A fabulous 1917 building evoking the Portuguese Sea Age of Exploration in the heart of Porto? A Roaring 20s treasure in an 18th century town in the Algarve? A place in Lisbon that 400 years ago was home to a knight heir to the Knights Templar? Yes, these are hotels in Portugal!
Here they are:
Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina (Lisbon)
This amazing 19th century building belonged to the Basilica of Saint Mary until 1834, and was the residence to several powerful men, from a knight of the Order of Christ (the successor in Portugal to the Knights Templar) to the early 20th century Count of Verride, who moved in to give it an aristocratic patina: stucco and tiles, built-in furniture and wood panelling, balconies and fireplaces. It’s an out of the ordinary super-boutique hotel, with just 18 rooms and eight suites, inclduing the absolutely-not-to-be-missed Queen’s Suite. Also enchanting: the Suba restaurant, with a 360º view over Lisbon. The sunrise here is fantastic.
Grand House Algarve (Vila Real de Santo António)
Tranquility prevails in this part of the Portuguese south coast, in a small town geometrically conceived in the 18th century by the Marquis of Pombal, after the Great Earthquake of 1755, to be a sort of petite Lisbon. The Grand House was designed in 1926 by the architect Ernesto Korrodi, a pioneer of art nouveau in Portugal, opposite the marina on the River Guadiana. Here you can undoubtedly breathe in the spirit of the Roaring 20s, in historic and elegant design. The hotel is a member of the Relais & Châteaux network. More reasons to choose it? It’s pet friendly (it has pet sitting) and thinks of everything, from boat or helicopter rides in the Formosa Lagoon nature reserve to massages in the spa suite or treatments in the nearby salt pans.
Hospes Infante Sagres Porto (Porto)
The Infante Sagres has been part of Porto’s historic center since 1917 and is literally a modern monument that can be lived in. Its sumptuous classical style evokes the 15th century Portuguese Sea Age of Exploration. The more modern touch is provided by the contemporary design pieces scattered around the rooms, which can be purchased. It has welcomed illustrious visitors such as fado diva Amália Rodrigues, Bob Dylan, Bryan Ferry, John Malkovich, and even the Dalai Lama. Don’t miss the Vogue Café, inside the hotel, a luxurious space that invites you to enjoy a signature cocktail at any time of the day.
