An art lover’s empyrean dream: enter Whatever Art Bed and Breakfast in Lisbon.
This is one of THE quirkiest bed and breakfast there is in Lisbon. The owner, Carlos, has applied the utmost attention to detail. The result? A charming, zany, laissez-faire establishment in the heart of a city that is bursting with life.
Whatever Art B&B is located in a 1930s building near the fashionable and high-brow Avenida da Liberdade (think international designers), but tucked away in a quiet residential area. Its proximity to local amenities such as the Museu do Campo Pequeno (a Mosque-looking building that is home to myriad shops) and the touristy part of town (Bairro Alto) make it the ideal location to use as a base in Lisbon.
We love the authentic features of the building itself: from the high ceilings, the wooden floors, to the ambrosial terrace at the back. The original features of the hotel have been amplified by the owner juxtaposing the traditional characteristics of the building with snazzy and upbeat art. The art adorns walls and corners throughout and chandeliers light up the main rooms (the living room and breakfast area), as well as the bedrooms.
The artist and mastermind is none other than Carlos himself.
A word on Carlos.
Carlos defies any attempt to be encased by labels. An artist, actor, fashion designer, hotelier – you name it, he’s probably done it. A breadth of life experiences is what makes him – and the B&B by extension – so much fun.
The rooms
The rooms are tastefully decorated with fun chandeliers and cool contemporary art works. Rooms are often colour co-ordinated and we stayed in a sumptuous red and purple styled one. The beds are firm and super comfortable – the ultimate indulgence after a long days’ exploration of Lisbon.
The breakfast
Breakfast is served by the lovely Goma and consists of an array of cold meats and pastries and a daily, homemade cake made by none other than Carlos himself! (The olive oil and cinnamon one is outrageously delicious.) Goma is also on hand for all of your cooked desires – scrambled eggs, omelettes, you name it.
“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one“. Or, as one guest wrote, Whatever Art B&B “works like honey on your soul”.
The best part of Whatever Art B&B? Coming back feels like home.
In a city that isn’t yours, what more could you ask for?
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