The secret is out: the world has officially found Portugal.
From the luscious wines of the Douro region to the exclusive beaches of the Algarve, vacationers are finding that this easy-to-get-to European hotspot is a breath of fresh air.
Whether looking to head north to the vineyards or south to the cabanas, there is no question that an extended stay in Lisbon is the best way to get your bearings in this hospitable land of exceptional food, a storied history, and a handful of the best five-star hotels on the continent. One truly stands out.
Relatively new, Design Hotels’ Memmo Príncipe Real, perched just north of the amazing Bairro Alto neighborhood, is giving all other local boutique hotels a run for their money. Coming on the heels of its sister properties, Memmo Baleeira and Memmo Alfama, the new 41-room Memmo Príncipe Real is steeped in the rich craftsmanship for which both the country and the Memmo brand are known: exquisite attention to detail and sensory overload for your body and soul.
Sitting on top of the same limestone flooring used in historical buildings, royal palaces, and famous squares through-out the city, Memmo Príncipe Real mixes contemporary and classic with a cosmopolitan ambiance of tranquility and impeccable service. Because everything stands out at Memmo Príncipe Real, upon checking in you’ll be compelled to just stop for a moment and take it all in. Do it with a drink. Café Colonial, just off the lobby, brings both style and com-fort to the initial minutes of your visit. After all, you’ll want to be grounded as your breath is taken away by the nearby view overlooking the Old City and the emerald green pool.
Speaking of emerald green, upon entering your room a familiar fragrance reminds you that the hotel has more than earned its five stars: Hermès bar soap, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners represent a special touch that is often overlooked at similar properties.
Speaking of touch, hefting the wand-like remote control for your exquisite Bang and Olufsen wide screen is another reminder that no luxury has been overlooked.
The bedding, like all other appointments, is impeccable. Yes, you will want to lather up with the exclusive suds, and you’ll marvel at the remind-you-of-your-home-theater TV, but you won’t want to spend too much time in your room: Bairro Alto is the trendiest neighborhood in town.Whatever your taste, modern or Old World, Bairro Alto, and all of Lisbon for that matter, is unrivaled. Trendy cafes are offset by dozens of Fado dinner clubs, a not-to-be-missed experience of traditional folk music.
High-end fashion is complemented by funky boutiques and exceptional antique stores: you absolutely must bring home one or more porcelain tiles (you’ll know what we mean once you arrive.)
Above all, be prepared to be pampered and adored, whether you’re at Memmo Príncipe Real, or wandering this magical city: there is no place more inviting or engaging than Portugal. Book through designhotels.com
