When Art Meets Hospitality: Best Lisbon Creative Hotels
Hotels worldwide are increasingly merging art and hospitality by showcasing museum-quality works and nurturing new talent.
Art in hotels is not a recent phenomenon. However, a new wave of hotels is redefining how art is displayed and sourced, ranging from acquiring unique pieces and executing large-scale installations to nurturing local and emerging artists – all of which enrich the immersive experience of the hotel while making art accessible to a broader audience.
Let’s explore how this creative trend is becoming Europe’s favorite traveler’s awe, starting from Portugal’s capital city!
Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, Portugal’s dynamic Art Scene on Display
Martinhal Lisbon Oriente is a vibrant tribute to Portugal’s dynamic art scene, offering a feast for the senses. Opened in 2023, the hotel and branded residences are designed in collaboration with esteemed local artists. These include Bordalo II, known for his striking animal sculptures made from recycled materials that add a playful yet thought-provoking touch.
As you stroll through the sleek hallways, you’ll discover colorful works by artists such as Kruella D’Enfer, Graça Paz, Oficina Marques, Tamara Alvèz, and others. Art is central to Martinhal’s ethos, and every space—from the lobby to the apartments—celebrates Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and creativity.
Guests may also participate in the annual Martinhal Art, Design, and Wellbeing Weekend at Martinhal Sagres, where they can connect with artists and designers over three inspiring days.
Locke De Santa Joana, A Creative Hub In the Heart of Lisbon
The Locke de Santa Joana is not a Hotel; it’s a home for the real traveler. There are comfortable design rooms, coworking spaces, gourmet restaurants, diverse bars, and, yes, a lovely outdoor pool with a kiosk adjacent to it. But these are secondary to the charming design of the whole space.
When you open its doors, you enter a district for sophisticated souls. Once a 17th-century convent, the old architecture remains relevant, now situated next to a modern structure that seamlessly blends in without detracting from its surroundings.
During art or design events, such as the latest Lisbon Design Week, the space elevates its hosting of exhibitions in its art gallery and patios. Emerging designers, such as Terrakota, Mariana Rialo, and AB+AC Architects, have exhibited there. Coworking areas convert into display hubs, and its well-known bars become a remarkable designers’ podcast room. Also, Spiritland‘s dance floor often hosts delightful DJ sets and cocktail parties.
MACAM Hotel Lisbon, For a Night at The Museum
In the heart of one of Lisbon’s most culturally vibrant areas, between Alcântara and Belém, and on the banks of the Tagus River, the MACAM Hotel is a place to relax and enjoy a unique, immersive artistic experience, offering guests a more intimate interaction with art.
What makes this hotel special is its integration with the Armando Martins Museum of Contemporary Art. Throughout the rooms, hallways, and shared spaces, guests can view a thoughtfully curated selection of pieces from the MACAM Collection, featuring works by Portuguese and international artists from different generations of modern and contemporary art. It is a unique opportunity to explore the world of art.
The Jam Hotel in Lisbon: Eclectic Art, Craftsmanship, and Sustainable Design.
The Jam Hotel in Lisbon, designed by Belgian artist Lionel Jadot, stands out with its artistic renovation of the Doca de Santos office building.
As guests walk around, they’ll see unique pieces, such as modular bunk beds crafted from burned eucalyptus wood and eco-friendly tile headboards made from recycled shoe soles. The lobby features molded concrete chairs that connect the space to nature, while a mural adds natural colors.
The Cabana bar-lounge boasts amazing city views, complemented by hand-painted tiles and a pool designed as a relaxing urban escape. Furniture and sculptures add to the chill vibe.
The “Wandering Threads” exhibition explores sustainability and urban identity through the lens of art. Installations invite visitors to reflect on the connections between art, design, and the evolving city around them.
