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

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. 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

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

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

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