosphere of a family home (albeit a particularly well-to-do family) and the beautiful fixtures and fittings reflect the refined tastes of the owners. Located in Chiado, at the epicenter of Lisbon's handsome downtown, the guest house is hidden from the tourist hordes on a quiet back street, and stepping inside feels like a wonderful wind-down after a busy day exploring the city. An expansive pool, and gorgeous views, make a stay here even more of a treat. We recommend the rooms with a private hot tub on the veranda. The views from these are magnificent and make for a memorable stay. There's no restaurant on site, but the breakfasts, served in-room each morning, are an indulgent feast of fresh juices, coffee, and delicious cakes (from Confeitaria Nacional, naturally). The owners of Casa Balthazar run a nearby restaurant, the well regarded Cafe Buenos Aires, and guests are given vouchers for discounted meals. Also nearby is Bairro do Avillez, one of our recommended restaurants, a unique spot where Michelin-starred chef Jose Avillez showcases his flair in both a casual bistro and formal dining restaurant, and customers can stock up on ingredients at a gourmet deli.

Pousada de Lisboa is located right in the Praça do Comér

For the history buffs among us, there is no other place in Barcelona that can compare. The ancient history of the building is on full display at this small boutique property, as exposed stone from the 12th century lingers over the immaculately renovated property. The hotel is actually a combination of two buildings, with the second dating from the 18th century. Regardless of the years, inside is a high-end hotel where service is exceptional, an awareness for eco-friendliness is paramount, and all the little details have been thought of. Location-wise, the hotel couldn't be more fascinating, as you'll find it tucked away in the alleys of the Gothic Quarter. The hotel backs up to the Cathedral and the Plaça Neri, which is famous for its church that just so happened to the favorite of Antoni Gaudí. You'll also see the buildings riddled with bullet holes and blown out chunks, remnants from the Spanish Civil War. Some rooms are more traditional, and some more contemporary, all with fantastic baths. Food is outstanding, as you would expect from Relais & Chateaux. 

Here is something truly different than anything else in Barcelona-a wine themed small boutique hotel in the elegant Eixample district that blends designer decor with practical minimalist rooms. The reception area is a kind of wine bar meets reception desk, with many Spanish wines available by the glass. Many wine related activities are offered. Rates are very reasonable and a good value. 

If you are arriving or departing on a cruise and want to be close to the port, this might be just the place for you. The hotel is right on the cruise pier, is a solid five-star property (though a bit convention like), and has some nice ocean view rooms. Please note, there is not a full spa on site. The property is located very near to the Gothic Quarter, as well as the waterfront and its seafood restaurants. We suggest the Superior Room with Seaview, or the Grand Marina Suite Seaview. Prices are generally quite reasonable.