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Situated in the heart of Belém with views toward Belém Tower, the Palácio do Governador is a characterful boutique hotel housed within a former 15th-century palace. The historic property was once occupied by the governors of Belém Tower but has been artfully converted and now blends period features with contemporary style. The entrance from the main street crosses an area of Roman ruins, while the main reception area was formerly a chapel.
Inside, the decor reflects traditional Portuguese heritage with a blue and white theme and use of azulejo tiles, but the styling is chic, modern and sophisticated. The 60 rooms and suites display a pared-back elegance and have well-equipped, modern bathrooms featuring rain showers or large tubs, though the size and layout of the rooms differs significantly due to the historic nature of the building.
A large split-level terrace and garden area contains a comfortable bar, a large pool and outdoor seating for Restaurant Ânfora, an intimate dining option with a handsome brick-vaulted ceiling inside. Breakfast is also served here each morning.
The hotel also has a large basement spa complete with an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation area and gym.
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Each of the 60 rooms at the Palácio do Governador is elegantly furnished in tones of blue and white. All feature plenty of modern amenities, from Nespresso coffee machines to complimentary Wi-Fi, but at the same time manage to retain elements of traditional heritage. A number of rooms boast original 17th-century paneled ceilings and original tile work, though due to the historic nature of the building, the size and shape of all the rooms differs greatly. All rooms have LCD TVs and air conditioning, while bathrooms feature baths or showers.
Situated in the heart of Belém, the Palácio do Governador is located around 6 miles from central Lisbon. The front of the property overlooks Belém Tower, while the Jerónimos Monastery is around a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, Tram 15 runs from directly outside the hotel. The journey takes around 30 minutes and brings you right past Cais do Sodré station and into the heart of the Baixa district.
Breakfast is served in the brick-vaulted restaurant on the ground floor with tables extending out into the garden toward the pool. In the evening it becomes a cozy dinner spot where you can enjoy a range of gourmet dishes based around traditional Portuguese fare. As well as the restaurant, you’ll also find the Occasus Bar and sun terrace with views across the pool and gardens to Belém Tower.
For a hotel of just 60 rooms, the Palácio do Governador offers an excellent range of facilities. Outside, there is a large pool area surrounded by sun loungers and a small tranquil garden. Inside, the extensive spa contains a generous indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation area and gym. Guests can enjoy treatments from massages to facials or take advantage of the couples’ suite for a relaxing romantic package.
Well-located in central Belém, this historic property has been transformed into a sleek and stylish hotel. In particular, we love the use of traditional blue and white azulejo tiles and the hotel's calm and tranquil atmosphere.
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Drawing on elements of traditional Portuguese design, the H10 Duque de Loulé is a chic boutique hotel with a wonderful roof terrace overlooking Lisbon. Set in a historic building, it blends traditional elegance with contemporary style.
Small, stylish and centrally located, the Valverde Hotel's unconventional style gives it great personality. It makes a fine place to relax in the enclosed outdoor terrace, swim in the pool and retreat from the city at the end of the day.
An excellent family-friendly option located within the heart of historic Lisbon. Each apartment comes equipped with a full kitchen and for those travelling with young children, there is a kids’ club and baby concierge service available.
Situated on a steep hillside overlooking central Lisbon, the Memmo Príncipe Real is a chic modernist boutique hotel with a wonderful panoramic terrace and outdoor pool.
A lavish 19th-century palace turned hotel, the Pestana Palace is surrounded by acres of tropical gardens and provides a tranquil and relaxing retreat while still within easy striking distance of central Lisbon.
A historic boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon and overlooking the central Praça do Comércio, the Pousada de Lisboa merges period charm with modern design to create an elegant and sophisticated base. The hotel features an indoor pool and spa as well as a rooftop solarium.
A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Lisbon’s historic Alfama district the Santiago de Alfama is an elegant option housed within in a former 15th-century palace.
One of Lisbon’s most prestigious hotels, the stylish Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa offers a convenient location, excellent service, gourmet dining and a panoramic roof terrace. There is also an outdoor pool.
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Arrábida panoramic tasting tour
Explore some of Portugal’s most dramatic coastal scenery on this full-day private tour through the Arrábida region south of Lisbon. En route you’ll get to visit a local winery, coastal cliffs and quaint towns with medieval castles.
Évora and the Alentejo: wine and gourmet tour
Explore the Alentejo, Portugal’s most significant food and wine region, on a full-day private tour. You’ll see Roman remains and medieval streets in historic Évora, sample local wines in a family-run winery, and drive through rolling countryside in-between.
Mafra, Óbidos and Batalha
Get to grips with Portuguese history with the help of a private guide on this full-day tour from Lisbon that takes in the 14th-century Monastery of Batalha, a medieval hilltop village and the flamboyant Palácio Nacional de Mafra.
Traditions of Lisbon walking tour
Explore Lisbon with a local guide on a private half-day walking tour, which takes in several of its most interesting districts. You’ll learn about the city’s history and traditions, and stop for local food and drinks along the way.
