The One Palácio da Anunciada is a spectacular refurbished property that combines two 16th century palaces. Located on a side street just off the Portuguese capital’s main thoroughfare, Avenue de Liberdade, the five-star hotel boasts 83 luxury rooms, an acclaimed restaurant and destination cocktail bar, beautiful gardens and a stunning spa.
It is a perfect base from which to explore this extraordinary city with its unmissable monuments and atmospheric neighbourhoods. The landmark Basílica da Estrela and São Jorge Castle, with its stunning views over the medieval Alfama neighbourhood and the city, are all within walking distance. Shopping on the Praça do Commercio is a 15-minute stroll from the hotel. Humberto Delgado International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Hotel
Despite the grandeur within, it is an unassuming entrance that brings you into the hotel. The dramatic marble-floored lobby is dominated by the palace’s original stone staircase and stucco detailed walls and ceilings. The lobby’s interior sets the design tempo for the remainder of the hotel, which is cavernous accessed through long light immersed hallways and hiding dark atmospheric corners.
The centrepiece of the hotel is a large open 2,500 square metre courtyard and garden with a 100-year-old Dragon tree and the O Jardim outdoor wine bar. A large terrace overlooking the garden features an 18-metre long swimming pool.
Fitting for a grand hotel, amenities at the One Palácio da Anunciada are superb. There are three separate dining areas including in the gardens and the hotel even has its own library. The spa has a plunge pool and a 24-hour gym. Spa treatments use Natura Bissé products. Popular with guests and locals alike, it is advisable to book treatments in advance.
Room
We stayed in the cosy garden suite. Large and well furnished, the room is surprisingly contemporary and minimalist in design compared to the public areas of the hotel. Decked out with oak flooring and furnishings including a marble table, a leather swivel chair, contemporary art and blue and white traditional Portuguese ceramics, our room was dominated by the snug king sized bed complete with deluxe grey Bassols Egyptian cotton sheets.
A few steps in front of the bed led up to a seating area and French doors which opened out onto a large private terrace that overlooked the gardens and the pool, beautifully lit up on the night we arrived after a long flight. The large bathroom had double sinks, a bath and pink marble flooring. However, most of the remainder of the rooms have showers only. As expected, a well stocked mini-bar and a Nespresso machine are standard. For those travelling with families some rooms come with sofa beds.
Food and drink
The Condes de Ericeira restaurant serves Portuguese contemporary and classic Iberian cuisine. Highlights of the delicious mains include Lombo de bacalhau confitado em azeite (cod loin confit in olive oil) puree and julienne of Portuguese cabbage, and meat dishes such as the delectable O Porco Alentejano, (Alentejo black pork tenderloin), beans and smoked sausage.
The restaurant also specialises in pasta and risotto dishes and it is a popular place with the local movers and shakers, so book ahead. An à la carte menu is served at breakfast and you can choose from a variety of dishes from omelettes and crepes to vegan options. The hotel also serves brunch and afternoon high tea.
In a nutshell
An exclusive palatial property with luxury amenities and impeccable service that make One Palácio da Anunciada a one of a kind in Lisbon. If you are looking for a unique base from which to explore this incredible, vibrant capital then this is the destination for you.
Factbox
Rooms start from £200pn and are bookable via the hotel’s website.
Address: 112 – 134 Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, Lisbon 1150-268, Portugal
Phone: 00351 210 412300
Website: h10hotels.com
