Sublime Lisboa

A chic Art Deco-inspired retreat in a quieter neighborhood of Lisbon, the Sublime Lisboa feels a bit like staying at a stylish friend’s home—with an excellent restaurant.

• The restaurant Davvero, led by Venetian chef Isaac Kumi, serving delicious Italian cuisine with a Portuguese flair
• The Sublime Suites on the second floor, with an outdoor terrace overlooking Lisbon
• The Art Deco inspired décor with modern flourishes in each of the 15 uniquely designed rooms

Imagine the European home of a good friend or relative with a penchant for hosting. Three floors, peach-hued carpets lining the hallways and stairs, spacious but cozy rooms and a kitchen that is always buzzing…now drop it in Lisbon, throw in some risqué artwork and add an Art Deco twist. Welcome to the Sublime Lisboa.

The history of this 20th century townhouse is extensive: built in 1913, it was a Japanese club until the early 40's, when it shifted to housing Portuguese artist Simone de Oliveira's restaurant "O Candelabro". Previously the office for a group of architects, it was transformed by the owner, António Costa Lopes and his wife, Filipa into Casa Fortunato, a nine room hotel, to great acclaim. They sold it during the pandemic to Sublime, who have added more rooms and a decidedly delicious restaurant. Upon entering, expect to be greeted by warm smiles and comfy seats after a day or night of travel—after a red-eye from JFK, no one really wants to stand for check-in donning wrinkly travel clothes, exhaustion weighing heavier than your bags. At the Sublime, they understand that.

From there you will move on to one of 15 unique rooms and suites over three floors. There is no common palette for all rooms, but velvety pops of mustard yellow, raspberry, sunset orange and muted gray-green will likely be found in the plush pillows, hemispherical headboards and geometric wallpaper (as will shimmery gold accents and dark wood-framed wicker). Touches like stark black window frames and statement lighting in some rooms add a subtle modern vibe, while the rooms and suites on the second (the top floor) have more of a loft feel, with peaked roofs and exposed wooden beams. The design of the ensuite bathrooms range from charming white tiles and floral rimmed mirrors to pink-stone accents lit by one solitary light bulb hanging from the ceiling. In short, there is no one-design-fits-all. Note that most bathrooms are divided from the rest of the room only by a window-wall—albeit with carefully placed dividers—and the tub is usually visible to the rest of the room, with one even set into the steps leading down to the bed. In other words, some travelers who would normally consider sharing a room may prefer the added privacy of reserving a second room.

There are four room categories at the Sublime. The entry level Pateo suites are the smallest, but come with guaranteed access to a private patio at the middle of the building. It’s worth upgrading here, though, to Lisboa Suites, named for their views of Lisbon, the Marquês suites and the Sublime Suites, the top room category. All are more spacious with a larger sitting area than the entry level, and some come with a balcony. Our favorites are the two Sublime Suites on the second floor, which have an outdoor terrace with beautiful views of Lisbon. For groups traveling together, two sets of two rooms (a Pateo and a Lisboa) can be connected via a closed off entryway on the first floor. All rooms have a small desk, a personal mini bar and coffee machine, air conditioning (a true European luxury) and come with all-day breakfast.

One of the highlights of a stay at the Sublime Lisboa, is the easy access to its restaurant Davvero, helmed by Venetian chef Isaac Kumi. The cuisine is Italian with a Portuguese twist, with dishes prepared behind a shimmering tile half-wall. A gold and glass display of wine glasses divides the restaurant in two, allowing diners to decide whether to embrace the open kitchen concept or dine out of view of the food prep. Don’t miss the beef carpaccio or the black cuttlefish risotto (but be sure to drink water between each bite of the latter to avoid a less than savory smile). The décor of the restaurant and hotel bathroom is also a treat in and of itself, but that is best left a surprise.

While Sublime Lisboa is more removed from downtown Lisbon, its location is not without its charms. Set in the residential neighborhood of Amoreiras, the area is best known for its towering glass shopping mall, the Águas Livres Aqueduct and one of the oldest gardens in Portugal. It is a 10- to 15-minute walk to the chic Principe Real neighborhood and the same time driving to reach Bairro Alto and Chiado.

Couples and good friends looking for a design-forward boutique option who don’t mind being a bit removed from downtown Lisbon. It is great for a one- or two-night stay in the city at the beginning or end of a trip. This is not an ideal option for families.