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Most rooms in this good-value pensão near Avenida da Liberdade have nice views over the Jardim Botânico and Parque Mayer, the old vaudeville park, site of a shelved project for a Frank Gehry-designed casino.

Central Cascais’ most characterful hotel has a to-die-for location on a promontory with sandy beaches to either side. The main building typifies the summer villas built here for aristocrats in the 19th century. The Italianate Albatroz Palace across the street is also part of the hotel.

Set on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, this relatively plain hotel boasts some of the city’s best views. It’s a quiet perch for the walking, atmosphere-absorbing visitor.

Well placed for club-life in the Alcântara and Docas areas, this simple pensão caters mainly to business clients on a budget – some of the 17 rooms are always taken by long-term guests. For short stays, rooms can be had for as little as €35 a night.

The name Alegria, which translates as “joy”, has often been said to refer to the girls of easy virtue who sometimes still venture to these parts – though there is now a police station next door. Conveniently located off the main drag but near the action, it offers fairly basic lodgings.

All the features and comforts of its five-star rating are found here at a competitive price, which makes up for the nondescript interior. Prices are open to negotiation; summer is low season at this mainly business hotel.

This aparthotel is part of the Portuguese Altis chain and immediately adjacent to the larger Altis hotel. That means it comes with all amenities, along with a central location and a family-oriented staff.

The doyen of the city’s luxury hotels has a colourful history going back to the early 20th century. Since its major restoration a few years ago, purists have found it all a bit too mock-Belle Époque, but the location and atmosphere are hard to beat.

Set in an attractively restored 18th-century building in Praça de Camões, in the heart of Lisbon, this hotel delivers luxury with style.