Seeing the ‘real Lisbon’ is a term that gets thrown about, but these charming studio apartments really encapsulate that experience. Set in the quiet, cobbled neighbourhood of Amoreiras, metres from a leafy square and just 20 minutes’ walk from downtown, Casa Amora pays homage to national culture by dedicating each of its 4 studios to a different Portuguese artist or iconic figure, such as movie director Manoel de Oliveira or the extraordinary Sao Tomean painter-cum-writer José de Almada Negreiros.
Owner Luis traded in a successful graphic-design business to set up this charismatic hideaway, and traces of his artistic flair are evident throughout, from silkscreen portraits by artist Leonel Moura to modern statement pieces that complement the vintage flea-market furniture. He and his partner are the perfect hosts, meeting you on arrival and sharing their personal recommendations of what to do in the city (all top-notch). A great option for those happy to skip hotel-style service and communal spaces, in return for an independent live-like-a-local ethos... and great value, too!
Highs
- Tranquil Amoreiras is away from the hustle and bustle, yet has easy access to the city centre by metro or foot
- The small team treats you like friends and is on hand at any time
- Plenty of privacy and independence, with sitting areas, sofabeds, kitchenettes and balconies
- We love the authentic neighbourhood eateries nearby
- Great value compared to a full-service hotel
Lows
- There are no common spaces, nor any food and drink beyond the honesty bar
- Although the neighbourhood is quiet, light sleepers might find the street-facing rooms a little noisy
- The steep staircases aren’t suitable for very young children or the less mobile
- There have been some recent gripes about minor plumbing issues and musty smells in the bathrooms
Best time to go
Lisbon is lovely at any time of year. In June, the streets erupt in festivities to celebrate its patron saint, Santo Antonio. Free concerts, parades and stalls selling freshly grilled sardines abound. October is also a very pleasant month to visit, with fewer tourists and an average temperature of 19C.
Our top tips
- Have a drink at the quirky and romantically lit Bar Procópio next door. It’s one of Lisbon’s oldest
- Luis will give you a list of personal recommendations when you check in, covering everything from fado places to restaurants and bars. Follow the tips – they’re spot on
- Studio Apartments
- 4 apartments for 2-4
- Self-catered; restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
The 4 studio apartments occupy a Pombaline-style building, and are themed around a different Portuguese cultural icon, from abstract artist Maria Helena Vieira da Silva to Sao Tomean painter-cum-writer José de Almada Negreiros (who we'd never heard of either, but whose life was extraordinary).
Three are duplexes, with steps up to a spacious mezzanine sleeping area, while the Studio (Leonel Moura) is all on one level - a little smaller in footprint, but more practical for night-time loo trips. Within the Duplex category, you can request a particular apartment, but Luis cannot guarantee it.
All come with their own sitting-dining area and a small but adequate kitchenette. We loved our stay in Manoel de Oliveira, named after a 1950s movie director and kitted out in vintage film posters, black and white movie stills, and a red velvet curtain emulating cinemas of a bygone age.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
All of the studios have a kitchenette with stove, microwave, fridge, kettle and toaster. Though you may not be able to whip up a feast, there's enough space and kit for breakfast, lunch and simple dinners should you choose to stay in.
When heading out, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to good neighbourhood restaurants and food shops - just ask Luis for recommendations.
Features include:
- Kitchenette
- Restaurants nearby
- Self-catering
Activities
- The Vieira da Silva art museum is just across the square, as is the Water Museum, which hosts cultural events and offers impressive views from the top floor; access to the mighty Mãe d´Água (Mother of Water) Reservoir is included in the visit
- It’s a 20-minute walk or 15-minute taxi ride to the historic Alfama district, where you’ll find the medieval Castelo de São Jorge, offering stunning vistas over the city
- Hop on the metro and head into Baixa and Chiado, famed for their nightlife, restaurants and boutique shopping
- Back at Casa Amora, relax with a massage in your room
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
- Wine tasting
Kids
Casa Amora has no particular facilities for children, but all ages are welcome and the relaxed, personal ambiance will put families at ease. This is a quiet neighbourhood which some families will prefer.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Two of the Duplex Studios have sofabeds that can sleep 2 extra guests (additional charge); note that their steep open-sided staircases aren't toddler-friendly, though the sofabeds and bathrooms are on the lower level. Baby cots can be provided for free.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Arranged on request.
Distances:
- Airport: 15 minutes' drive
- Hospital: 15 minutes' drive
- Shop: 2 minutes' walk
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Casa Amora is located in the lovely Amoreiras neighbourhood, a 5-minute walk from the Rato metro station and 20 minutes from the downtown Baixa district.
By Air:
Lisbon Portela Airport (8km away) is served by numerous flights from the UK, elsewhere in Europe and further afield - click on the links below for a list. From the airport, you can arrange a transfer, jump in a cab (an easy 15-minute ride) or take the metro.
Other Options
Lisbon is easily accessible by train from other places in Portugal and Europe - see Seat 61 for more information. We don’t recommend bringing a car into the city as the roads are congested and parking is tricky, but if you want to hire one to explore further afield then see our car rental suggestions.
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com. 
More on getting to Portugal and getting around
Airports:
- Lisbon Portela 8.0 km LIS
Other:
- Beach 15.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape