Lisbon Poets Hostel

This well-designed hostel, located on the fifth floor of a building on the narrow Rua Nova da Trindade, is near both the Barrio Alto and Rossio Square. The building may be from the 17th century, but the fifth-floor Lisbon Poets Hostel is purely 21st century.

The Poets Hostel has a cool, chilled-out vibe to it. Its rooms are located in two buildings: The main building houses the nine dorm rooms, which sleep two, four or six. All dorms have colorful walls, wooden bunk beds and the occasional beanbag. Shared baths are very clean, and offer five showers in each.

In a neighboring building the hostel provides nine simple doubles, all with shared bath and toilet (again segregated by sex), and one studio apartment with private facilities.

The fun, however, takes place in the living room. Hipster beanbag chairs and sofas let you lounge while flipping through books from the lending library. A fully-equipped kitchen is open to all guests, and there's plenty of table space to hang out and eat. Windows open to great birds-eye views of Chiado.

Whoever is responsible for the hostel’s décor deserves a pat on the back. We loved the way it combines traditional Portuguese features, such as restored hardwood floors and traditional ceramic-tiled walls, with IKEA eclecticism. The result is well designed and fun.

Two free Internet stations are available in the living room, and both buildings offer free Wi-Fi throughout. Continental breakfast is included. The hostel also offers a free daily walking tour in Lisbon.