Lisbon Palace Transformed Into an Affordable and Luxurious Hostel

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/awesome-typographic-directions-tell-bikers-where-to-cycle-in-lisbon/" target="_blank">Visitors to Lisbon</a> can now spend the night in the former Swiss Ambassador’s luxe mansion -- on the cheap! <a href="http://www.theindependente.pt/" target="_blank">The Independente Hostel and Suites</a> transformed the historic Bairro Alto estate into an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/a-n-t-o-n-a-s-proposes-to-convert-an-ordinary-bus-into-a-roaming-hostel/" target="_blank">affordable dormitory</a> suitable for travelers of all ages and budgets. A seamless combination of historic architecture and interiors with thrifty travel, this is one European hot spot not to be missed.

The palace, once home to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/frozen-trees-made-of-1000s-of-ikea-plastic-bag-dispensers-light-up-lisbon/" target="_blank">Lisbon</a>’s regal set, has been transformed into a welcoming travel destination.

Each of the upstairs rooms have been converted to sleep 108 separate beds in thirteen <a href="http://inhabitat.com/photos-abandoned-rail-station-transformed-into-a-colorful-eco-hostel-in-aconcagua-argentina/" target="_blank">affordable hostel dorms</a>. Each room is complete with preserved historic effects, such as intricate wall moldings and ceiling medalians, detailed wrought iron balconies, and French doors that open to the gorgeous city views below.

Low cost particle board bunk beds rise in stair steps, giving guests convenient shelving to store their unpacked belongings and toiletries. Guests can choose smaller rooms for small groups, or even thriftier large dorms.

Four rooms stand out from the rest, offering a taste of the former ambassador’s life. These suites each boast private balconies to take in the Tagus River views over breakfast, as well as <a href="http://inhabitat.com/aellon-launches-beautiful-furniture-made-from-a-salvaged-indonesian-fishing-boat/" target="_blank">reclaimed wood</a> interiors and fine linens.

The common areas downstairs recall the original <a href="http://inhabitat.com/bolivias-palacio-de-sal-is-the-most-seasoned-hotel-in-the-world/" target="_blank">splendor of the mansion</a>. The lobby and sitting areas decorated with vintage and found objects, and dining in done in The Decadente hall. A fully licensed bar gives guests and other visitors a place to sip beverages while checking out locals. Guests can also drink outside in a secluded beer garden shaded by lush trees and vines from the property.

The Independente gives <a href="http://inhabitat.com/offshore-oil-rig-escape-pods-used-as-floating-hotel-rooms-in-the-netherlands/" target="_blank">travelers on a budget</a> a unique taste of both worlds, with the luxurious atmosphere of a palace but at hostel prices.