Memmo Principe Real — Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s increasingly vibrant Príncipe Real neighbourhood, where sleek concept stores now jostle with buzzy restaurants, is the setting for the latest hotel in the Portuguese Memmo group.

Designed once again by architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, the Lisbon iteration is decidedly 21st century. Approached via a narrow passageway between the faded 19th century palaces typical of the area, it stands brazenly in a clearing behind the street, its four stark white storeys geometric in shape giving views over the city’s characteristic red roof tops.

Interiors mix moss green fabrics with warm oak floors, while huge chandeliers from Santa & Cole cast their light on contemporary art from a hand carved stucco wall – a nod to the regal heritage of the neighbourhood – by stucco sculptress  Iva Viana, to a cheeky take on Winterhalter’s original portrait of the Eternal Royal Prince by Portuguese artist Barahona Possolo.

41 bedrooms and suites are softly lit with hand blown glass from Marinha Grande, and bathrooms are clad in warm local limestone, cleverly designed to maximise the space with sliding screens. The Café Colonial dazzles with sharp green velvet sofas and glossy black marble tables from where you can enjoy slow cooked pork cheek with rosemary and caramelised vegetables whilst soaking up a local wine and the tempting view of the long, green swimming pool sparkling before you.

ADDRESS

Rua D. Pedro V, 56J 

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