Almaria da Corte Apartments | Chiado

Lisbon has no shortage of full-featured boutique hotels as an alternative to traditional, large-scale luxury hotels. But the best way to see the Portuguese capital might be from a lodging that’s even a bit more intimate. Almaria Edificio da Corte is of the latter variety, and in technical terms might not be a hotel at all — just 15 apartments in a picturesque building a few streets up from the riverside.

In fact it’s a building of some significance. The Edificio da Corte stands on the site of what was once the king’s palace — its name pays tribute both to the royal court and to the Corte Real ruling family. Its apartments, in fact, are named for past queens and kings of Portugal, and their interiors, while hardly historical recreations, are shot through with regal flourishes, including ornate chairs, chandeliers, or headboards alongside more modern furnishings and fixtures.

Some feature views of the river, others of the Calçada do Ferragial or the Rua do Ferragial. What elevates them from suite to apartment is the presence of a highly functional kitchenette, as well as a sofa bed and in some cases a second bedroom; all feature espresso machines. Breakfast is served en suite; for lunch and dinner the streets of Lisbon await.