Palacio Belmonte

If you are considering visiting Lisbon, you MUST stay at this very special place - the Palacio Belmonte is a true Hideaway, and a place we would not have found if not for Andrew Harper. We spent a great deal of our time in the hotel (a destination in and of itself) trying to formulate how we would express it's uniqueness to our traveling friends back home! When we arrived at the Palacio we were immediately greeted and given a tour of this former palace. The hotel has walls that date to Roman times, Moorish ceilings, and amazing pieces of art that the owners have collected and proudly display for all to enjoy. Our room was like an apartment - large living area, patio that opened to a view of the Tagus, with the tops of orange trees immediately below us. The view was amazing. On three levels, the bedroom included frescoes that dated back centuries. Breakfast selections are taken the night before, and served wherever you like throughout the property - in your room, in the garden - and the food was wonderful. There are no televisions or computers in the hotel and the common areas feel as if you are a special guest in a friend's fabulous home. According to their website, they have recently opened a Cafe off the main courtyard, which was unfortunately under construction during our visit. Every room is different, and although this is not a place for guests who may have difficulty walking (there is no elevator, there are many stairs, and many suites are located on multiple floors), if you really do enjoy unique experiences and tremendous service, Palacio Belmonte is a place you should visit. Only someone with a love of architecture, historical preservation, and art could create such an environment. But if you are looking for a place to visit with the usual resort-type fanfare, this may not be the place for you!