About: Opened in 2010 just off Avenida da Liberdade, Inspira Liberdade made history as Lisbon’s first sustainable boutique hotel. This 4-star city retreat proves that modern hospitality can be both chic and responsible. Its 89 rooms, laid out according to Feng Shui principles for optimal harmony, feature sleek minimalistic décor and allergy-friendly materials. But it’s behind the scenes where Inspira truly shines. From day one, the hotel committed to 100% renewable energy – all electricity is from green sources and solar panels dot the rooftop. Advanced water-saving devices (flow reducers and dual-flush systems) and smart energy management earned it Green Globe and Travelife gold certifications for environmental excellence. Single-use plastics have been virtually eliminated: rooms feature glass carafes of filtered water (Inspira’s own bottled water program) instead of plastic bottles, bulk dispensers replace mini toiletries, and even laundry bags are reusable cloth. The hotel’s award-winning “Open” Restaurant is entirely gluten-free and focuses on farm-to-table dining – offering vegan, vegetarian and organic options alongside local Portuguese dishes. Seasonal ingredients are sourced from nearby farmers and fair-trade cooperatives, underscoring Inspira’s social ethos. In fact, community impact is as important as eco-efficiency: the hotel actively supports local charities (donating leftover amenities to shelters and funding community projects) and gives hiring priority to Lisbon residents and people from disadvantaged backgrounds. It also partners with Lisbon’s Botanical Garden on tree-planting and park clean-up initiatives, inviting guests and staff to volunteer in preserving the city’s green heritage. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s intimate spa – powered by organic products – or unwind in the sauna and jacuzzi, knowing even the spa’s water and energy use is optimized for low impact. To reduce urban congestion, Inspira offers free bicycles and electric vehicle charging, encouraging visitors to explore Lisbon by bike or on foot. Impact: Over a decade of operation, Inspira Liberdade has proven that running a city hotel sustainably is not only feasible but enhances the guest experience. Travelers praise the “peaceful, quiet and elegant” atmosphere and often don’t realize how many green technologies are at work behind the scenes – from LED lighting to an advanced HVAC that adapts to occupancy. Inspira’s pioneering efforts have won it European Green Hotel awards and, more importantly, influenced dozens of other Portuguese hotels to adopt greener practices. For the conscious traveler, this boutique hotel delivers the best of both worlds: urban luxury with a heart for the planet.