Fodor's Expert Review Albergaria Senhora do Monte

A good option for travelers who value service, atmosphere, and an accessible price over top-of-the-range facilities, this welcoming guest house sits atop the highest of Lisbon's seven hills--and the views are extraordinary. Located in Graça, one of Lisbon's less touristy neighborhoods, it is still close to all the sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife action, and there are lots of small 'Mom and Pop' places to eat in the surrounding streets. The rooftop bar, with terrace, has gorgeous views over the red roofs of this scenic city and down to the shimmering River Tagus, and is also the setting for a decent--if rather unspectacular--breakfast spread.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Steep climbs mean this is not a good choice for guests with mobility issues, but the famous 28 tram runs close by. Let the tram make the climb for you!

room

Rooms aren't the most modern or stylish in the city, but they are clean, comfortable, well-equipped, and most have views--those on the upper floors naturally have the most impressive vistas. Large windows make the most of the hilltop location, and many of the rooms and suites have balconies or large terraces. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and cable TV.

YOU SHOULD KNOW It's in a busy neighborhood, so there is some street noise, but rarely enough to prevent a good night's sleep.

bathroom

Bathrooms are clean and functional, with tubs and showers. Traditional Portuguese tile work adds a splendid dash of color.

lobby

The exterior is a unprepossessing and the lobby a little dated, but the reception care friendly and helpful, and there are some comfy armchairs and chaise longues dotted around the compact lobby area. Think cozy and welcoming, rather than flashy.

dining

The rooftop bar is the setting for decent buffet breakfasts, and the gorgeous views are particularly dramatic during the summer when the terrace really comes into its own. After breakfast, the room functions as a bar and is famous locally as an unpretentious spot to sip a drink and admire some of the very best views in the city (and in a city with as many hilltop viewing points and roof bars as Lisbon, that's saying something!). Open to non-guests, the bar serves light meals and some lovely small plates for sharing--the local cheeses are a good case in point.

drinking

The rooftop bar is a popular place for locals to come and admire the view as they sip a perfectly mixed cocktail, and there's a good, reasonably-priced, variety of Portuguese wines.

Come here at sunset to watch the sky turn pink, then golden, as you sip a drink.