Best The Leading Hotels of the World in Portugal

This Lisbon, Portugal, hotel is located in a renovated 19th-century palace, greeting guests with elegant decor and impeccable design upon arrival. Past visitors were especially enchanted with the aesthetic of the hotel and said the staff and lodgings were top-notch. Rooms offer views of the city or gardens and come outfitted with free Wi-Fi access, workstations, minibars and safes. In-room decor includes antique furnishings, crown molding and floral patterned accents on everything from rugs to headboards to sofas. Outside the accommodations, travelers can enjoy a stroll through the gardens or go for a swim in the indoor or outdoor pool (both surrounded by lounge chairs for relaxing, too). Another way to unwind? At the on-site spa, which offers a sauna and various treatments. The hotel is also home to fitness and business centers, plus a few eateries. The upscale Valle Flôr restaurant serves breakfast and lunch in an elegant dining room, while Allegro Bar and Casa do Lago are more casual dining venues. What's more, the property is part of The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, meaning Leaders Club members get extra perks here. You'll find the Pestana Palace Lisboa about 5 miles west of central Lisbon.

With an enviable location just north of Lisbon, Portugal's city center, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade is a popular retreat for both leisure and business travelers. Recent visitors raved about this Leading Hotels of the World outpost's location and attentive staff members. Plus, Leaders Club members can earn or redeem points for stays here. Rooms and suites feature mostly neutral decor, with either courtyard or city views. All accommodations are equipped with desks, flat-screen TVs and walk-in showers. If you upgrade to a suite, you'll find added amenities, such as daily tea service and access to a VIP lounge. But be sure to step outside your digs to explore the hotel's other offerings. Tivoli Avenida boasts a circular outdoor pool, surrounded by lounge chairs and greenery, in addition to a fitness center and three dining options. Cervejaria Liberdade dishes out fresh seafood caught right from Portugal's own coastline, the Lobby Bar treats guests to gourmet salads and sandwiches and afternoon tea, and the Pool Bar offers light bites and drinks poolside. For cocktails with a view during the summer, head to the rooftop Sky Bar. According to previous guests, the only downsides to staying at this hotel are the occasionally slow check-ins and the lack of space inside standard guest rooms.

Overlooking the picturesque Douro River, this hotel impresses travelers with its spacious rooms and elegant decor. The detailed facade and regal interiors are reminiscent of Old World Europe, and the property maintains a well-manicured garden (complete with a fountain) that overlooks the waterfront. Another appreciated perk? The infinity pool, which is surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas and offers stunning views of the river and Porto, Portugal's numerous bridges. Inside, the rooms and suites are outfitted in a gold color palette – accented by wooden headboards and jewel-toned furniture – and include free Wi-Fi access, LCD televisions, minibars and safes. When it's time for a meal, head to Nasoni, which offers all-day casual dining, or sit down for Portuguese fare at Palatium. Other on-site facilities include an indoor pool, a spa and a fitness center. You'll find this hotel situated about 3 miles east of central Porto – a sore point among some guests since it made accessing top attractions a bit difficult, though the hotel does offer complimentary shuttle service daily. What's more, the Pestana Palácio do Freixo is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, meaning Leaders Club members receive added perks when staying here.