Hotel Britania, Lisbon, Portugal

The smooth tones and individual deco style of the Britania are an antidote to the world of homogenised Hiltons. Port-hole deco windows, classic black and white photo prints, and a library complete with backgammon board make this more like a private club than a hotel. Located around the corner from Lisbon’s most expensive shopping street, you can nip out for your Louis Vuitton bag or new Ferrari - which you can park in the hotel underground garage. It is a stone’s throw from the subway system, some late night shops and bars, and not too far to walk to the city downtown. Service is focused, attentive, discreet and multi-lingual. The tiny 1930s barber’s museum adds quirky charm.

The rooms
Uncluttered but welcoming, the bedrooms strike a balance between style, comfort and convenience. Warm varnished cork flooring, soothing mono-coloured walls, matching fabrics across the beds and seating and mahogany furniture are set off by deco high-tech lighting fixtures and lamps. There is space to spread out in all of the 33 rooms, and the marbled period bathrooms have been carefully restored. Though the views onto the street won’t have you reaching for your sketch book, complementary chocolate and port help you settle in. The top floor has a mini-suite and “superior rooms”.