Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Lisbon: Lisbon Dreams Guest House
Nominated By: Jeanine Barone , New York City, New York, November '09

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Price Range: 45-65 Euros (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 10 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Lisbon Dreams Guest House so Darn Good? Lisbon Dreams Guest House is a minimalist sun-filled haven with a touch of luxury. What other budget accommodation could say that Joanna Gomes, who's noted for her tableware, ceramic and glass creations, designed their interiors? But the real selling point of this accommodation is the meandering patio that's accessible from a multitude of rooms. I could've spent all day and evening lounging in one of the many chairs, taking in the sun, dining at one of the tables, or reading beside one of the many potted plants.

Location: Easily accessibly to several metro stations, the guest house, which opened in May 2009, is only a short walk to Avenida de Liberdade, Lisbon's main thoroughfare. The neighborhood, snuggled between the Rato and Marques de Pombal neighborhoods, is also where Portugal's Prime Minister has a home.

Rooms: The ten minimally furnished guest rooms carry a white on white motif, with the only colored hues coming from the throw pillows, headboards, and ubiquitous green apples. Your hosts have also provided each guest with white towels, slippers, and robes. In addition, guests can relax in the comfy lounge that's equipped with a laptop, plasma screen TV, and dozens of paperbacks.

Food: The breakfast may not be homemade, but it is large and you can enjoy it in a lovely dining space that's hung with an artistic paper chandelier and decorated with multi-colored throw rugs. You'll have your choice of green apples and other fresh fruits, whole wheat bread, warm croissants, pastries, several kinds of jams, various meats and cheeses, and even chocolate milk. The kitchen is quite complete with a microwave and stove, so guests may cook their own meals if they wish.

Vibe: Lisbon Dreams is low key, casual, and comfortable.

Keep in Mind: None of the rooms have private baths, but the shared bathrooms are meticulously clean, and come with petite face towels and large tubs. In addition, the rooms don't have air conditioning but I was there in the summer and found it plenty comfortable.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice - Full Review Coming Soon!

Lisbon: Living Lounge Hostel
 Nominated By: Christa at Riding the 505, Sheffield, UK, January '12

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Price Range: 18-37 Euro (per person) # of Rooms: 23 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Living Lounge Hostel so Darn Good? "The Living Lounge Hostel is an art-themed hostel close to the Baixa-Chiado metro station, right in the heart of the trendiest part of town. A lovely chocolate shop sits next door, a cafe at one end of the block, and must-do sights at the doorstep. The rooms have really interesting themes inspired by Lisbon culture – ours revolved around a Portuguese artist. During the evening meal we made brilliant friends, including with the cook, a lovely guy who made us feel so welcome."

Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice - Full Review Coming Soon!

Lisbon: micasaenlisboa/myhomeinlisbon
 Nominated By: Ana, Spain, December '10

Price Range: 90-100 Euros (2 night minimum, includes breakfast) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Mi Casa en Lisboa/My Home in Lisbon so Darn Good? "All the rooms at Mi Casa en Lisboa are so special - simple but very cozy, and the garden is magical! The b&b has a great location in the Graça neighbourhood, and the owner of the house, María, is very, very, helpful. Every suggestion is the right one! She will make you discover a different Lisbon." Read more.

Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Lisbon: Zuzabed and Breakfast
Nominated By: Don and Julie, Hampshire, United Kingdom, September '08

Price Range: 70-95 Euros (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: yes, but no babies

What makes the Zuzabed and Breakfast so Darn Good? The star attraction at Zuzabed is its owner, Luis. He made us feel incredibly welcome, and was helpful in all possible ways. He even gave us a cell phone so we could call him anytime we needed advice or a reservation. Luis knows the best places to hear fado music, and is very knowledgeable about all things Lisbon. You couldn't feel more at home in a strange city than at Zuzabed.

Location: Located up a steep alleyway near Lisbon's historic Bairro Alto neighborhood, Zuzabed offers amazing views of the city from its bedrooms. Come nighttime, the neighborhood's narrow cobblestone streets and 17th century buildings light up with a lively restaurant, music, and shopping scene. The B & B is conveniently located just off Rossio, one of the Lisbon's main squares, and is very close to the Metro.

Rooms: Zuzabed's four modern rooms are beautifully appointed and spotless. Two have a shared balcony overlooking the city and all come with a DVD player, heated towel racks, and even a pair of binoculars to admire the view.

Food: Luis serves an excellent breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, local cheeses, meats, breads, and yogurt. For lunch or dinner, you will find no shortage of restaurants on the street just below Zuzabed. The nearby Argentinean restaurant "Café Buenos Aires" is especially good.

Vibe: Luis is an inspired host who simply cannot do enough for his guests.

Things to Keep in Mind: The last 20-30 meters of street leading to Zuzabed's front door is too steep for cars, so guests will need to be able to climb up and down stairs.

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