It’s not very often that a backpacker hotel catches the attention of FlymeFunky, but this hybrid Lisbon hotel has certainly caught our eye…

For the solo traveller, there’s something appealing about staying at a backpackers; you think you’ll be sharing travelling experiences with a bunch of like minded individuals, trading stories about what sight you saw and tips on where to go next. There’s always a steady supply of new drinking buddies to go out and hit the town with. For the most part this is true, but then it comes time to sleep off a hangover or to try and have a quiet nap before catching the red eye off to your next destination. It’s those moments that you wish you didn’t have to share sleeping quarters with 7 other people.

The Independente has managed to stylishly combine the best of both worlds. There are still 108 beds for backpackers distributed amongst 13 spacious rooms, each of which features its own lounge area. As well as that there are four large suites, where you can retreat to when you have had enough of the partying downstairs (it’s also nicer to bring that special someone back to).

A recent renovation to this 100 year old former Swiss Ambassadors residence has kept its Art Deco influence but has transformed this property in the centre of the Bairro Alto and Principe Real districts in front of the most picturesque square of the city. The four suites offer stunning views across the city and two over the Tagus River from their balconies.The hotel also features a beer garden and a restaurant called The Decadente, where the hotel’s split personality also shows through with both large communal tables as well as smaller more intimate tables. The location of the hotel is great for those looking for a night out on the town with Bairro Alto transforming from the bohemian quarter full of artists and writers during the day to the city’s vibrant night life district, the Princepe Real ditrict is Lisbon’s gay and lesbian district. 

Dorm rooms start from EUR$11 per night and you can pick up a night in a suite from EUR$90.00. Check out the website here