In 1910, Portugal announced itself a republic from the town hall balcony of Praça do Munícipio. Just over 100 years later, set in a beautifully restored 18th- century building that's tucked into a corner of the same square, the AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado Hotel is a breath of fresh air amid many of Lisbon's more aristocratic hotels.
The newly-opened brainchild of experienced hotelier Miguel Simoes de Almeida, this boutique property of just 28 rooms offers informal contemporary luxury for sure, yet still manages to harness the character and history of a wonderful old building which once housed a bank, a prosperous family, a tile factory and a wine merchant.
From here it's just a few metres to the Tagus River in one direction and the upscale designer shopping of Chiado in the other. Lisbon is like that. Its neighbourhoods and hills harbour so many different sights and sounds, you really need to explore it on foot to peek under the city's tourist veneer.
My deluxe suite is a very long room in tasteful brown pastels, dominated by a king-sized bed with crisp cotton sheets, huge pillows and a luxurious shag pile carpet. There's a handy kitchenette with a microwave, dishwasher and fridge and a great view four floors up out over the square.
