Solar Do Castelo

The only hotel set within the walls of St. George’s Castle, Solar do Castelo occupies an 18th-century mansion built on the site of the former kitchens of Lisbon’s Royal Palace, with parts of the property dating back to the 6th century. Its 20 individually decorated rooms blend antiques and rich textiles with modern comforts, and the interiors were designed by acclaimed Portuguese studio Atelier Graça Viterbo. Breakfast runs until noon, complimentary port is restocked daily, and the tile-lined courtyard is where peacocks from the adjacent castle occasionally wander through. A small museum in the basement displays archaeological finds from the site, and the honesty bar and stone-walled lounge make for a good landing spot after a day in the Alfama. Access to the property is restricted to pedestrians and taxis through the medieval castle village’s narrow cobblestone streets — the hotel provides a golf cart for the uphill return. Runs on 100% renewable electricity and sources food locally.