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As if you are invited by friends who happen to live in an 18th century restored palace
along the Tejo river. That is how I feel while staying at the new five-star luxury boutique hotel Verride Palacio Santa Catarina. On a side note, we’re talking friends closing in on the Forbes 500 top ten. No expense has been spared during the 10 year renovation of this unique property.
The former palace is located in the heart of Lisbon along the Miradouro de Santa Catarina. This famous lookout point over the river Tejo is the spot where – young – locals and tourists mingle with street performers and musicians to enjoy sunrise and sunset. Yes, there is a contradiction between the serene tranquil atmosphere of the hotel and the hustle ‘n bustle outside. Do I mind? No, not really. You are in a busy city after all. What I like is that instead of distance between the two worlds, the hotel tries to connect and co-exists. By serving drinks outside while street bands are playing in the evening sun, for example.
The former palace is located in the heart of Lisbon along the Miradouro de Santa Catarina. This famous lookout point over the river Tejo is the spot where – young – locals and tourists mingle with street performers and musicians to enjoy sunrise and sunset. Yes, there is a contradiction between the serene tranquil atmosphere of the hotel and the hustle ‘n bustle outside. Do I mind? No, not really. You are in a busy city after all. What I like is that instead of distance between the two worlds, the hotel tries to connect and co-exists. By serving drinks outside while street bands are playing in the evening sun, for example.
The Hotel
If you value tranquility, like I do, opt for a room at the other side of the hotel. The Bica area side. Amazingly quiet, I enjoyed it so much to sit on my balcony and watch my beloved city from above. The colors of the roofs, laundry hanging out to dry, swallows flying in flocks and the ever-changing light over the river.
With only 18th rooms – two of them marvelous suites, the Kings and Queens – and an eye-catching staircase in the entrance, this p(a)lace radiates understated luxury. All restored in style by architect Teresa Nunes de Ponte.
With only 18th rooms – two of them marvelous suites, the Kings and Queens – and an eye-catching staircase in the entrance, this p(a)lace radiates understated luxury. All restored in style by architect Teresa Nunes de Ponte.
The room at Verride Palacio Santa Catarina
My superior room, named Infantes, comes with views of both city and river and is done is soft beige and blueish green tones. I really fancy the room interior with its high ceilings and minimalism style, nothing too much but still all you need is around. Where modernity meets the old days.
The large double bed is made with the softest organic linen by Portuguese brand, Celso de Lemos. Think a trillion thread counts. As is the bathrobe and carpets, all custom-made for Verride Palacio Santa Catarina.
The large double bed is made with the softest organic linen by Portuguese brand, Celso de Lemos. Think a trillion thread counts. As is the bathrobe and carpets, all custom-made for Verride Palacio Santa Catarina.
The TV is hidden behind a panel, no need for that when you have views this great. Apart from minibar, Nespresso machine (no tea maker unfortunately) there is a smart phone for use during the stay with guided tour apps, free calls and more.
For all rooms, click here
Marble galore in the bathroom(s)
Marble, marble, marble. We definitely have a theme here. The bathroom comes in three: one vanity corner, one bath/shower cove and a closed bathroom with toilet, bidet and sink. All well stocked with Aesop amenities
and creamy beige soft towels. Golden colored faucets are the finishing touches. From the bath I have a view over the city roofs. Nothing more to add. Copy past at home, please.
Breakfast with a view
Breakfast is served in the Wintergarden room
and terrace. Only available for guests who can either opt for the community table inside or small tables outside on the terrace facing the city and river. And the small pool.
The small kitchen attached to the room, is where friendly staff prepares whatever you like with culinary love. Like my egg-white spinach omelette with avocado. The buffet offers the rest.
Breakfast is served every day 'till noon, how relaxed is that?
The small kitchen attached to the room, is where friendly staff prepares whatever you like with culinary love. Like my egg-white spinach omelette with avocado. The buffet offers the rest.
Breakfast is served every day 'till noon, how relaxed is that?
Suba, fine dining with a view
Verride Palacio Santa Catarina has a lovely restaurant on the top floor, Suba.
An intimate restaurant with tasty Portuguese cuisine with a contemporary twist made from fresh and local ingredients. And with again wonderful views of Lisbon and Tejo river.
We enjoyed a 3 course executive lunch for 25 euro, which was delicious from amuse – avocado cream with iced flowers – until the to-die-for Lemon Pie with Strawberry Sorbet (see photo).
The table ware is by Portugal’s moste prestigious brand Vista Alegre and an exlcusive design for Verride Palacio Santa Catarina, done in blue hues.
We enjoyed a 3 course executive lunch for 25 euro, which was delicious from amuse – avocado cream with iced flowers – until the to-die-for Lemon Pie with Strawberry Sorbet (see photo).
The table ware is by Portugal’s moste prestigious brand Vista Alegre and an exlcusive design for Verride Palacio Santa Catarina, done in blue hues.
Verride’s Rooftop bar with the best view
Before we sit down for lunch, José-the-friendly-waiter asks us if I already seen the rooftop bar? Uh, no. He escorts us up the stairs behind the counter in Suba and enjoys my exclamations of surprise. This really is the best 360º view of Lisbon! He proudly points out the different highlights of his city, from the parlement building to the Castelo Sao Jorge. And beyond.
Also available for outside guests, but with the restriction that a minimum deductible consumption of 10€ per person paid in the Front Office is obligatory. The rooftop bar is open everyday from 12.00 until midnight.
The former home of a Portuguese count makes one forget you are in a hotel. I did. With checking-in online there is no hassle or waiting upon arrival. The friendly staff goes the extra (s)mile to welcome you in their stylish and cosy home. Like arriving into a friend’s house.
disclaimer
Our stay at Verride Palacio hotel was by invitation on behalf of Portugal Love. We only accept invites that answer positive to the question: “does it match our Portugal Love lifestyle?” Authenticity is key. Words, photos and opinions are my own.
Our stay at Verride Palacio hotel was by invitation on behalf of Portugal Love. We only accept invites that answer positive to the question: “does it match our Portugal Love lifestyle?” Authenticity is key. Words, photos and opinions are my own.
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