Located on one of Lisbon’s most emblematic corners, next to the remarkable Praça do Comércio, we find Pousada Lisboa, one of the most recent and special additions to the Pousadas de Portugal network. Let’s take a guided tour of the hotel’s presidential suite.
This historic hotel in downtown Lisbon stands out due to its curious details and differing atmospheres in every space: from the grand hall to the imposing staircase, from the indoor patio to the RIB Beef & Wine restaurant, which combines old and contemporary features when it comes to architecture and décor. That said, the real jewel in the hotel’s crown isn’t within the reach of every guest. We’re talking about the hotel’s best-kept secret, the presidential suite.
Once the office of António de Oliveira Salazar, the man who led the dictatorial Estado Novo regime in Portugal, the suite, which is divided into a living room and bedroom, covers an impressive 110 square metres. Spacious and bright, the suite also boasts two balconies, which offer the building’s best views, both overlooking Terreiro do Paço and the Tagus River.
The suite’s ambience is cosy but also austere, which brings out the history of the place. What remains of Salazar’s old office is essentially the floor, the doors, the boiserie in oak, which covers the walls, and the wooden furniture. Created by the architect Jaime Morais, the décor and interiors are subtle, while influenced by what went before.
The suite’s occupancy rate is around 100% and tends to be booked for special occasions, which are fitting for both the suite and the surrounding hotel. The Pousada Lisboa, which had already become one of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World, even before its inauguration, was recently given a prestigious Michelin Key. This distinction is awarded by the Michelin Guide to hotels providing exceptional service and a special overall experience, boosting the quality of the hotel as a whole. Much like the famous Michelin stars in the world of gastronomy, Michelin Keys distinguish exceptional hotels worldwide — a recognition that reinforces Pousada Lisboa’s position as one of the most unique places to stay in the heart of the Portuguese capital.
