Inspira Santa Marta Hotel

This four-pearl boutique hotel is housed in a lovely off-white building with stylish wrought-iron Juliet balconies looking over the street, giving it a traditional look. The lobby is contrastingly contemporary, with lots of knotty-pine slatted pillars and trim, polished marble floors, and a few clusters of light-gray plush chairs and sofas typical to what one might find in a corporate lobby. The front desk area is brighter, with a series of multihued boxes behind it that add pops of color to the otherwise brown-and-gray space. The hotel's open-plan bar/restaurant is off to one side, with a display case full of wine bottles and a bar counter lined with high-backed chairs. The restaurant's interior has a decor scheme as found in the lobby, with lots of pine paneling, light-wood floors and tables, and lantern-style lighting hanging from the ceilings. A few plants and a ficus tree add even more vibrancy to the space. The hotel attracts both business travelers and tourists alike, and has a subtly hip and youthful vibe. 

The Inspira is located a three-minute walk from Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon's main artery: a tree-lined street packed with high-end hotels and shops. It's a five-minute walk from the Avenida metro stop and the Baxia, Chiado, and Bairro Alto neighborhoods are all under 20 minutes away on foot. The Santa Justa historic elevator is an 18-minute walk from the hotel. It's a  22-minute walk to Praca de Comercio, a beautiful plaza facing the river. Casa dos Bicos is about 10 minutes away on public transportation. St. George's Castle takes just over 20 minutes to reach. It's a 10-minute drive to the National Museum of Ancient Art (20 minutes via public transportation). Getting to the Coach Museum, the largest museum of royal coaches in the world, takes around 20 minutes by car. It's a 17-minute drive to both the Jeronimos Monastery and to the Belem Tower. Expect about 20 minutes in the car or on public transportation to get to Lisbon Portela Airport.

Room types range from Deluxe Twin Rooms, which measure 30 square meters (323 square feet), clear up to ultra-luxurious, 62-square-meter (667-square-foot) Suite Spas, which feature whirlpool hot tubs and large private balconies. All rooms have sleek and modern decor and each is themed after one of the five elements used in Feng Shui (i.e., earth, fire, water, wood, and metal). Though color schemes vary depending on the theme element, guests can generally expect streamlined decor accented by bright throws and cushions, plus handy features such as bedside reading lamps and desks paired with plush office chairs. Amenities found across room types include free Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffeemakers, kettles, safes, and bathrobes and slippers. Bathrooms are spacious, with walk-in showers and large rainfall showerheads, plus separate walk-in water closet areas. Magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and luxury toiletries are provided. However, some rooms are separated from bathrooms only by frosted glass walls, which may compromise privacy.

Features here are especially nice for a boutique hotel. One of the most attractive features is the gorgeous spa -- The ReTreat -- which offers massages, facials, and treatments ranging from salt scrubs to anti-cellulite wraps. Other wellness facilities include a whirlpool hot tub, steam, and sauna. There's also a smallish fitness center with a few weight-training and cardio machines (but no free weights), plus a game room with billiards and lots of plush sectional sofas for guests. 

Dining options include the Open Brasserie Mediterrânica, a privately run restaurant with a whole host of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options along with more traditional offerings ranging from octopus stew to veal burgers. Room service is also available. Drinks and snacks are on offer at the contemporary Urban Bar, which is at its liveliest during major soccer matches, when games are screened on a wall lined with large flat-screen TVs.

For business travelers, the hotel offers two meeting rooms and an auditorium with free audiovisual equipment and catering service available on request. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There's a business corner with a large table and two flat-screen computers for guest use. On-site parking is available for a daily fee.