The Independente Hostel & Suites

The Independente spans two Pombaline buildings that are the signature of the historic Bairro Alto neighborhood. One side houses the hostel-style dormitories, common rooms, and shared kitchen, while the other houses the quieter private rooms. The chipboard check-in desk and cherry-red walls add an edgy vibe to the lobby. Eclectic wall art and worn, but sturdy, vintage furniture dot the common areas, creating a bohemian vibe that fits right in in central Lisbon. Originally the Swiss ambassador's official residence, there's a regal air about the 18th-century building's ceiling millwork, marble arches, checkered tile and wooden parquet floors, and the broad spiral staircase leading up to the rooms. With the broad range of room types, young solo travelers to middle-aged couples come here for its charming location and easy accessibility to popular tourist areas.

Located at the peak of the Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara, The Independente has one of the best views of Lisbon from its front doorstep. By night, Bairro Alto becomes a popular nightlife destination, so there are plenty of popular restaurants and hip bars nearby -- the hotel's own among them. During the day, the charming neighborhood is quiet and laid-back, with local shops and cafes all around. It's a one-minute walk to the Elevador da Gloria tram stop, which descends to the shopping, eating, and sightseeing areas of Restauradores, Avenida da Liberdade, Praca do Rossio, and the old Baixa-Chiado neighborhood in less than 20 minutes. It's a two-minute walk to the historic Igreja de Sao Roque, and six minutes to the Teatro da Trindade and the Jardim do Princípe Real (in opposite directions). Budget about an hour to get to Lisbon Portela Airport via public transportation, including at least 10 minutes for walking; however, it only takes 30 to 40 minutes via car even during rush hour.

There are a number of rooms on hand here, and all are a pleasant step up from typical hostels that we've seen in European capitals across the continent. Dorm rooms are minimal, but functional, and have a trendy utilitarian look to them. Features in dorms include triple bunkbeds with individual reading lights stacked in chipboard frames to fit six, nine, or 12 people to a room. Some are spacious enough for luggage and communal seating, but others are too narrow, forcing guests to utilize the hotel's lockers and luggage storage at the front desk. Tiled bathrooms with individual stalls for showers/toilets are surprisingly clean, with plenty of hooks and caddies but no provided toiletries. Next door, the private rooms and suites are decorated with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and modern accents. These units include Nespresso machines, small flat-screen TVs, desks, and closets or drawer space. Private en-suite bathrooms with half-mirrored shower walls come with toiletries and a hairdryer. Four special suites have private balconies that overlook the Tagus River and St. George's Castle, while other rooms' windows look onto quieter side streets. Because the hotel is located in a nightlife district and the buildings are fairly old, some sound can travel to sensitive ears late into the night.

The Art Deco-inspired Decadente Restaurante & Bar and The Insolito -- with its beautiful terrace view of the Tagus River -- are the hotel's main draws for both locals and travelers. Reservations are recommended for both, which serve delicious modern Portuguese dishes like arroz de marisco (Portuguese seafood rice). For personal cooking and budget travelers looking to save their euros, there's a communal kitchen with a stovetop, oven, microwave, and dishes provided by the hotel or left behind by prior guests. The laundry machine and a clothes-drying rack (but no dryer) can also be found in the kitchen. Common areas provide board games and video games, coffee/tea facilities, vending machines, and public computers. Live performances, film screenings, and other communal events are regularly planned, including free walking tours, pub crawls, and bike tours/rentals. There is no on-site parking, but paid parking can be found nearby. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.