Solar do Castelo - Lisbon

Sitting within the historic, walled village surrounding St George’s Castle, is the incredibly grand property of Solar do Castelo. It’s utterly unique, sympathetically preserved, and transformed into a hotel containing just 20 rooms. It features a charming courtyard with free roaming peacocks, a peaceful terrace, comfortable lounge, library, and its own mini museum. Breakfast is served in the garden or in the Sao Jorge room and Wi-Fi is free, plus you have access to the 24-hour concierge and an honesty bar.

The location of this boutique property is hard to beat. It’s situated in a former palace in Alfama, one of Europe's oldest neighbourhoods, in the heart of Moorish Lisbon. The area is brimming with historic buildings (including the castle itself), a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, pretty plazas, trendy bars, shops and cafes. Within a two-minute walk is St George’s Castle, the highest landmark in Alfama, boasting spectacular views across the city from the battlements – you may even hear the melancholic sounds of Fado music. Two miles along the coast is the architecturally impressive Praca do Comercio, and the lively district of Belem is just over six miles west. It’s famous for its magnificent monuments of Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. While here, be sure to visit the factory and cafe where the original Pasteis de Belem (egg custard tarts) are made by hand. Humberto Delgado Airport is five miles away.

The pastel yellow hotel occupies a beautiful 18th Century mansion, adorned with Pombaline tilework, cobalt blue doors and window frames. Many historical architectural features have been preserved, including archways, exposed stonework and cobbled paths. The medieval style continues in the rooms, which are extravagantly decorated using rich velvets, heavy curtains with crenellated pelmets, wrought iron lamps and chairs, and splashes of red from the cushions and bed runners. Bathrooms feature a bath or shower with complimentary Molton Brown toiletries, a hairdryer and bathrobes. Many rooms overlook the pretty courtyard – and light sleepers can request earplugs to reduce the noise from the roaming peacocks. Standard amenities include a flat-screen TV, an in-room safe, free Wi-Fi, and a carafe of port, topped up daily.