Lisbon may be changing fast, but there’s one place in the heart of the city where you can still get a taste of aristocratic Portuguese luxury. Located in the prestigious Lapa neighborhood, Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel is a glimmering Old-World gem that will sweep you off your feet.
Like many historic European estates, this one was built in 1870 by a Viscount which was then sold to the Count of Valenças in 1877. The Count of Valenças decided to transform it into his very own palace in Lisbon, seeking the help of the best artists of the time. This particular Count clearly had very good taste, judging by the design and amenities of the palace he built. Lapa Palace continues to appear tasteful and sophisticated even by 2022 standards. The palace exudes refined luxury, rather than extravagant, over-the-top opulence, which is most often the case with other royal European estates.
The most striking part of Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel is the whimsical pastel pink color of the palace. The principal façade of the exquisite pink manor with the tile-laden driveway looks like a scene straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. The rest of the villas and wings of the palace are painted with the same light pink color. The lush tropical gardens against the pink backdrop of the buildings feels akin to The Beverly Hills Hotel. But of course, Lapa Palace is undoubtedly Portuguese and even more timeless.
The interiors of the hotel are grand without seeming overwhelmingly sumptuous. The hotel is full of nostalgic motifs like carpeted floors, antique lamps, monogrammed pillows and plush upholstered furniture. Olissippo Lapa Palace feels distinctly OId-World, in the best way. Like stepping back to a time which feels forgotten yet familiar. But of course, the small details such as the pretty Portuguese Vista Alegre porcelain in every bathroom and the walls adorned with beautiful azulejo tiles, remind guests that this is a place that’s unlike anywhere else.
What sets Olissippo Lapa Palace apart from other hotels in Lisbon is that it’s a full-service resort in the middle of the city. You’ll find all the amenities you need at Lapa Palace, and it might be tempting to simply not leave the hotel. There’s the large swimming pool ensconced at the base of the lush tropical gardens. The seasonal Le Pavillon Restaurant-Bar serves drinks, snacks and seafood next to the pool from May to September. There’s also an indoor swimming pool which is one of the most beautiful parts of the hotel. The walls of the interior pool are decorated with azulejo tiles depicting peacocks and the skyline of Lisbon. The hotel also offers a luxe spa, sauna and gym, making it a truly full-service resort.
Lapa Restaurant is a stunning dining room, where guests can feel the traditional vestiges of royalty the most. The restaurant is a dreamy space with watercolor fresco ceilings, pastel green carpets, glass chandeliers blown into flower blooms. The menu is just as decadent and traditional as the setting. Expect rich, upmarket dishes like foie gras escalope, braised pink snapper and caramel glazed duck magret. Lapa Restaurant offers guests the opportunity to dine like aristocracy.
Rio Tejo Bar is another delightful corner of the hotel. It’s not common these days to come across a grand, classic hotel bar like this one. Rio Tejo Bar features a timeless mahogany bar with a few intimate bar stools and a carpeted lounge with plenty of seating. Everything is vintage and feels meticulously frozen in time. Rio Tejo Bar boasts one of the top collections of port wine in Lisbon as well as a comprehensive list of national wines. The bar also has a fabulous cocktail menu of reliable classics (think Hendrick’s classic and smoked chased martinis) with a tasteful twist (the cellar negroni with madeira wine).
Despite the classic style of the hotel, the rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Each room has a balcony or patio overlooking the garden or the Tagus River with a table and chairs to enjoy the lovely views. The style of the rooms is elegant and cozy, with plush vintage furniture in every corner to comfortably lay on; perfect for coming back to after a long day of exploring.
Despite the classic style of the hotel, the rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Each room has a balcony or patio overlooking the garden or the Tagus River with a table and chairs to enjoy the lovely views. The style of the rooms is elegant and cozy, with plush vintage furniture in every corner to comfortably lay on; perfect for coming back to after a long day of exploring.
For those looking for a rare slice of Old-World sophistication in the heart of Lisbon, there’s really no other option than Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel. The pretty pink palace in Lapa is a gem, with plenty of history, beauty and rejuvenation in store. Experience royal Portuguese luxury at Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel.
