Ex Libris Apartments | Chiado
Literary boutique apartment-hotel. Design-forward but warm — Portuguese heritage details, high ceilings, large windows, wood floors. Feels like a cultured local's flat, not a corporate rental.
Book directly via almaria.pt for the best rate plus a complimentary private airport transfer — a genuine saving vs OTAs
Why It Matters
One of the most literary-themed stays in Lisbon, in a genuinely historic building that housed a newspaper and still has a bookstore downstairs. Michelin Guide listed. Ranked #22 of 929 specialty lodging in Lisbon on TripAdvisor. The apartment sizes are exceptional for a central Chiado address — 55m² is the entry point.
Almaria Ex Libris sits in a building with a real story: it was once headquarters of the O Diário Ilustrado newspaper (shuttered in 1956), and Livraria Camões bookstore still occupies the ground floor today. The 17 apartments above span six floors, each floor named after a Portuguese literary giant — Gil Vicente, Eça de Queiroz, Camilo Castelo Branco, Almeida Garrett, Fernando Pessoa, Luís de Camões — and the interiors take the theme seriously, with Portuguese-crafted furniture, art by local emerging artists, cork details, traditional patchwork textiles, and multimedia works by artist Maísa Champalimaud. These are proper apartments, not hotel rooms with kitchenettes: 55–134m², full dishwasher-equipped kitchens, washer-dryers, and room service noon to midnight if you don't feel like cooking.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Deluxe One Bedroom
Named 'Os Maias' after Eça de Queiroz's classic novel, and located on floor 1. At 71m² it's noticeably roomier than the Superior category. Overlooks Rua da Misericórdia. The same premium materials and Portuguese art treatment, but with more generous floor space. Good for couples who want to spread out.
71 sqmDeluxe Two Bedroom
Two apartments on floor 3 (dedicated to Almeida Garrett), named 'Folhas Caídas' and 'Viagens na Minha Terra' after the author's classic works. Ranging from 93–99m², they include private balconies with views over Rua da Misericórdia. The size and outdoor space make these the go-to for families. Flooded with natural light.
96 sqm
River View Terrace — Three Bedrooms
The flagship apartment. Named 'Os Lusíadas' after Camões's most celebrated epic poem, and sitting on the top floor (floor 5) with 134m² of space and a 25m² terrace. River Tagus views, city skyline, afternoon sun — this is the one to book for a landmark family trip or a special occasion. It's the most exclusive apartment in the building and it shows.
134 sqmRiver View Terrace — Two Bedrooms
On the top floor (floor 5, dedicated to Luís de Camões), named 'Sonetos' after the poet's sonnets. At 91m² with a 6m² private terrace, this apartment delivers river and city panoramas — the Tagus in the distance, Lisbon rooftops around you. Premium category finishes throughout. Excellent for couples travelling together or small families who want outdoor space.
91 sqmSuperior One Bedroom
The entry category, and still genuinely spacious at 55m². Spread across floors 0–4, each apartment is named after a work by the floor's dedicated author: floor 0 is Gil Vicente, floor 1 is Eça de Queiroz, floor 2 is Camilo Castelo Branco, floor 3 is Almeida Garrett, floor 4 is Fernando Pessoa. Views overlook Rua da Misericórdia or Rua das Gáveas. Portuguese-crafted furniture and art by local emerging artists. No private outdoor space on this category.
55 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bike rentals are available for exploring Lisbon's streets — particularly useful for flatter coastal routes, though Chiado itself is hilly. Confirmed by multiple OTA listings and guest reviews.
The front desk concierge (on-site 9am–6pm) handles restaurant reservations, tour bookings, and local recommendations. Reviewers consistently single out specific staff members (Sara, Eduardo, Pedro, Joana) for going well beyond the basics — birthday cakes organised, sick child support, customised itineraries. This is the activity hub of the property.
The building itself is a cultural experience. Each floor is dedicated to a Portuguese literary figure, the apartments are named after their works, and the interiors incorporate Portuguese patchwork, cork, slate, traditional fabrics, and art by local emerging artists. The ground-floor Livraria Camões bookstore is part of the experience. No formal guided tour — guests explore at their own pace.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Stocked directly into apartment fridge each morning. Fresh bread hung on door daily. Personalised to dietary needs if advised before arrival.
Available on request. Staff will also provide baby baths and small plush toys. Multiple reviewers praise the family-friendly service.
Double glazing handles Chiado street noise well. Note: internal sound transfer between floors is less well-insulated per some guest reviews.
Full washing machine and dryer in every apartment — a genuine differentiator for longer stays.
Every apartment has a kitchen with oven, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine (Delta), toaster, and full cooking utensils. Olive oil, salt, and pepper included.
Full daily cleaning service provided by the property's housekeeping team, included in all apartment rates.
Front desk staffed 9am to 6pm. For arrivals after 6pm, the property contacts guests in advance with check-in instructions.
There is no pool, gym, or fitness facility at this property.
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