The 7 Hotel

Though there aren’t many places to interact or lounge at The 7 Hotel -- as the only public spaces are the lobby and breakfast room -- that doesn’t mean there isn’t any character here. The hotel opened in 2015 and sits in a historic area that dates to the Roman times. Over the years, the hotel has been homes and factories, among other things. During the renovation of the building, construction workers found many historic artifacts that are currently on display. As for the decor, it’s modern and clean with a lobby that has white glossy floors, a black-and-gold reception desk, trendy gray chairs, a cream couch, and an electric fireplace below a large flat-screen TV. The breakfast room is similarly posh with gray contemporary chairs, wooden tables, and charming gray-and-red place settings. The main clientele are couples, drawn to the modern design, location, and price. 

The 7 Hotel is conveniently located in central Lisbon, close to many of the city's main attractions. It’s a 17-minute walk to Sao Jorge Castle and four minutes on foot to Praca do Comercio. The Santa Justa Elevator takes two minutes to reach from the property. Guests don’t have to go far for food, bars, or shopping as many tourist-friendly businesses can be found on the surrounding streets or within a 10-minute walk. There’s even a metro stop around the corner. It’s a 27-minute drive to Lisbon Airport. 

Rooms at The 7 Hotel are fairly small, which is not surprising for a boutique hotel in Europe. The decor is modern, with padded tan headboards and beds with white bedsheets, red bed runners, and lamps with gold shades. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, electric kettles, and minibars. They also have a Qibla, a nice touch for Muslim guests who wish to know the direction of Mecca for prayers. For those with kids, one cot is provided for free for children up to two years of age. Studios provide kitchenettes with sinks, stoves, ovens, platter ware, and silverware. Bathrooms are modern, though small, with square vessel sinks, brown marble countertops, hydromassage showers, Vinali toiletries, and hairdryers. Note that some guests report hearing bothersome noise from other rooms. Twin beds are pushed together to make a double bed. 

If on-site access to a restaurant, bar, or gym is necessary, visitors should look elsewhere. The 7 Hotel is a small property that offers the basics like a breakfast buffet (for a fee) that includes eggs, sausage, cold cuts, cheese, vegetables, yogurt, and fruit. Wi-Fi is free and there’s public parking nearby for a fee. The reception desk is open 24/7 and the lobby provides free water and coffee throughout the day.