1 Palace & 2 Forts: 3 Historic Hotels in Lisbon Portugal
I have always wanted to restore and run a historic hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. It’s weird because I have absolutely no experience in the hospitality business, nor do I know how to renovate a historic building. That said, the urge struck me over 20 years ago, the very first time I visited the city. I was visiting with my Portuguese boyfriend (now husband). As we drove through the streets of Lisbon, I noticed a number of completely run down, but gorgeous building facades. On that trip, and every subsequent one, I yearn to buy one of those buildings, renovate it and turn it into a boutique hotel.
Let’s be honest though, the odds of that happening are basically zero. The good news is that the Portuguese take rehabilitating old buildings into hotels very seriously! These hotels in the Lisbon area are three of my favorites.
Before you go on, some additional reading for your Lisbon research:
- Your First Trip to Lisbon: What You Need to Know
- 5 Lisbon Day Trips You Will Love
- An Afternoon in Lisbon (and Into the Evening!)
Pestana Palace
The Pestana Palace is the first of my favorite historic hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. Breathtaking and elegant, it is housed in a 19th Century palace, restored to its former glory and classified as national monument in Portugal.
We got lucky with an upgrade and stayed in a suite while there. The room itself was huge, had a large deck overlooking the gardens, and the decor could only be described as sumptuous. Seriously….sumptuous!
The grounds have beautiful gardens, a breakfast spread worthy of a palace, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. You really do not feel like you are in a city, yet you are close to all the activities of Lisbon.
Check Pricing for Pestana Palace Here
Pestana Cidadela Cascais
The Pestana Cidadela Cascais is next to the water in a fortress built between 15th & 17th centuries. The hotel was recently restored and modernized. Guest rooms have different art themes, and the plaza itself houses the Cidadela Arts District, complete with various studios and a used book store called Déjà Lu (translates to Already Read – so clever!)
While at the hotel, we stayed in a family suite. The room itself was large, and they did a good job of creating two separate sleeping areas. I really loved the room, it was perfect for our needs and creative with the space. Located in the old part of the hotel it did feel a little like a bunker. But that was part of the experience, we were staying in a Fort after all! When I return next time I may choose to try the newer section to see how the rooms compare.
Cascais is a beach town in larger metropolitan Lisbon. In the heart of Cascais, overlooking Tagus river and the marina, you easily walk to the city center or the beach in just a couple minutes.
Check Pricing for Pestana Cidadela Cascais Here
Fortaleza do Guincho
Finally, driving up the coast from Cascais about 15 minutes will bring you to Guincho, a legendary beach town. The Fortaleza do Guincho was built in 1642, became a hotel in 1959, and was completely renovated in 1998. As you are driving up the coast, it is hard to miss. It’s a solitary structure that very much looks like a fort.
Now it is a 5 star hotel that with a Michelin Star restaurant onsite. We have not stayed at this hotel, but did stop in one afternoon for a glass of wine on the deck that overlooks the ocean. The hotel is beautiful, the view breathtaking. You can see kite surfers practically flying by, or watch the sunset as you enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and pace.
Check Pricing for Fortaleza do Guincho Here
I love the Portuguese commitment to renovating historic buildings into hotels. Beyond these three, you can find more historic hotels in Lisbon, Portugal and beyond through the Pousadas de Portugal website. You will find more inns that are created in historic buildings and offer a unique type of stay.
I love the Portuguese commitment to renovating historic buildings into hotels. Beyond these three, you can find more historic hotels in Lisbon, Portugal and beyond through the Pousadas de Portugal website. You will find more inns that are created in historic buildings and offer a unique type of stay.
xo, Anne
