Verride Palácio Santa Catarina, Lisbon – Hotel Review

Housed in an 18th-century palace, painstakingly restored to its original glory, Verride Palácio Santa Catarina is a boutique hotel with just 19 rooms and suites. Admire the property’s magnificent white façade and stately lobby with a spiral staircase, before making yourself at home in a guestroom with high ceilings, spotless walls and vast windows that beautifully frame Tagus River and city views. There’s a lovely dining room where gourmet breakfast is served on a long communal table and a small outdoor pool that looks over the rust-red roofs of Lisbon. But the hotel’s biggest draw card is its Rooftop Bar, with 360-degree views of this glorious city.

The location

Verride Palácio is about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon airport – without traffic. It’s located in Santa Catarina neighbourhood, on a street with limited access to cars, so the location feels exclusive from the get-go. If you’re arriving in a hire car, make sure to get the access code from the hotel. The hotel is a short walk from the centre of Lisbon, while Bairro Alto – the neighbourhood with some of the city’s best bars and nightlife – is right next door.

The rooms

Big windows, deep baths, plush linen and work desks in blonde wood give even the smallest rooms a distinctly luxe feel. Thanks to clean lines and blackout blinds, the décor is more contemporary than old-world, except in some of the suites where coffered ceilings and stuccowork hark back to a bygone era. The interiors are exquisite but there’s limited space for storing your toiletries on the bathroom sink, so travel light. And if you’re visiting at the peak of summer, ask for an east-facing room as the western sun can be brutal despite air-conditioning.

Food and drink

Located on the third floor, the Suba restaurant serves delicious Portuguese cuisine with modern influences in fine-dining environs. If you want it more casual, head to the Rooftop Bar where both the vibe and menu are more relaxed with a sensational list of cocktails. Or nab a spot by the pool (above) and order from the light-snacks and drinks menu.

For business travellers

The hotel is more suited to leisure travellers and romantic couples, but business travellers will appreciate fast and free wi-fi; in-room work desks; warm personable staff; and the hotel’s proximity to Lisbon’s business district.

For wellness travellers

Due to the historic design of the building, there’s no spa or gym, but in-room treatments can be organised. There’s a small pool, with striking views of the city and Tagus River.

The fab factor

One of Lisbon’s top experiences is taking the Elevador de Santa Justa – a 19th-century lift – to a steep hill, from where you can admire ridiculous views of the city. But there’s always a queue and it’s terribly touristy. So give it a miss and make a beeline for Verride Palácio Santa Catarina’s Rooftop Bar. The view from the top – particularly at sunset – is everything you expect of Lisbon. And then some.

 

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