Lisbon has a load of hotel options in many areas of the city and does particularly well with its offering of higher-end places. There are many defined quarters, from the medieval old part of town and the lofty Barrio Alto to the riverfront. Along with top-end chains are restored manor houses and castles with excellent facilities.

Lisbon is loaded with high-end favourites like the Ritz, Four Seasons Hotel Lisbon, and the Hotel Tivoli where you can expect the same quality and service of any other established European capital. You can also, unfortunately, expect the same prices. The Four Seasons Hotel and the Ritz Lisbon are in the city centre.

An alternative is to stay at a state-run pousada, which can be anything from a restored castle or palace to a mansion in fine surroundings. These places are generally cheaper than the top chain hotels but have all the conveniences and facilities. There are also cheaper guest houses called pensions (pensãos) if you fancy saving your money for the entertainment.

While the centre of Lisbon has the very best hotels in the capital, the nearby resort towns of Estoril and Cascais also have interesting Lisbon hotel options in fine surroundings.

Those after the general bustle of the city would be better of staying in Lisbon city centre where most of the attractions, shopping, entertainment and city parks are. The good looking medieval part of Lisbon city centre, known as Alfama, is also in this area and boasts plenty of character with its tight web of streets and alleys.

The area known as Baixa is just outside the city centre and is somewhat of a commercial area stretching from the riverfront to Figueira. As well as having many smart hotels, Baixa also has the advantage of offering cheaper digs, along with nearby Rossio and Avenida da Liberdade.

The Bairro Alto area of town lies above everything else and is one of the nicest parts to be based. It is traditionally a residential area and houses top attractions like St George's Castle, as well as many top-end Lisbon hotels and good entertainment.

Other good hotel areas in Lisbon are Chiado in the west of town, with its excellent shopping, and the upmarket streets of Saldanha and Marqu's de Pombal. Head to Cascais and Estoril, to the northwest of Lisbon, for relaxation and relief in top hotels.

If you fancy staying out near the airport, which is just north of Lisbon, there are several top-end options. The Residencial Estoril is the best hotel near the airport, being just a couple of miles down the road. Although only having three stars it has good facilities and service, while the Radisson SAS Hotel Lisboa and Marriott Lisbon are farther afield but of higher quality.