The hype
A beautifully designed social hub with great digital nomad facilities but severely lacking in basic hotel comforts.
Selina Lisbon
$70-$150/ night
Book this if You're a digital nomad or social traveler who wants a vibrant coworking community and doesn't mind trading sleep for a rooftop party.
Why People Love It
- Excellent coworking space with fast Wi-Fi
- Social atmosphere with a rooftop bar and pool
- Prime location near Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto nightlife
Quick Take: It markets itself as a boutique hotel, but deep down it's a glorified party hostel with thin walls, extra fees for coworking, and a serious noise problem.
Reviewed by @simahthesweeper: My stay at Selina Lisbon was the ultimate digital nomad dream. I loved starting my mornings in the co-working space and ending them playing pool on the rooftop. The courtyard murals are gorgeous, and the vibe is incredibly welcoming for solo travelers.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The thumping bass from the rooftop bar and street noise will keep you up well past midnight, and cleanliness is a gamble.
- Digital nomads needing a dedicated workspace
- Solo travelers looking to meet people
- Nightlife enthusiasts wanting to be near Pink Street
Cleanliness & Maintenance
4.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report spotless rooms, while others had to mop their own floors upon arrival.
- Bathroom hygiene: Shared bathrooms can get messy quickly, and several reviews note mold and water damage in private showers.
- Maintenance: Showing signs of wear and tear, with reports of broken locks on shared bathroom doors and flimsy fixtures.
- Linens & towels: Major red flag: Multiple recent reports of blood spots on mattress covers and bed bug infestations.
- Odors & scents: Mixed. Some rooms smell fresh, while others have complaints of dampness, mustiness, and strong artificial fragrances.
Sleepability™
3LOUD
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rooftop bar DJ playing late into the night
- Street noise from the lively Bairro Alto neighborhood
- Internal noise from other guests due to thin walls
Before you book
Good to know
- There are no heaters in most rooms, which can make winter stays freezing
- Breakfast is not included and costs around €15/day
- You have to pay extra to use the coworking space
What to pack
- Heavy-duty earplugs or noise-canceling headphones (mandatory)
- Warm sleepwear if visiting in winter (rooms get cold)
- Comfortable walking shoes for the steep cobblestone hills
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premium Suite for maximum space and a private bathroom
- Standard Room if you want privacy but are on a budget
Rooms to avoid
- Micro rooms (tiny with shared bathrooms)
- Any room directly below the rooftop terrace due to extreme noise
- Dorms if you are concerned about the recent bed bug reports
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm a light sleeper. Could you please assign me a room on a lower floor, as far away from the rooftop bar and street noise as possible? Also, please ensure the room has been recently inspected for pests. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the coworking space free for guests?
No, you have to pay a daily fee (around €10) to use the hot desks, even if you are staying at the hotel.
Is it a hotel or a hostel?
It's a hybrid. They offer private suites that feel like a boutique hotel, but also 10-bed dorms and shared bathrooms.
Is there parking on-site?
No, but the Edifício D. Luís I Parking garage is a 1-minute walk away.
Is it noisy?
Yes, very. The rooftop bar plays loud music, the walls are thin, and the neighborhood is lively.
Are there really bed bugs?
Multiple recent reviews from 2025 mention bed bug encounters and blood-stained mattresses, so inspect your bed immediately upon arrival.
Is there heating or AC?
AC is available, but heating is notoriously lacking, making winter nights very cold.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the €15 hotel breakfast and walk to a nearby pastelaria for coffee and a pastel de nata for a fraction of the price.
- ✨
If you're staying long-term, ask about the CoLive program for up to 40% off monthly stays.
- ✨
The shared kitchen is fully equipped—buy groceries at the nearby Mercado da Ribeira to save money on meals.
5 things to know before you go
💡The '4-star hotel' rating on Google is highly misleading; this is fundamentally a boutique hostel.
💡You might have to mop your own floor upon arrival, as housekeeping can be hit or miss.
💡The curtains in some rooms are too small for the windows, letting in street light all night.
💡The property is located up a massive, steep cobblestone hill that isn't obvious on a map.
💡The luggage storage room is frequently 'under construction', leaving you stuck with your bags before check-in.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Selina Lisbon is located and what's nearby.