The former residence of an 18th century count, Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina sits in Lisbon's trendy Chiado quarter, a beautiful labyrinth of winding lanes, tight archways, and stone-paved terraces.
The restored seven-storey palatial building designed by architect Teresa Nunes da Ponte, whose work has become a reference in Portuguese heritage rehabilitation, is full of exquisite design details. Guest rooms all overlook the traditional Bica neighbourhood or River Tagus, and are designed with a warm and inviting feel, done up in clean modern lines and muted pastel colours of cream, blue and grey.
The two Royal Suites are the hotel’s crown jewels: the King’s Suite has a magnificent wooden coffered ceiling and a balcony with panoramic views of the River Tagus; while the Queen’s Suite is lavished with original 18th century Stucco work, custom-made silk de Gournay wallpaper, and leads into a bathroom with blue and white tiles dating from 1901.
Its award-winning top floor Suba Restaurant, is worth a visit for views over the River Tagus and red roofs of Lisbon alone. Classic Portuguese dishes by Chef Fábio Alves are made here with local ingredients and given a modern twist. Alternatively, head over to its rooftop bar which offers unrivalled 360-degree views of Lisbon’s skyline and the River Tagus beyond.
