A wealthy young nobleman of humble beginnings decided to build a palatial Parisian-style residence that would become the Pestana Palace Lisboa almost two centuries later.
In 1855, José Luís Constantino Dias was born into a poor family in Murça. When he was 16, he emigrated to São Tomé and Príncipe to escape probable deprivation. Years later, he became the largest cocoa producer and trader in the then Portuguese colony.
His status fostered a close relationship to King Carlos I, who bestowed the title of Marquis of Valle Flôr upon him. In possession of a considerable fortune, he had a smaller, Lisbon version of the Palace of Versailles built, which boasted quarters worthy of royalty, themed rooms, tropical gardens and the Portuguese capital’s first lift in a private house.
After his death in 1932, the building fell into decay. Six decades later, at the suggestion of his close friend António de Almeida Santos, Dionísio Pestana purchased the palace, with the ambition of opening the Group’s first hotel in Lisbon. Coordinated by the architect Manuel Tainha, restoration of the façades, paintings, stained glass windows and even the gardens proved bumpy. Facing an embargo on the project from his neighbours, Dionísio Pestana considered dropping the idea of a hotel and making the place his residence in the capital. Eventually the imbroglio was resolved and the hotel opened in 2001.
National Monument, International Fame
Four years before the hotel opened, the palace was classified as a national monument, leading many to believe that the charm of past eras would return to this distinguished address. And they were right. Over the past 21 years, Pestana Palace Lisboa has hosted a plethora of illustrious guests that has included Spanish royalty, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Mick Jagger, Prince, David Beckham, Jane Fonda and, of course, Madonna, who spent the first six months of her Lisbon stay here.
The pop legend and her family occupied the four royal suites, which are named after members of the last Portuguese royal family (Carlos, Amélia, Luís Filipe and Manuel) and includes private butler service.
In addition to these chambers, the hotel has another 177 rooms and 13 suites, as well as different lounges, each with its own purpose. On occasion, the Allegro bar features live music played on a very special Steinway & Sons piano.
Other relaxing sounds can be found at the award-winning Magic Spa, which is discreetly located in the tranquil gardens. And if entertainment is more your cup of tea, just cross the road to the more recently acquired old stables, a venue for memorable parties, as well as charity events organised by the Group and others, especially at Christmas.
Pestana Palace
Lisboa
A 19th-century palace in Lisbon that is a luxury hotel and a National Monument.
