Luxe Hotel By Turim Hoteis

We were surprised by the Luxe Hotel, a busy new two-star chain hotel that offers 50 modern and stylish rooms at affordable rates. For those willing to sleep three Metro stops from Lisbon's center, this hotel presents a good deal.

The Luxe, which opened in 2010, provides 50 rooms, all decked out with contemporary hotel sensibilities: clean lines, beige walls and spot lighting. Rooms are well equipped for leisure or business travelers, with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, telephone, and free Wi-Fi, along with desks and (silver) chairs. (Some rooms facing the street and back are equipped with a balcony.) Bathrooms are modern affairs, with decent-sized glass-paneled showers, marble sinks, cosmetic mirrors and hair dryers.

The Luxe is part of the Turim Hotels chain. It's a well-run place, and brings some chic design choices to what otherwise will be a surprise-free hotel experience. This isn't a charming mom-and-pop hotel, but it makes up for it with amenities and style.

The street level lounge and lower-level breakfast area are designed with glass and mirrors. Breakfast is sometimes included in the room rate (check details when reserving online).