We care about your privacy. We attempt to limit our use of cookies to those that help improve our site. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies. To learn more about cookies see our Privacy Policy.
>
A tiled corner in the courtyard restaurant .
There were 76 stairs to get to the room, but it was worth the climb for the view and exposed rafters alone. While there were shared rooms for 6, 9 and 12 people, the Hostel also had 2 suites in the attic which essentially makes the place feel like a beautifully pint-sized boutique hotel.
The lobby of the hostel is a bright red that changes to a rich, port colour in the evening.
In my room was this cozy niche near the fireplace, complete with vintage furniture and an industrial-scale fan for the warm nights.
The view from the balcony of my room was pretty spectacular.
Worn exhibition posters and art memorabilia line the hallways of the hostel.
At the core of the hostel is this courtyard-cum-staircase… the light was incredible.
A collection of tins I picked up at Sol e Pesca, a fish bar near the waterfront.
Just behind the hostel is a network of cobbled lanes and alleyways empty by day but a-buzz with bars and music after 6pm.
An impressive top-lit stucco staircase spirals round the centre of the hostel.
Bonding with an Aloe at the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens) right next door to the hostel.
Highs & Lows
-
No grubby hallways or sketchy common areas. This hostel is housed in the old Swiss Ambassador’s residence so it feels very special walking between the lofty rooms which have been filled with vintage furniture and art pieces.
-
Despite shared rooms, there are plenty of spaces to hang out if you need down-time. A large drawing room on the first floor has various seating areas and downstairs there is a network of sitting rooms, studies and alcoves.
-
The restaurant, the Decadente, stays open late and serves fresh and delicious food. Eating outside in the courtyard was a real treat and the city seemed a thousand miles away.
-
The hostel is on a hill overlooking the haphazard slopes of the city, connected to the main squares by an old cable car that meanders steeply down the hill.
-
Ultimately this is a hostel - so shared bathrooms, no towels, no mini-bar and you make your own bed. Not good for those used to luxury and pampering
-
I didn’t mind that the room was so hot because I’d left 10 degrees behind in London so it was nice to sleep with the balcony doors open, but I can see it would be a bit too sticky for some.
Important Bits
-
Type
Hostel
-
Vibe
Faded grandeur and vintage furniture… more museum than hostel!
-
Location
Perched on a hill and just a 2 minute cable-car ride from the Grand Central Square.
-
Rooms
11 shared rooms and 2 private suites.
-
Music
Samba + French 60s pop.
-
Year Opened
2012
-
Designed By
A team of local aesthetes trawling the junk shops and furniture fairs of the city.
-
Health & Wellness
No.
-
Restaurant
Yes, in a small courtyard at the back of the house aptly named the Decadente.
-
Bar
Yes, taking over several small lounges filled with vintage furniture and knick-knacks.
-
Children
Probably a headache – too many breakables.
-
Price
Cheap as hell!
- Website
The Jardim Botânico
Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, Principe Real
Teatro da Garagem
Teatro Da Garagem, Cooperativa De Responsabilidade, Lda. C. R. L., Lisbon, Portugal
Sol e Pesca
Sol e Pesca市场, Rua Nova do Carvalho, Lisbon, Portugal
Hostel Independente
R. São Pedro de Alcântara 81, Lisboa, Portugal
In the Area
Hotel Location R. São Pedro de Alcântara 81, Lisboa, Portugal
Bring It
Share this Hotel
More AHL
Lisbon, Portugal
Baixa House
by Jewels Smith
“Feel at home while you explore one of the liveliest areas of Lisbon”
Lisbon, Portugal
Valverde Hotel
by Tansy Kaschak
“As elegant as it is homely with impeccable comfort, service and in the best location”
