I am looking for hotel recommendations for a single woman traveling alone in January. I would like to stay in a better hotel, preferably one with old-world character. I tend to like smaller, more intimate hotels, but Lisbon may be the place to indulge in a larger hotel. I would appreciate any recommendations or places to avoid. I am not sure if I am better off near the Ave. de Libertade, or out near the Lapa Palace area. I need to feel safe coming back in the evenings after dinner, and hopefully with restaurants nearby. Thanks in advance!

I was in Lisbon overnight in November en route home from Morocco and stayed in a really lovely hotel, the Lisboa Plaza. I didn't spend much time in Lisbon so can't say much about the location other than that it was off a main street with very expensive shops. It was a small, very charming and really beautiful hotel. I couldn't believe the price - $95 for a suite and it included breakfast. I am a single woman travelling alone and I was very comfortable there. Highly recommended.

Lisboa Plaza is a very good choice. Close to it, and full of old charm is Tivoli Hotel. Both are in the Ave da Liberdade. <BR> <BR>Lapa area is quite isolated area. Nice, but far of the Lisbon main stream.

Check Avenida Palace, in the south end of Ave. Liberdade. Is a begin of 20th century Hotel, full of charme. <BR> <BR>It's known, because Mr. Marconi once stayed there about 1920. <BR> <BR>

Barbara, <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Lapa Palace in November - and then because of a plane strike we also stayed at the Four Seasons Ritz. We loved our balcony over the pool at the Lapa palace, but no one beats the service at the Four Seasons (plus the beds are the best in the world). We had a horrendous day of fighting with the striking airline which would not pay for our stay and to top it off it was my 30th birthday. I was in a rotten mood when we arrived at the Four Seasons and boy - did they change that. They gave us a fabulous room for a huge discount, the bartender made me a few wonderful martinis and called his friends at a restaurant called Gattopardo and told them to take care of us - and they really spoiled us. <BR> <BR>The rooms are beautiful and have a nice view over the city if you get one high up. It is also more centrally located than the Lapa Palace. Both are excellent choices - but I guess I am a little biased due to my visit. <BR> <BR>About safety - should not be a problem at either - we found that you have to get into town from both by cab, and walking around the city when you are in there is no problem. <BR> <BR>Try and get a table at Pap Acorda - great food and ambiance and it is where the locals go. Have a great time!

thanks to everyone for their responses so far. The Lisboa Plaza and Avenida Palace are full. Any other suggestions, besides the Four Seasons? <BR>

Try Tivoli Hotel (2 blocks from Plaza), old style and enough charme. <BR> <BR>telef: +351 21 319 89 00 <BR> <BR>

I've heard good comments too on The York House. In spite of the name it is 100% Portuguese. <BR> <BR>There is a new Pousada in Saint George Castle. It was due to open this summer. <BR> <BR>I think it's worthwhile to check both places. <BR>

I think Four Season's would be your best bet. Lapa Palace is beautiful but the area is a bit more secluded. I have a full review of both hotels at http://www.bombasticlife.com/pe_portugal.html Have a great time!

Stayed earlier this month at Le Meridien as well as the Tivoli Tejon.

The Meridien has a good location, across the Parco Eduardo VII. Went in the evening to severa; small nearby restaurants and felt perfectl;y safe. The hotel is quite modern and has a business and upper class tour group clientele. Staff was very friendly and accomodating.

We picked the Tivoli Tejo for its airport proximity. Right across from the Oriennte station and within walking distance to the various sites at the Parco das Nacoe, the former World Fait site.

The Oriente station has suburban trains and busses to nearly all section of the city as well as Belem, Estoril and cascais.

Hotel, too, has quite a buinsess clientele, mostly younger people working for Vodafone, etc.