This art deco gem is located on a quiet street in Lisbon's historic centre. It was designed by the famous Portuguese modernist architect Cassiano Branco and built in 1944. Many original features remain, such as the glass-and-chrome lift, period bathrooms and the original tiny barbershop that used to be located on the premises. Rooms are spacious, mattresses can be adjusted to be soft, medium or hard, and bathrooms are stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. What sets the hotel apart, however, is the staff: unfailingly friendly and helpful, they work hard to ensure each guest has a good stay. As well as tea and coffee-making facilities in the room, free tea and cakes are avialable in the lounge every afternoon, along with free port and ginjinha (cherry liqueur). There is no restaurant, but there are many good places close by.