A love letter to one of the oldest cities in the world.
Why We Love This: Dear Lisbon is a love letter to one of the oldest cities in the world. From its personalized service, to room and suites that depict the history manifested by each building the owners carefully chose to refurbish. Dear Lisbon is the perfect stay for travelers looking for a truly authentic or boutique experience in the heart of an alluring capital.
The Story:
Eight years ago, Lisbon was a ghost town. During this time, the owners of Dear Lisbon Guest Houses established operations with a small 9-unit Charming House which served as a refined bed & breakfast. The business began to bloom as did travelers who flooded Lisbon for its inexpensive wining and dining options.
Today, the brand has expanded to five different lodging experiences. None of them are more than 30 rooms, and the owners have designed every room according to the theme of each building that ooze a particular personality, a certain charisma. Similar to its story of a family business, Dear Lisbon has arrived to embody the bridge between the past and the present.
The Experience:
The Charming House (Santa Catarina neighborhood): As Dear Lisbon’s very first guest house, it has 20 rooms including: Terrace Rooms, Junior Suites, Garden Rooms, and Street Rooms. Symbolizing Portugal’s Moorish foundations is a Moroccan-style pool as a memento of an upscale riad in Marrakesh. This house also has a living room-style lounge where you can enjoy a mini-library. If you’re a music fan, don’t hesitate to sift through a great collection of old vinyls.
Palace Chiado (Chiado neighborhood): During the 19th century, this building was the original home of Viscondes de Loures – a Portuguese noble family. Since 1846, this palace has been hosting Grémio Literário, a literature member’s club. As an homage to abundant literary influences, each of the 9 suites are named after a famous artist throughout Portuguese history. The original aristocratic wooden doors and iron balconies also exude an old-school charm.
Gallery House (São Bento neighborhood): In the hub of expats and young creatives, Gallery House caters to the co-working space goers or digital artists and entrepreneurs. As the largest guest house, here are 26 rooms and suites including: Doube, Double with a private Terrace, Double Superior, Double Deluxe and Suite with Private Terrace. The ground floor has a co-working space: Galerias de São Bento, where local entrepreneurs can network with international travelers.
Bordalo House (Chiado neighborhood): As a tribute to Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, this guest house showcases the elegance of the Belle Epoque period. Bordalo House was transformed from an old Portuguese home into a contemporary guest house which still contains the antique plaster ceilings and classical furnishing. The bathrooms are adorned with mosaic tiles. Don’t miss having breakfast in the public kitchen embellished with original ceramic walls.
Living House (Santa Catarina neighborhood): Although it’s the smallest house of the Dear Lisbon brand, Living House exemplifies the most urban ambiance. As the little brother to the Gallery House, Living House has 6 rooms spread across 3 floors with completely modern and sleek designs. The interior decor represents the future of Portugal’s innovation.
Amenities & Services:
Passing through the doors of any Dear Lisbon Guest House, you’ll be greeted upon managers who act as the city’s ambassadors. Operations Manager, Fabia Murta, explains to Jetset Times that:
“Hospitality and services are our key factors. We have beautiful houses but if we don’t have the right bond with our customers, we won’t go anywhere. It’s all about the people.“
Without room service, the concierge makes up for it by offering local recommendations if you want to avoid tourist hubs. Breakfast is served in each guest house. Laundry, rental cars, and babysitting are available upon request.
Suitable For…
Ages: 30+. History buffs. Artists. Families. Honeymooners. Female solo travelers. Business or entrepreneurs.
