Torel Palace

Torel Palace is an elegant former private residence that dates to 1904. The entrance has iron gates and a narrow cobblestone path, leading to a handsome, salmon-pink building with stately double doors. While the setting is historic, with period furniture throughout, the lobby is appealingly posh, with a striking, modern red chair, and a Carrera marble coffee table. Sweeping views of the city can be seen from the outdoor back terrace, covered in stunning Portuguese tile with the same royal blue that's washed on the back of the house. Tables with neat square umbrellas and cushioned black wicker chairs are clustered in the space. There's a separate villa on the property that once served as a guesthouse for visiting bishops. Behind it, there's a wood deck and inviting pool below, with a small patch of grass and sun loungers, and a cabana with lounge furniture on its front porch. Guests gather in the gardens to relax and read a book, or on the terrace to watch sunsets. The hotel attracts couples looking for a secluded urban retreat.

This boutique property is located in a quiet and genteel residential neighborhood. Numerous shops, restaurants, and bars are within walking distance, and the lovely Igreja da Pena church is next door. Public transportation is close at hand: the Lavra Funicular (Lisbon's oldest) is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and it runs down to Larga da Anunciada. Unfortunately, it stops operating in the evening, and the walk back up the hill from below is a bit steep, so guests often call a taxi or take a metro. The Martim Moniz metro station and Socorro bus stop is a little more than a five-minute walk.  

Torel Gardens is a two-minute walk from the property, and busy Avenida da Liberdade is a five-minute stroll. Also within five minutes on foot is Largo de Sao Domings square, the 13th-century Igreja de Sao Domingos church, The National Theater Dona Maria II, Rossio Train Station, and the north end of Rossio Square. Lisbon Airport is a 15- to 25-minute drive from the hotel, or 35 minutes by metro from Martim Moniz. 

The hotel's guest rooms, one villa, and one apartment are divided between a 19th-century villa and an early 20th-century townhouse. All have period decor and the aesthetic is thoroughly refined, with thoughtfully chosen artworks, hardwood floors, chandeliers, and 19th-century wood furniture. But traditional elements are expertly mixed with modern ones, like midcentury modern chairs in bright orange, and hot pink runners. The soft dove-gray walls with decorative molding and crisp white sheets complete the chic look. 

All rooms come with Nespresso machines, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with a wide range of channels, and some have balconies with views. The villa features a living room, sofa bed, kitchenette, and private patio with direct access to the hotel's gardens and pool. The apartment boasts a full kitchen, dining room, living room, two bedrooms, and a washing machine. The contemporary and stylish bathrooms come with hairdryers, premium bath products, bathrobes, and slippers. All have roomy walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and some have bathtubs.  

Features at Torel Palace are impressive and cater to its well-heeled clientele. The small outdoor pool and well-landscaped deck offers views of the city, and there's an adjoining terrace with tables and chairs shaded by umbrellas. 

A hot breakfast buffet offered for an additional fee gets high marks from guests, and the restaurant serves Portuguese cuisine for lunch and dinner, with a highlight on seasonal produce. The menu has entrees such as codfish with chipotle, and suckling pig with rhubarb and black pepper. Meals are served in the dining room, and on the terrace. A cocktail lounge opens onto the terrace as well. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service. 

Other amenities include a meeting room, concierge service, and a 24-hour front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. There is no fitness facility, but the front desk can recommend health clubs in Lisbon.