Historic and Period Hotels in Portugal: Lisbon, Madeira, more

Reid’s Palace. Funchal, Madeira

When William Reid opened the doors of this famous hotel in 1891 he had done so against all the odds - half a century earlier he had first arrived in Madeira as a poverty-stricken cabin boy. Today, Reid’s Palace is a five-star retreat with 130 rooms and 34 individually furnished suites.

Captain Scott called here en route to his ill-fated venture in the Antarctic in 1901, Winston Churchill wrote memoirs in the suite now named after him, and George Bernard Shaw came to write, relax and “master the tango” in 1924. Reid’s has also welcomed many royal guests such as Edward VIII and Elizabeth of Austria.

Learn more about Reid’s Palace via TripAdvisor

Hotel Quinta Das Lágrimas. Coimbra

The heritage-traveller will certainly prefer to stay in the Palace Rooms of this four-star hotel: after all, it was there that the likes of the Duke of Wellington and King Miguel of Portugal once stayed. Moreover, they say that it was here in the 14th century that Prince Pedro and Ines de Castro conducted their ill-fated love affair - an event which gives the place its name, The Estate of Tears. Splendia

Lawrence’s Hotel. Sintra

Lawrence’s Hotel claims to be the oldest hotel on the Iberian peninsula, having been in operation since 1764. Today, as throughout its history, it offers a comparatively small number of rooms (16 of which 5 are suites) thus adding to a sense of exclusivity.

Aficionados of romantic poetry will be interested to learn that Lord George Byron stayed at Lawrence’s between July 7 and 17th 1809. It is widely believed that he created part of one of his most revered works, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, while here. Writing to a friend he described his position: ”I must observe that the village of Cintra in Estremadura is the most beautiful, perhaps, in the whole world.“

Discover more about what Lawrence’s Hotel has to offer with TripAdvisor

More period and historic accommodation throughout Portugal

Alentejo

Convento Do Espinheiro The original building dates back to the 15th century and began life as a convent. Quite what the original inhabitants would have made of the up-to-date luxury facilities is anyone’s guess. TripAdvisor

Pousada De Evora. Also known as Hotel dos Loios, this fine little pousada is at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Evora. TripAdvisor

Pousada De Crato - Flor Da Rosa. Originally built for the Knights of the Order of Malta, this ancient building is actually a combination of castle and monastery. It offers 5-star hospitality in a truly off-the-beaten-track corner of Portugal, close to the Spanish border. Splendia | TripAdvisor

Alvito

Pousada Castelo de Alvito. A superb 15th century castle located pretty much in the centre of the southern half of Portugal. The architectural historian will no doubt point out the various influences which include gothic and Mudejar. Five star accommodation and a five star restoration. TripAdvisor

Lisbon

Solar do Castelo. Although the main hotel structure one sees today dates from the 18th century, there are remnant of the sites medieval past that will no doubt interest the architectural historian. Moreover, this is the only Lisbon hotel built within the walls of St. George’s Castle. Splendia

As Janelas Verdes. A small palace dating from the early 1700‘s, As Jenalas Verdes is a boutique hotel offering a pleasingly modest 29 rooms. Splendia

Castelo de Palmela Pousada. Located to the south east of Portugal’s largest city, this striking fortress benefits from extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Once a Convent of the Order of Santiago, this splendid structure still features the cloisters which reflect its past function so well. TripAdvisor

Pestana Palace. An award-winning hotel, the origins of Pestana Palace date back to the early 19th century with its decor and furnishings reflecting its great heritage (it is, unsurprisingly, a designated National Monument). Splendia

Hotel Olissippo Lapa Palace. Five-star rated, this nineteenth century palace overlooks the Tagus River. Splendia

Minho

Pousada de Amares. A truly ancient structure which should tempt every historian travelling to northern Portugal. Close to the town of Braga, Pousada de Amares was once a Cistercian monastery whose roots can be traced back to the 12th century. It is also known as Sta. Maria do Bouro and is extremely highly rated by independent reviewers. TripAdvisor

Obidos

Pousada Do Castelo. Approximately an hour north of Lison, the Pousada de Óbidos has been called one of the seven wonders of Portugal. TripAdvisor

Porto

Pousada Do Porto: Palácio Do Freixo. Dating from 1742, this splendid Baroque palace is a designated National Monument. Splendia

Vila Nova de Cerveira

Pousada De Vila Nova De Cerveira. Also known as Dom Diniz hotel, this ancient manor house is located in the very North of Portugal, close to the border with Spain. TripAdvisor