I'm taking my girlfriend to Lisbon for a winter break. We've got cheap flights sorted, but not a hotel. We are happy to splash out a bit on a nice cosy boutique-style hotel. Do you have any suggestions? Barney Chadwick, London

A Sunday Times travel expert responds: High on a hill overlooking central Lisbon is the mighty Sao Jorge Castle, and inside it¹s peaceful lanes is the super-tranquil Solar Do Castelo (Rua das Cozinhas, 2, 00 351 218 806 050, www.heritage.pt. Enter through its ancient doorway (this used to be castle kitchens), and relax. This terrifically romantic 15-room hotel has an antique core - mansard roof, courtyard garden, and Medieval cistern - deftly decorated with vivid design flashes. Usual rates for a B&B double from £166, with winter specials currently from £102.

Or you could try the cloistered intimacy of the York House Hotel (Rua das Janelas Verdes 32, 00 351 21 396 2435, www.yorkhouselisboa.com, set in a charming 17th century convent, with a jungly courtyard and 32 stylish rooms. The snug bar and excellent restaurant will keep you nice and toasty, whatever the weather. The corridors and rooms are imaginatively lit and there¹s a tasteful arrangement of objects d¹art antiques, rugs, and furniture throughout. Winter rates are from £102 for a double, breakfast £9.50pp.

My top choice is the As Jenelas Verdes (R. Janelas Verdes, 47, 00 351 213 968 143, www.heritage.pt. This former 18th century palace, famous for being the home of novelist Eça de Queirós, has a small garden, cheerfully bright rooms, and a superb top floor library room with fantastic views out over the river and a large terrace. The sunny breakfast and sundowner lounge is very cosy, with wooden object d'art and a big brass telescope. Usual winter B&B rates from £127, with winter specials from £95 a night.

Times recommends

• Our globetrotters relax in New Zealand
• How to minimise the euro holiday misery
• A break for every weekend in 2009