Hotel Expo Astória

The seven-floor Hotel Expo Astoria is a charming property dating back to 1917, with iron railings, balconies, and arched windows. A set of narrow doors leads into an eclectically designed lobby that’s brimming with modern and artistic designs. Sculptures of hands sit above a cubed metallic bench that climbs up the wall by a back-lit, illuminated front desk. The bar lounge’s glass railings hang over the reception area. The hotel’s fun and contemporary designs, central location and reasonable rates mostly appeal to vacationing couples as well as business travelers with work in the area.

Sitting near the Eduardo VII Park, the hotel is a reliable choice for guests who are traveling without cars. The area is a business district, but there are a few bakeries and restaurants nearby. Avenida da Liberdade -- with plenty of high-end shopping options -- is within walking distance. The Marquis of Pombal Square roundabout and subway station are right by the hotel, making it easy to access the city’s sights by public transportation. The Rossio main square,  the historic district of Chiado, and the Justa historic elevator are all a 20-minute subway ride away. The lively Bairro Alto takes 20 minutes to reach on foot, while the Lisbon Portela Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower are about an hour away by bus.

Rooms are clean and sleek, with minimalist brown and black modern furnishings, but the lack of wall decor makes them feel bare. Windows or narrow balconies have sliding wooden doors instead of curtains and rooms look out on other buildings or onto the cityscape. Although most units have open-pan layouts, some Double Rooms have separate rooms -- albeit without doors -- with wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and single beds. Triple Rooms are suitable for groups or families and have three beds plus bench seating a sectioned-off sitting area. Clean, updated bathrooms have glass walk-in showers with wall-mounted toiletries and hairdryers.

This small hotel creatively uses the limited space it has in a striking way. A small staircase and an elevator lead to the hiply furnished, mezzanine-level lounge bar with an illuminated bar facade, clear stools, and colorful upholstered chairs and wooden tables. Camaroes by Astoria -- the breakfast restaurant -- has contemporary furniture, with circular mirrors fixed on the wall and metallic booth seating. A continental breakfast is included in some room rates. The front desk is open 24/7 and can help with car rentals and local information. A glowing neon design lights up the business center, which has leather chairs and two PCs. Wi-Fi is also included in some room rates.