Sitting within the vibrant and creative LX FACTORY in Alcântara Lisbon, THE DORM is a hostel that offers more than just a bed.
Opened in September, it offers visitors the chance to stay in one of the coolest and most vibrant creative areas of Lisbon. LX FACTORY reminds me of Brick Lane, Shorditch and Hackney, parts of London that I love for their sense of freedom and creativity. There’s always something happening and the atmosphere that ideas are bubbling and taking flight. However, don’t think that LX FACTORY and its inhabitants are trying to be a copycat of London, or trying to fake an urban hipster vibe, this area is the real deal and most definitely has a strong and proud Portuguese identity. THE DORM sits perfectly amongst the many independent businesses, cafes, bars that showcase the best of Portuguese entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and drive.
THE DORM
With a fully-equipped communal kitchen, a sprawling lounge for meeting guests and three spacious dorms that sleep 28 people in total, this hostel is the perfect place for travelling groups, to workers or explores alike. All the mod cons are covered at THE DORM, air conditioning, wifi and in even better news, breakfast is included in the booking price.
Along with the dormitory accommodation, there are two private double bedrooms that can be booked. The READING ROOM has walls covered with frames wrapped in old newspaper print and stacks of magazines under the bed (my dream for anyone that knows my mag preoccupation with magazines).
If you’re a music fan, look no further than THE MUSIC ROOM, previously a recording studio space, the owners have kept the integrity of the original features of the building where possible and you’ll see this in the design touches throughout this room. Records adorn the wall, the bed sits in a large sound equipment case and sound proof boarding is left on the walls.
SMALL COMFORTS
Having backpacked across South East Asia and Australia, I have come to appreciate that time when you can store away your bags and lie down for a few precious minutes on a clean bed before getting back out there to explore or to party. Your CUBBY at THE DORM isn’t a standard hostel bunk bed, it’s private from those either side or above or below so it makes chill out time even more luxurious.
Each CUBBY boasts warm lighting, a security box to store belongings and a curtain to make it feel like your own little private sleep pod. There is also wifi and air conditioning to make for a comfortable nights sleep. The owner explained that there are proper linens on all of the beds and how important is is to her that guests are comfortable during their stay.
THE ATMOSPHERE
It takes away the feeling of a transitory, anonymous feeling that you can often find in hostels. The owner also expressed a wish that creatives and workers from LX FACTORY might stay at THE DORM longer term and told us that the architect who owns the restaurant across from the hostel was the one who designed the interior space. She hopes that people who don’t want to drive after a late night might stop by too and know that it’s a welcoming, clean and cool place to stay. This thinking fosters a sense of community and friendliness, rather than the feel of a money making business.
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS
I’m a big fan of clean toilets and amenities when travelling and THE DORM gets a big thumbs up from me. Overall, this is the perfect place to come with a group of friends for a fun weekend and makes walking around LX FACTORY and even the areas stretching as far as Belem, Lisbon city centre and the seafront so easy. Put it on your list and you won’t be disappointed.
