Lisboa is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and with seven hills, there’s a lot to see and explore. Alfama is a charming, modest, and age-old fishing neighbourhood. Nestled between the hill and the ocean, at the base of the glorious São Jorge Castle, this area of the Portuguese capital embodies the spirit of the city.

Alfama and Lisbon are full of beauties, hidden gardens, spectacular views and azuleijos. It’s also the area where fado, the most well known Portuguese musical genre was born. Icons of fado include Amália Rodrigues, Ana Moura and Mariza who both bring this traditional genre into contemporaneity, among many other artists.

Fado, which originates from Mouraria, is sung-poetry exploring themes such as the human condition, love, and melancholia or “saudade”, a term which can’t be translated in any other languages. It can be experienced at one of Lisbon’s leading hotels: memmo Alfama.

Curated by renowned fado singer Cuca Roseta, memmo’s resident artists include the fado singer Zé da Câmara, Portuguese guitarist Domingos Mira, and guitarist Gustavo Pinto Basto. They perform at memmo Alfama on the stunning terrace which overlooks the main highlights of Lisbon such as the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and the Dome of the Pantheon, resting place of Amália Rodrigues. The Museum of fado is not far away. Everything is walking distance from memmo Alfama, including Praça do Comércio and Sé de Lisboa.

CEO Rodrigo Machaz talks to Art is Alive: “We fell in love with the location considering it the best way to bring memmo to Lisbon. Located in one of Lisbon’s most authentic and historical neighborhoods, memmo Alfama is a hidden treasure to be discovered through the intricate and narrow streets, completely integrated and in perfect harmony with one of the most known quarters of the old town: Alfama.”

Memmo Alfama is the best boutique hotel of the Portuguese capital at the moment. It features incomparable views and stunning lines honouring the Portuguese School of Architecture (think Eduardo Souto de Moura and Alvaro Siza among other world-famous architects). “The hotel is the result of a renovation of two existing old buildings. Samuel Torres de Carvalho has been our architect since the very first Memmo project, and he is also responsible for the interior design along with the resident design team.” Rodrigo Machaz continues.

Featuring white walls, remarkable interiors and a stunning swimming pool facing the Tagus river, Memmo Alfama’s architecture is impressive. “The existing building from 19th Century, built on a pre-existent site and attached to the Fernandina fence, was in a profound state of degradation. It was a building composed mainly of very precarious houses located and by several buildings for industrial use, without any architectural quality, that adhered to it. New volumes and terraces have been designed building places to stay at different levels, creating several outdoor paths. ” STC responsible for the architecture and design explain. The project involved decoration and interior design, which were implemented in close coordination with memmo. Beds, tables, sofas, and other furniture pieces were created especially for this hotel, as well as the accessories for the bathrooms. A 360 degree project which managed to capture the vibrant light of Lisboa and allows easy circulation.

The Hotel logo is based on the name Memmo (inspired by ‘memories’) and the symbol of a chameleon. It can be found throughout the hotel and on the small yellow guide on Alfama available in the bedrooms and the lobby area. A practical and elegant mini guide that provides cultural recommendations, from museums, fancy shops and casa de fados.  “We believe travellers always have a story to tell. Thus, when visitors depart from memmo Alfama, we want them to take all sounds, aromas, scents, and images of a unique setting. Similarly, the chameleon reflects the desire to adapt and integrate the hotel within its setting and provide the very best that its surroundings have to offer.” Highlighting the amazing service delivered to guests, memmo Alfama makes a difference on the market with a personalized approach.

Art is also prominent at memmo Alfama and Rodrigo Machaz likes to encapsulate the living memories from the original building spotlighting the mix of tradition and modernity so unique to Portuguese culture.

The hotel aims to support local artists too. The entrance features a mural from the well known Portuguese street artist Vhils depicting an enigmatic face sculpted within the concrete of the building. The living room displays a piece in mixed media – photography and drawing – by Gabriela Albergaria which celebrates nature and the organic. The bar area has a stunning black & white print by German photographer Alexander Koch, who moved to Lisbon in the 90’s and had a studio in the memmo Alfama building before it was turned into a hotel, a nice way to come full circle.

Today memmo Alfama welcomes a local and international clientele who likes sophistication and its simple and beautiful design. The colour palette brilliantly mixes ocre, pale yellow, dark green, brown and beige. The atmosphere is subtle and very pleasant.

A wide range of rooms is available, from Mansard, Patio, Alfama, to Terrace and Superior options, the spaces cater for every need and every (luxury) budget.

These colours contrast with the beautiful red-tile swimming pool and the heart of the hotel is both the gorgeous outside terrace and the cave-like dining room and breakfast / lounging interior area. “Due to the amazing views from our terrace, the beauty of the red pool, tiles, and the old town scenery, we have hosted several photo shootings in the past years. Contemporary artists and celebrities, from rock bands to fado singers, have chosen memmo Alfama as their home away home” and it’s understandable given how beautiful it is.

At night, the vibe becomes hype and even more elegant. DJ sessions by Tânia Pascoal among other talents, on Fridays and Saturdays, mix with fado singing hosted on Tuesdays, making Lisbon the coolest city on earth.

The interiors of the room are simple yet have all the modern amenities required for an excellent stay: a Marshall amp to connect your phone and listen to music, a large-screen TV, comfortable towels, robes and lovely well-being products for showering.

The breakfast menu is simple yet delicious, and pasteis de nata are available ‘à vontade’. The morning and eating area downstairs is a perfect space for meeting new friends and enjoying conversations. Staff are friendly, speak perfect English and other languages and are very helpful.

Memmo Alfama has a non-smoking policy and the pool is for guests only. There’s a gym in the lower ground floor of the hotel with all perfect installations.

Rodrigo Machaz, who is busy working on the future plans for memmo including five new hotels in the next five years concludes: “I think the best asset is the passion we have put into this project since the first day! We love Alfama, we love the amazing views of the hotel, and most of all, we love to give our guests an authentic experience. More than a hotel we want to offer our guests a home in Lisbon with friendly hospitality in a contemporary atmosphere.”  

With a commitment to sustainability, memmo Alfama leads the way to making changes and raising awareness on climate emergency. These rules include processes that avoid the production of unnecessary waste and implementing a zero waste philosophy.

The stunning hotel is indeed hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city and it feels like an oasis of calm with one of this planet’s most impressive views. This hidden treasure in the heart of one of Lisbon’s most picturesque districts has mastered the art of local integration, offering a truly authentic Lisbon experience, excellent cocktails, perfect service, with unmatched views of Alfama and the Tagus River. Tapas can be served too on request.

To continue exploring Portugal and its wonders, memmo is also present in Lisboa’s Princípe Real and Sagres in Algarve. More will open in the future, but in the meantime, make sure to book the fantastic Alfama location.

What are Rodrigo Machaz’ top suggestions for cultural suggestions in the fantastic region?

– Explore the area, joining our daily organized walking tours to show the neighborhood to our guests.
– Discover Lisbon most spectacular view points walking distance from the hotel 
– If you are an active person, rent a bike at Corpo Santo square and take a bike tour along the river up the Monument to the Discoveries. On your way stop at the “Clube Naval de Lisboa” for a nice meal or drink overlooking the river. 

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Thanks to Rodrigo Machaz and Diana Oliveira from memmo