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.
OUR OPINION:
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.
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Photos of Palácio do Governador
Palácio do Governador, Lisbon
Palácio do Governador, Lisbon
Palácio do Governador, Lisbon
Palácio do Governador, Lisbon
Palácio do Governador, Lisbon
Rooms
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.
Location
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.
Food and drink
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.
Facilities and activities
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.
Tour ideas in Lisbon
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Palácio do Governador as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
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.
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![H10 Duque de Loulé, Lisbon]()
H10 Duque de Loulé
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![Hotel Valverde, Lisbon]()
Hotel Valverde
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![Memmo Príncipe Real, Lisbon]()
Memmo Príncipe Real
Lisbon -
![Pousada de Lisboa, Lisbon]()
Pousada de Lisboa
Lisbon
Experiences while staying here
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.
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Arrábida panoramic tasting tour ![Coastline, Arrábida Natural Park]()
Arrábida panoramic tasting tour
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.
View details -
Évora and the Alentejo: wine and gourmet tour ![Grape vines, Alentejo]()
Évora and the Alentejo: wine and gourmet tour
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.
View details -
Mafra, Óbidos and Batalha ![Palace of Mafra, Portugal]()
Mafra, Óbidos and Batalha
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.
View details
Lisbon and nearby places
- Estremadura 5 miles away
- Belém less than 5 miles away
- Sintra 12 miles away
- Évora & the Alentejo 72 miles away
- Coimbra 113 miles away
- Porto 173 miles away
- Douro Valley 186 miles away
- Braga & Guimarães 202 miles away
- Madeira 600 miles away
- The Azores 1007 miles away