Fodor's Expert Review Dear Lisbon Charming House

The first of three intimate 'Dear Lisbon' guest houses, DL Charming House (formerly known as Dear Lisbon Guesthouse) offers chic-but-affordable stays in a neighborhood that, while handy for sightseeing, remains off the beaten tourist trail. Guests tackling the hills of the Santa Catarina neighborhood are well rewarded for their efforts, Moroccan-style courtyard and pool.

Visitors looking for a more exclusive stay in the Portuguese capital might want to check out another Dear Lisbon property, DL Palace, an upscale residence insuper-chic Chiado.

room

The 20 rooms and suites at Dear Lisbon Charming House each have their own style, reflecting different aspects of Lisbon. While each is unique in layout and decor, all are bright, light spaces with bold, contemporary decor.The most affordable are the Double Rooms with Patio View, which celebrate the city's Moorish side, with rich colors, overlooking the 'Arabian Nights'-style courtyard and pool. City rooms overlook the colorful Santa Catarina neighborhood, while double rooms on the top floor have a cozy 'attic' feel, and private terraces that are perfect for leisurely breakfasts. Junior Suites have living rooms that can be converted into a second bedroom - making them a good option for families. All rooms have WiFi, A/C and LED TV with international cable channels.

YOU SHOULD KNOW As is standard in Lisbon's packed historic center, rooms are on the small side.

bathroom

Rooms have en-suite bathrooms, all of which are crisp white spaces with pops of color in the floor tiles and wall decorations. Expect powerful free-standing showers, plenty of high-quality toiletries, well-lit mirrors and hairdryers.

lobby

Making guests feel at home is very much part of the Dear Lisbon philosophy, and the hotel's lounge is a welcoming space that feels like the living room of a particularly stylish friend. A mini-library has plenty of books in English, and there's even a stack of vintage vinyl and a record player to spin the discs on. The fireplace keeps things cozy on chilly winter nights, and staff are on hand to mix a cocktail or brew up a pot of tea.

pool

It's rare to find a boutique hotel with a pool in Lisbon's old town--especially at the more affordable end of the price scale--which makes the Moorish-flavored patio and pool here feel even more of a treat. It's not big enough for laps, but the pool is the perfect place to cool off and relax aching muscles after a day's climbing the hills of Lisbon, and the comfy sun loungers lend themselves well to lazy afternoons reading a book, sipping a drink and working on that Portuguese tan.

dining

Although there's no restaurant, breakfast is a strong suit here--the guest house serves a traditional Portuguese pequeno-almoço with lots of fresh-baked breads, home-made preserves, fresh juice, cakes and seasonal fruits. Bacon and eggs are available for those guests who like a hot breakfast, and of course there's plenty of strong Portuguese coffee to put a spring in your step as you head out for a day's exploring.

drinking

There's no bar, but staff will happily mix up a drink from the contents of the well-stocked drinks cabinet in the lounge.

Budget-conscious guests can grab themselves a bottle of wine from one of the many neighborhood stores and enjoy it on the patio.