Pestana Palace Lisboa

Pestana Palace Lisboa – The Royal Suites are upstairs in this main building

Catching up with my delightful two weeks in Portugal. I was pleasantly surprised to stay in so many Palace hotels in Portugal, whether in the city or the countryside, Portugal has a plethora of charming historic palaces. Of course, location matters, some of the hotels require transportation to the city centre, a few are centrally located, the question arises – would you prefer a picturesque view of the Tagus River and the dramatic skyline or would you prefer to walk right out the door and be in the midst of the city scene, including tourists if you visit in summer.

Elegant Suites in main building Pestana Palace Lisboa

One of my favorites in Lisboa, is the elegant Pestana Palace, built in 1904 by a coco baron who enhanced the extensive garden with subtropical trees and shrubbery. The grand Palace is also classified as a National Monument and has added fame due to the lengthy stay of Madonna and her children while her nearby home was under renovation. Even if you haven’t attained Marquis status, you will definitely feel like royalty at the Pestana Palace!

Casa de Lago, it overlooks the pool at Pestana Palace Lisboa – Breakfast & Lunch served in summer

Located on the banks of the Tagus River encompassing views of the 25th of April suspension bridge, the residential neighborhood is quiet and a marvelous area for long walks through small parks. A massive 12-year renovation adding two modern wings was finished in 2001, the original Palace contains four royal suites upstairs with terraces and decorated with grand canopied beds. Opulent and classically French-inspired design details include beautiful stained-glass windows in the circular entrance hall, a massive marble stairway leads to several discrete salons intended for afternoon tea or evening cocktails. To say you feel like you are in a Merchant Ivory film would not be out of character; however, the new wings with 176 rooms and 13 suites are more modern, decorated with tasteful antique furniture.

Amid the graceful gardens is a Turkish spa, a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool and amid the beautiful lush garden is a large curved swimming pool which was originally a garden lake. Restful and relaxing even if it isn’t summer, it was delightful in November.

Pestana Palace pool

Dining, the Bar Allegro on the upper floor serves cocktails and light meals – a marvelous spot for an evening nightcap while listening to the piano. The restaurant Valle Flôr, in the sumptuous family ballroom serves traditional Portuguese dishes. In summer, wander to the Oriental red pavilion, Casa de Lago, it overlooks the pool and serves light meals and snacks all day.

I loved my stay and enjoyed being able to walk around the quiet neighborhood where the locals in the park reflected the stylish neighborhood – children playing and a few tables of elderly gentlemen enjoying an afternoon card game.

Do add a performance of traditional Fado music and dinner at O Faia, while you are in Lisbon. Taxi driver can be organized by the hotel, you won’t be able to find the location on your own, the twisty narrow streets of nighttime Lisboa are packed with locals…most of the bars are so small, everyone congregates in the streets, it’s very festive! The hilly avenues barely allow passing, let alone rounding a corner without encountering a guest casually enjoying an after dinner drink with absolutely no regard to the car brushing by her chair.

Pestana Palace, this was my favorite spot for pre and post dinner drinks…a slice of Royal life!

Pestana Palace Lisboa Fresco ceilings enhance the Salons

Pestana Palace Lisboa..my favorite location for afternoon tea

Bar Allegro Postana Palace Hotel Lisboa

Do walk around the refined neighborhood, there aren’t any shops, but it’s a little hilly, exercise guaranteed!

Saturday locals gathering for a friendly card game.

Stylish, elegant and a slice of royal life Pestana Palace Lisboa, highly recommend!