In Dublin last night, HostelWorld.com announced the winners of their very own Oscars for Hostels, the 2010 Hoscars (HOStelworld Customers Annual Rating – clever, eh?) with over 350 hostel owners and managers attending.

This prestigious event includes awards presented to hostels with the highest customer ratings and reviews, as voted for by over 900,000 Hostelworld.com customers. The event last night was to announce the best hostels for 2009.

Last year, Lisbon took the top 3 places in the list, and guess what? This year the top 3 have won again, in exactly the same order! And a total of 5 Lisbon hostels were included in the Top 10, which is one better than last year. It’s clear that Lisbon’s hostel owners are making serious efforts to keep their guests happy.

The top three best hostels were:

1. Travellers House Hostel
2. Rossio Hostel
3. Living Lounge Hostel

Lisbon Lounge Hostel came in at number 7, and the Lisboa Central Hostel was a very respectable 10th.

But you can’t help but admire the Travellers House Hostel. Nominated best hostel for 2 years running, and also in the Top 3 of GoLisbon’s list of most popular hostels for 2009. This hostel is proving consistently that it is the favorite in the city according to reviews from past guests. It is located in Lisbon’s main pedestrian street, Rua Augusta and not only is the location perfect, the design of the décor is another major attraction.

Congratulations are due then, to Lisbon’s hostels in general, and to Travellers House in particular.

Price, location, and positive reviews from past guests were the selling points for the hotels and hostels most booked in 2009 through GoLisbon.com. Looking at the top 5 hotels, they average an 8.3 out of a possible 10 rating from past guests and are all centrally located or with easy access to and from the airport. Three of them are located downtown, with the relatively new Vincci Baixa having already claimed a spot in the top 5. What they all also have in common is their price range, with double rooms at below 100 euros throughout most of the year, and often going for as low as 60 euros. Their positive rating means that their strongest selling point is good value for money but their locations are also a plus.
In our hostel bookings the ratings from previous visitors were also important to attract new guests, with the top 5 hostels averaging a 93.5% approval. The most booked hostel was the gay-friendly Pouso dos Anjos Guesthouse followed by Lisbon Story Guesthouse and Travellers House in the Baixa, downtown district.
GoLisbon also offers apartment bookings, all located in the most central and charming historical neighborhoods, as well as pousadas which this year attracted a larger number of travelers. Below is the top 5 hotels and hostels, showing their percentage of all bookings made through GoLisbon.com:

TOP 5 HOTELS
1. Altis Park 6%
2. Radisson SAS Lisboa 5%
2. Residencial Florescente 5%
4. VIP Inn Veneza 3.1%
5. Vincci Baixa 2.9%

TOP 5 HOSTELS
1. Pouso dos Anjos Guesthouse 10%
2. Lisbon Story Guesthouse 6.5%
3. Travellers House 6.1%
4. Alfama Patio 3.4%
5. Lisbon Poets 3%
5. Oasis Backpackers Mansion 3%
5. Lisbon Old Town Hostel 3%

“New York” magazine highlighted Lisbon in its travel section this weekend, and among some of the city’s most interesting shops, hotels, and landmarks, it also recommended GoLisbon.com for being “an amazingly comprehensive English-language site covering most everything in Lisbon, with a focus on what’s new.” This comes after recommendations in the Lonely Planet guidebooks, in Paris’ Metro newspaper, and London’s “The Times,” confirming that GoLisbon.com is indeed the must-visit site for everything Lisbon. It’s reassuring to see our efforts in presenting Lisbon recognized, and it’s also interesting to see what major international publications choose to highlight in our beloved city.
In this “New York” article, the author recommends stays at the York House and Fontana Park hotels for being close to two of the city’s top museums, while also highlighting the classic boutique hotel Heritage Avenida Liberdade.
When it came to restaurants, it offered some interesting options, the recent 100 Maneiras for refined but reasonably-priced Portuguese dishes, as well as the very traditional and laid-back “A Camponesa” by the Santa Catarina viewpoint. A third option was “Aya,” known as Lisbon’s best Japanese restaurant.
The article goes on to suggest stops at some of the city’s most interesting shops, including PorConceito and A Vida Portuguesa for authentic Portuguese products.
As for sightseeing tips, it sticks to Alfama, suggesting a climb to the Castle of St. George and a look at Casa dos Bicos before ending the day at Pois Café.
You can read the entire article at the New York Magazine site: Spend Less in Lisbon

After Porto’s new palace hotel, we must also tell you that Lisbon recently saw the opening of its latest palatial accommodation. Hotel Palacete Chafariz D’El Rei opened on a secluded street right below the hilly maze of the Alfama district, and is now one of the most romantic places to stay in the city.
It was built in the late 19th century as an aristocratic vision of the neo-Moorish style, facing the river which can be seen from the building’s terrace. The renovation for it to be turned into a hotel took some time, as everything was carefully restored to its original look. The authenticity of the interior is then mixed with the more contemporary design of some of the furnishings, all together creating an intimate atmosphere throughout the entire space.
There are six spacious suites and public areas for meetings or relaxing after a day of sightseeing. A particularly beautiful room is the Hall of Mirrors which features Art Nouveau details, and there is also a meticulously restored Arabesque Room and a sumptuous library.
This is the perfect hotel for honeymooning couples, including gay and lesbian couples, as it’s a gay-friendly hotel.
There is no restaurant but a continental breakfast is served in the beautiful dining room.
For a cocktail you practically don’t even need to leave the hotel, as right next door is Kuta, currently the hottest bar in Lisbon and a place you should not miss whether or not you’re staying at the hotel.
Get all the hotel details and booking information here: Palacete Chafariz D’el Rei Hotel

If you’re taking our recommendation and going to Porto during its restaurant week, be sure to also consider a visit or a stay in the city’s newest hotel and attraction — Palacio do Freixo Hotel. Classified as a national monument, this baroque palace was recently renovated to become a Pousada (the special chain of Portuguese hotels in historical buildings or atmospheric areas), and is now open to guests and those curious about the monumental building.

Non-guests may also dine at its excellent restaurant (which, incidentally, is participating in the Porto Restaurant Week), and admire the beautiful architectural details of the façade and interior.

This is the largest of all Pousadas, offering 87 rooms accessed through a grand entrance. Past the reception is a business center and a chapel, as well as the “Hall of Mirrors” which is connected to the bar. There is also an area devoted to wine tastings (you’re in Porto, after all), and of course the restaurant serving refined dishes of Portuguese cuisine.

As you pass through these different spaces you’ll see painted ceilings and walls, satins, and wooden floors. You’ll also want to look for the indoor pool with a spa, as well as the terrace and gardens outside offering river views.
In the rooms you’ll find classic Portuguese furnishings mixed with contemporary decorative pieces, meaning Baroque or 19th century chairs and fine Portuguese porcelain together with works by local contemporary artists.
In the end, you’ll see that the 10-million-euro investment was a reasonable price to pay when the result is providing one of the most memorable experiences in the beautiful city of Porto.

Get complete details, including booking information here: Pousada do Porto – Palacio do Freixo Hotel

SEE ALL OF PORTUGAL’S POUSADAS

A recently-reported study regarding the cost of luxury hotels has shown that prices have tumbled around the world. Travelers can now enjoy 5-star accommodation at around 100 euros per night, and the major world city where that is most possible is Lisbon. The Portuguese capital tops the list of what is now considered “budget five-star hotels”, meaning visitors can at the moment get even more for their holiday money.
If you weren’t already convinced that Lisbon is currently the most attractive European capital when it comes to value, weather, and safety combined with its surprising cultural attractions, this should leave no doubts. Other European destinations such as Prague and Warsaw have also made the top 10 list of affordable 5-star-hotel cities, but no other can beat Lisbon for true value.
GoLisbon therefore recommends its visitors to check out prices at some of the city’s top hotels which just may reveal themselves to be quite reasonably priced. Consider Pestana Palace which is a favorite of visiting celebrities, stay in grand European style in the center of the city at Avenida Palace, or check out the city’s Sheraton which offers a fantastic restaurant with views and a fabulous spa.
Those who prefer the luxury of their own apartment will find dozens of choices in the center of Lisbon at even more affordable prices.

The weather forecast shows that it will be quite warm and sunny this weekend in Lisbon, and will continue to be so throughout the following week. Those of you who can still take a few days off to enjoy the good weather should consider a stay in Cascais. That oceanfront village just outside Lisbon allows you to experience the best of the capital just a few minutes away, while also providing plenty of opportunities to relax by the sea. And there are a few new or renovated spaces to check out right now. The first one is Furnas do Guincho, a restaurant standing over the Atlantic known for serving the freshest fish and seafood, in a very contemporary, just-remodeled interior. There are three different terraces or dining areas overlooking the sea, and those views are the only things that haven’t changed in the fifty years of the restaurant. Everything else has been given a 21st century makeover, although the menu remains faithful to the flavors of the Atlantic. It’s definitely a place to check out in the warmer months but it’s equally attractive in the winter.
Another recent renovation was that of the Vila Galé Hotel. The rooms now have a much more modern look, and there is a fantastic outdoor pool for adults and children. This is a great option for families, with a special children’s playground, and sauna and massages for the grown-ups.
For budget, independent travelers there’s the new Cascais Beach Hostel, located in a wonderful beach house. The beach which is especially popular for surfing is just a few steps away, but guests can always choose to stay in the hostel’s own swimming pool. There is also a large lounge area, laundry and internet services, a complete kitchen, and BBQ area.

Lisbon’s latest hotel opening is found just around the corner from the city’s most central square, Rossio. That square is part of the hotel’s name, which belongs to the Spanish “Gat” chain. Like at all the other “Gats,” Gat Rossio is design accommodation and an excellent value for money. It has one of the best locations in Lisbon and its ultra modern style will attract young guests looking to be in the middle of the city’s action to experience the best of it.
This is also an unusually pet-friendly hotel, allowing small domestic animals to stay at no extra charge. Another plus is the free wireless internet available throughout the space.
There is a total of 71 rooms, all with uniquely designed furnishings and bright colors mixing with shining white. Diasabled guests have some rooms with easier access and special facilities available.
For additional details, plus price and booking information, see GoLisbon’s Gat Rossio booking page.

As if visiting Lisbon wasn’t already inexpensive enough, several of the city’s hostels are now on sale if booked through GoLisbon.com’s booking service. And Lisbon’s hostels are no ordinary hostels, having topped lists of the world’s best in the past couple of years. This type of new budget boutique accommodation is mostly found in the very center of the city, and offers shared and private rooms, while also providing comfortable public spaces such as lounges and kitchens for guests to meet each other. Young travelers are the biggest fans of hostels, knowing that they’re no longer just a place with a bed and a shower, especially those in Lisbon.
You may take a look at all of Lisbon’s hostels here, or consider Alfama Patio Hostel which has been singled out with a “best staff” award last December. It is currently offering a 15% discount if booked through GoLisbon’s booking service, while an even bigger discount is offered by Costta Rooms, lowering their usual rate by 20%. The same discount is offered by Kitsch Hostel, while the relatively new Lisbon Calling is bringing down its prices by 10%. Another option is Olá Backpackers, offering a 15% lower rate if you book through GoLisbon.

Those travelers wishing to stay closer to the beach this summer should consider staying in the seaside town of Cascais, just a short train ride away from Lisbon.  That’s where Ana’s Cottage is currently offering a 20% discount, while its Ana’s Cottage Cobre has lowered its rates by 10%.

And because summer often means more than just a long weekend away, many travelers choose to move up north from Lisbon. The likely destination is usually Porto, and for complete information about that city, there’s our Go Oporto site. In Portugal’s second city it is also possible to stay in hostels at cheaper-than-usual prices when booked through our site. Oporto Vintage Studios and Oporto World Heritage Studios are both offering a 15% discount at the moment, or you may also consider Belomonte Apartments, which are now 20% cheaper.

In its August 2009 issue, the American “Travel & Leisure” magazine has chosen Lisbon for its regular “Where To Go Next” feature. It’s a 4-page article highlighting the best of the city, from classic sights to the latest attractions.
It points out Lisbon’s “provocative mix of forward-thinking design and centuries-old architecture” that is making the Portuguese capital move “into the spotlight.” The article then goes on to list examples of how the city is “embellishing its inimitable, gilded history with world-class venues for contemporary culture, art, and dining,” choosing to highlight Santos, the so-called “Design District.” It recommends the area’s best shops and eateries, and when it comes to accommodation it suggests stays at stylish hotels for all budgets, from the reasonably priced Vincci Baixa to the hip Fontana Park Hotel.
As for dining out, among the interesting choices it lists Sommer (already reviewed here), and Verde Perto, one of GoLisbon’s favorite but still relatively unknown cafés by the Castle of St. George (great toasted sandwiches served with salad!).
The well-researched article is filled with excellent choices, which you may discover by picking up a copy of the magazine (it’s on newsstands in the U.S. and will soon be available internationally), or by reading it online at the magazine’s website: Where To Go Next: Lisbon.