My Story Hotel Rossio

The Pombaline-style white building that houses My Story Hotel Rossio was built in the 18th-century and has been carefully restored and updated to create a sophisticated and chic environment. The lobby has fun wooden slatted walls, black and white tiled floors, a fluorescent sign of the hotel’s name, and a few contemporary gray armchairs for seating -- all of which come together to create an overall funky, modern vibe. The hotel’s restaurant has a stylish, classy look and a long history: Cafe Portugal burst on to the Lisbon scene in 1938 and was a favorite until the 1970s when it closed. When the hotel opened, they named their restaurant Cafe Portugal in honor of the original that stood in its location. As for decor, it has sophisticated touches like patterned tile, modern upholstered chairs, wooden tables, and glass chandeliers. The quality and attentiveness of service is generally reported as excellent. Overall, though amenities are limited, a central location and stylish interiors draw mostly couples, who can be seen congregating at breakfast in the mornings.

My Story Hotel Rossio is situated on Rossio Square, a popular area of Lisbon since the Middle Ages that's filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a convenient location for tourists wishing to sightsee, and many attractions are within walking distance, like the Carmo Convent, which is just five minutes away. The Praça do Comércio is about a 10-minute walk, as is the waterfront, while Sao Jorge Castle can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery is about a 20-minute drive or around 40 minutes by public transportation. There is a metro station, train station, and bus stop right by the hotel. It’s a 20- to 30-minute drive to Lisbon's Portela Airport, or about a half-hour by public transportation.

The hotel’s rooms all feature stylish furnishings that come together to create a modern industrial look. Though the rooms aren’t too spacious, they all have wooden floors, beds with white linens and gray bed runners, printed curtains, and a few eye-catching accents such as lipstick-red lamp cords or gleaming brass nightstands. Wooden beams and exposed stone walls add a bit of architectural interest, and mismatched signage letters spell out Portuguese words above the bed, giving a dose of whimsy. Some rooms have separate living rooms with couches. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars stocked with a few bottles of water and soda, and mirrors with built-in TVs. Coffee- and tea-making facilities are not provided, however. Windows offer lovely views of the surrounding areas, though guests should opt for Rossio Square views for the best experience. Bathrooms are spotless, though small, but feature wood panels, walk-in rainfall showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

This small boutique hotel has little in the way of amenities. For instance, it lacks a gym, business center, and parking -- but a good, simple breakfast buffet is served daily and available for an added fee. There’s also an on-site restaurant, Cafe Portugal, that serves traditional Portuguese dishes in a stylish dining room or outdoors on the square. Free Wi-Fi is available, as is a public tablet for guest use.