PORTUGAL

Where to stay

As it is a capital with a long, great history, Lisbon has the privilege to offer exceptional accommodation in historical private residences which have been transformed in luxurious palaces for the great enjoyment of their visitors.

The Lapa Palace, property of Orient Express Hotels, is one of those very best jewels. It has taken place in the former residence of the Count of Valence on the hill of Lapa, preferred residential area chosen by the Nobility and Gentry and yet considered as the most fashionable area of Lisbon where many Embassies have bought ancient private mansions.

Overlooking Tagus river, Lapa Palace has been built between 1882 and 1892. Famous artists like Columbano and Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro participated to its decoration and the main reception rooms like the great ballroom with Columbano paintings has been preserved so that Lisboets yet consider the PalaPalace as part of their heritage.

So, seen as the Lisbon’s “visitors lounge”, the Lapa Palace receives Royal Highnesses, Sates’ President, Prime Ministers as well as Nobel Prizes, world known artists and actors or worldwide tycoons when visiting Lisbon. Lapa Palace offers 109 guest rooms including 18 suites and the Royal Suite with the Tower Room and its 360° view terrace.

At the restaurant Cipriani, the awarded chef Franco Luise coming from the Cipriani, mother hotel of the company in Venice, serves Italian and Venetian cuisine but also a mixed refined and innovative cuisine of Portuguese products or recipes with Italian flavours. Delicious!

The Pavillon poolside restaurant and bar serves light snacks till 5 pm and outside diner in summer times while great teas can be tasted at 5 pm at the Rio Tejo Bar where white or red ports or other drinks and cocktails can be appreciated with live piano-bar music.

There is a Lapa Wellness Centre include an outside and inside pool, gymnasium, solarium and sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation massages and therapies (Native American stone therapy, Shistsu, aromatherapy with essential oils, reflexology and a Beauty Centre La Prairie. Lapa Palace has also a signature Perfume: Agua de Portugal which mas the preferred fragrance of Maria Pia de Saboia.

Six conference and meeting rooms for up to 200 people with a fully equipped auditorium and a web-linked business centre, completes the list of facilities at the disposal of Lapa’s visitors.

Member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Lapa Palace has been awarded “Gem of Hospitality” (2001) by Condé-Nast Traveler, One of the Best 5 City Sanctuaries of the World (2002) and Best European City Hotel (2003) by Andrew Harper’s Hideaways Report.

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