Olissippo Lapa Palace

Surrounded by lush subtropical gardens and with a hillside location looking out over the Tagus River, the Olissippo Lapa Palace has a tranquil atmosphere that feels a world away from lively Lisbon. The hotel is housed in a gorgeous palace with tea-pink facades, slate roofs, and arched windows dating back to 1870. Although the building has undergone renovations several times since it opened as a hotel in 1992, the property still retains its ornate interiors and many of its original features. Rich fabrics, period furniture, crystal chandeliers, crown moldings, gilded accents, and stained-glass windows give spaces a strong Old World character, while delicate traditional Portuguese painted tiles add local charm. The overall feel is decadent and elegant, like something out of a period movie, but some may find the style a little stuffy and even dated in some areas. 

The property was expanded in 2002, and has three sections now: the Palace Wing (housed in the main building), the Garden Wing, and the Lapa Villa. All have a similar ornate style, but the Palace section has the most traditional Portuguese interiors. Outside, the cobblestone paths that wind through lush gardens dotted with palm trees, bushes and flowers, and ponds with water features add to the serene atmosphere.  

The Olissippo Lapa Palace is located on a quiet street lined by beautiful homes with lush gardens. Its setting, on one of Lisbon’s seven hills, allows for gorgeous views of the Tagus River and the city. There are a few restaurants nearby, but no stores or nightlife, and only the National Museum of Ancient Art is within easy walking distance. Those who want to explore the city on foot or prefer to be closer to public transportation might feel a bit removed from the main attractions, as only tram 25 and a couple of buses run in the area. However, taxis will generally be more convenient, and they’re reasonably cheap and easy to find. Rossio, Chiado and Bairro Alto are all a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and Saint George’s Castle is just a few minutes farther. The airport can be reached in about 20 minutes.

The hotel’s 109 rooms are just as decadent as common areas, with heavy drapes, thick carpets, period-style furniture, and pastel color palettes with a few scarlet touches. Each room, however, has a different style -- ranging from Art Deco to Algarvian and Neo-Classic -- and unique details such as ornate wooden mirrors frames, canopy beds, upholstered walls, or a gold-and-blue color scheme. Some units have a less ornate traditional Portuguese style that may feel more dated than opulent, with dark wood furniture, simple artwork on walls, and plain white walls. Rooms on the main building’s fifth floor have antiques that once belonged to the original owner. 

Marble bathrooms are also different in each room, but all are equipped with shower/tub combos and L’Occitane toiletries, and many have traditional Portuguese painted tiles. All rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, stocked minibars, and safes, but only some room types have espresso machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. All rooms overlook the gardens, and units located on top floors have Tagus River views. A few have balconies.

Lapa is a formal restaurant serving excellent Mediterranean cuisine in a large room with ornate classic decor and painted ceilings. In the warmer months, casual Le Pavillon Restaurant offers salads, seafood, sandwiches, drinks and coffee in a poolside pavilion with outdoor seating. Rio Tejo is an opulent piano bar with a red and orange palette, large windows with heavy curtains, period furniture, and thick carpet. It offers a terrace overlooking the river, as well as a food menu, afternoon tea service, and piano evenings. 

Surrounded by lush gardens, the pool is a quiet spot for a relaxing day in the sun, but bar service is not available. A separate kiddy pool and a small playground in the shade are great perks for those traveling with kids. Additionally, there is a heated indoor pool long enough for a few laps that is open year-round. The spa has several massage rooms, two saunas, and a unisex steam bath, and the fitness center features an array of cardio and strength-training machines. 

The hotel has 10 exquisite meeting rooms -- including one with historic wainscoting, gilded accents, and a stone fireplace -- and  a small business center with two computers and printing services. Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free for all guests.