Hotel Britania Art Deco, Lisbon

4.9 (33 reviews) · Upscale
Historic Art Deco hotel with spacious rooms, a stylish bar, and complimentary afternoon tea

Overview

Vintage style reigns supreme at Hotel Britania Art Deco, a lovingly restored historic property located just off Lisbon's Avenida da Liberdade. Landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle are a quick metro ride or a 30-minute walk away, and the hotel's spacious rooms showcase original features like cork flooring, high ceilings, and brass and marble accents. The thoughtful details extend to the common areas, where guests can grab books and board games in the cozy library, sip a selection of Portuguese wines in the wood-paneled bar, and refuel after sightseeing with a complimentary afternoon tea service.

Kimkim's Take

Pros

  • The hotel's has been beautifully restored to retain its original Art Deco charm from 1944.
  • Rooms are surprisingly spacious for a city hotel, and feature high ceilings, cork flooring, chrome lamps, and marble details.
  • Extra touches include evening port tastings, complimentary afternoon tea, and a library stocked with books about Portugal.
  • The service is renowned, with staff known to go above and beyond for guests.

Cons

  • Most rooms don't have scenic views, but the top-floor rooms and suite have spacious terraces. 
  • While there's no on-site restaurant, the hotel's proximity to Avenida da Liberdade means you'll have plenty of dining options on your doorstep.

Authenticity

A visit to the Hotel Britania feels like stepping back into the golden age of travel. Designed in 1944 by the renowned Portuguese modernist architect Cassiano Branco, it's the only surviving Art Deco hotel in the city, with original features like chrome lamps, marble accents, and burnished cork flooring. Guests gather for afternoon tea and port each evening in the common areas, which include a cozy library, a vintage barber's shop, and a wood-paneled bar. Where the hotel shines most might be in its hospitable staff, whose warmth and attentiveness have been a highlight for previous kimkim travelers.

Location

Located just off the exclusive Avenida da Liberdade, Hotel Britania is perfectly positioned for exploring Lisbon while avoiding the noise and crowds of the center. Major sites like the Lisbon Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, and the Old Town of Alfama are 30 minutes away by foot, or you can grab the metro, 10 minutes away, to be there in 20 minutes. Lisbon Airport is a quick 20-minute drive, or there's a bus to the airport less than five minutes away.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All of the hotel's 33 rooms exude a classic Art Deco style, with muted gold and cream tones, cork flooring, and elegant period furnishings. The lower-floor Classico Rooms are the most compact—opt for the Premium Rooms for larger windows on the higher floors. The top-floor Terrace Rooms feature private outdoor seating areas and views over the rooftops, while the penthouse Terrace Suite gives you the most room to spread out, with a king bed and spacious living areas. All rooms have marble-lined bathrooms with deep bathtubs and Molton Brown products.

Amenities

While the hotel doesn't have a gym or on-site restaurant, its plush common areas include a cozy library stocked with books on Portugal and board games and the nautical-themed Império Bar, where you can sip a curated selection of Portuguese wines and ports. A generous complimentary breakfast buffet runs until noon each day, complete with fresh-squeezed juices and pastéis de nata, and you'll find an afternoon tea of light snacks and pastries set out later in the day.

Family-Friendliness

This isn't a great fit for families; all rooms sleep a maximum of two people, and there are no extra beds or adjoining options. The hotel's sister property, Hotel Lisboa Plaza, is located just five minutes south across the Avenida da Liberdade and is a better choice for children under 16 and larger groups.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +351 +213155016
Hotel address icon Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 17
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Friendly and Helpful Staff

The staff at the hotel are consistently praised for being excellent, friendly, and helpful. They provide a welcoming and comforting atmosphere, making guests feel like family. (12 mentions)

D
“its location and staff really providing a consistent welcoming and comforting atmosphere”  — Dedric F.
Steven
“Outstanding, professional staff to complement the hotel’s ambiance.”  — Steven C.
M
“they are so friendly and make you feel as if you were family.”  — maxine m.
Great Location

The location of the hotel is described as central and close to everything, including shopping and historical areas. It is in a ritzy neighborhood, providing easy access to many attractions. (11 mentions)

O
“Very easy access and close to everything.”  — O. R.
Steven
“Elegant, boutique type hotel in the center of the city, quiet yet close to many special spots in Lisboa.”  — Steven C.
M
“Close enough to walk to all you want to see and yet off the main street for privacy and quiet.”  — maxine m.
Delicious Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is highly appreciated, described as delicious, ample, and amazing. It is served until noon and includes a variety of pastries and other treats. (7 mentions)

Shaun
“Breakfast was delicious and served until noon”  — Shaun C.
N
“the breakfast was amazing”  — Nancy F.
J
“The breakfast and the staff were wonderful, particularly the two lovely ladies that work in the breakfast area.”  — Janice D.
Comfortable Rooms

Guests find the rooms to be comfortable, large, clean, and well-decorated. The ambiance is appreciated, with high ceilings and traditional features. (6 mentions)

Shaun
“the rooms are comfortable”  — Shaun C.
Katie
“Our room was large, with a foyer, high ceilings and tile floor.”  — Katie K.
J
“The room was large, clean and the bed comfortable.”  — Janice D.

Traveler Reviews

33 total ratings, 28 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.9
Location
4.7
Staff
4.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.9
Carlos
Carlos G.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025
OMG! The best of all the hotels. Don't get me wrong, every hotel that was selected for our trip was classic, different, and comfortable. I just pointed out certain 'observations' on which they could approve. But Hotel Britania was a true historic and awesome hotel. Omar, Patric, Jose, and the dining room staff were so kind, engaged, and made our stay so memorable. We will be coming back here. Read more

OMG! The best of all the hotels. Don't get me wrong, every hotel that was selected for our trip was classic, different, and comfortable. I just pointed out certain 'observations' on which they could approve. But Hotel Britania was a true historic and awesome hotel. Omar, Patric, Jose, and the dining room staff were so kind, engaged, and made our stay so memorable. We will be coming back here.

Authenticity & Character
Such wonderful dedication to retaining the character and history.
Location
Close to shopping, restaurants, and high end shopping.
Staff
Loved them all! Wish I had gotten the names of the others we met there.
Cleanliness & Comfort
You will love this place. Here too, the elevator is tiny.
Stayed in May 2025
M
Monica R.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 07, 2025
Good location, helpful staff, great breakfast and a decanter of port in your room Read more

Good location, helpful staff, great breakfast and a decanter of port in your room

Authenticity & Character
Location
could walk anywhere and great shoppping close by
Staff
Helpful in heading us in the right direction when we first got to Lisbon. Always had a smile
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2025
T
Tom M.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2025
The staff was amazing -- and this old hotel has character dripping from the walls. LOVED IT! Read more

The staff was amazing -- and this old hotel has character dripping from the walls. LOVED IT!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Omar, Patrick, Jose, and the desk and kitchen staff -- 5 star!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2025
THERESA
THERESA G.
Clifton Park, NY | Reviewed on May 23, 2025
We loved this hotel!!!!! This is probably in our top three (maybe even top two) hotels we have ever stayed in. When we left this hotel for Porto, and checked into the hotel there, we kept saying "it's not the Britania"! Our room was spacious, and well appointed. The dining room area, and the bar area were cozy and homey. But it is the staff that makes this hotel what it is. Every morning, the dining room staff remembered I requested almond milk and automatically brought it out to me,... Read more

We loved this hotel!!!!! This is probably in our top three (maybe even top two) hotels we have ever stayed in. When we left this hotel for Porto, and checked into the hotel there, we kept saying "it's not the Britania"! Our room was spacious, and well appointed. The dining room area, and the bar area were cozy and homey. But it is the staff that makes this hotel what it is. Every morning, the dining room staff remembered I requested almond milk and automatically brought it out to me, they remembered our names, and that it was our 30th anniversary. They were so kind and helpful. It truly was an absolute delight to stay at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
The charm of this hotel, the history of it and how cozy and homey it feels.
Location
The location is perfect for exploring Lisbon. Very walkable to everywhere you want to go.
Staff
I cannot say enough good things about the staff of this hotel. They are truly wonderful and go above and beyond.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was large and comfortable, as was the bed. It was very clean and had everything we needed.
Stayed in May 2025
Stanley
Stanley C.
Amesbury, MA | Reviewed on May 06, 2025
Very nice accommodations. A good location to start walking tours. If you need a coffee and delightful pastry, try Bom Gusto around the corner. Read more

Very nice accommodations. A good location to start walking tours. If you need a coffee and delightful pastry, try Bom Gusto around the corner.

Authenticity & Character
The old world character and history of this hotel was wonderful. The marble floors and the cork floors of the suites were something I had not seen. There was a decanter of port wine in the room for complimentary tasting!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2025
Robin
Robin L.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2025
The hotel location, decor, rooms, and service were exceptional. We were on a quiet street, yet only blocks from the high end district. The rooms were beautiful and well-appointed. Read more

The hotel location, decor, rooms, and service were exceptional. We were on a quiet street, yet only blocks from the high end district. The rooms were beautiful and well-appointed.

Authenticity & Character
Amazing that they were able to bring an historic building up to current and exceptional comforts.
Location
The hotel is on a quiet street, yet only a block or two from city center.
Staff
All of the front desk staff were amazing. The bartender was exceptional, as well.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds were amazing, as well as the bathroom.
Stayed in February 2025
J
Jody O.
Akron, OH | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

We loved the Hotel Britania Art Deco in Lisbon. It's a very cute little boutique hotel with amazing and friendly staff. It was a delightful stay!

Stayed in August 2024
Eveline
Eveline G.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024
Great boutique hotel right in the city centre. Great room and breakfasts. Read more

Great boutique hotel right in the city centre. Great room and breakfasts.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2024
K
Kim R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
We had a lovely stay at the hotel Britania! It was our first stop after arriving in Lisbon and the perfect place to get over jet lag. The room was so comfortable and the staff friendly and helpful. Sue Ellen, Larissa, and Omar went above and beyond to make our visit special. The breakfast staff was also very attentive and hospitable. Thanks to the whole staff for making our visit to Lisbon so memorable.
Kim and Sara
Read more

We had a lovely stay at the hotel Britania! It was our first stop after arriving in Lisbon and the perfect place to get over jet lag. The room was so comfortable and the staff friendly and helpful. Sue Ellen, Larissa, and Omar went above and beyond to make our visit special. The breakfast staff was also very attentive and hospitable. Thanks to the whole staff for making our visit to Lisbon so memorable.
Kim and Sara

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds and pillows were the best!
Stayed in July 2024
Shaun
Shaun C.
Longmont, CO | Reviewed on Jun 06, 2024
Truly an amazingly preserved 1940s vibe. The staff were top notch and the amenities were plentiful. Breakfast was delicious and served until noon. They also provide tea and snacks in the afternoon and port all the time. They decor is lovely and the rooms are comfortable. Read more

Truly an amazingly preserved 1940s vibe. The staff were top notch and the amenities were plentiful. Breakfast was delicious and served until noon. They also provide tea and snacks in the afternoon and port all the time. They decor is lovely and the rooms are comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel has character!!
Location
We could walk to restaurants and shopping and it was easy to get a ride for longer distances.
Staff
The staff were so friendly and attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2024

Like what you see?

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +351 +213155016
Hotel address icon Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 17
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website