This is also noticeable in the effort to restore some of the city’s architectural gems to their splendor and there is perhaps no better example of this than the newly opened Ludovice Palace Wine Hotel. Located in the middle of the Chiado, Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real neighborhoods, this building was the private residence of João Frederico Ludovice, architect of King João V in the 18th century. Its yellow façade, a door framed by decorated pilasters and its balconies –with panoramic views of the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and the emblematic Elevator da Glória– made it the ideal space to establish a hotel that would set a new precedent for luxury, exclusivity and design in the city.
The one chosen to carry out this mission was the Portuguese architect Miguel Câncio Martins, who respecting the original structure, its imposing spaces –such as the chapel and its majestic staircase– and restoring elements such as the stucco ceilings and the original painted tiles by hand, he created a 5-star hotel with 61 rooms and suites. Custom-made wood furniture, light tones, metallic accents and bathrooms you could live in forever are part of a retro atmosphere with all the contemporary comforts.
The central patio is the heart of the property and is also the meeting point for lovers of wine and good food. Federico was the name chosen for a restaurant flanked by bookcases, walls covered with plants and illuminated by hanging lamps. This is the ideal backdrop to enjoy a menu in which Portuguese classics –such as cod confit and octopus with potatoes– coexist with recipes with a strong French influence, such as scallops with coconut and passion fruit polenta. One of the most recommended experiences is the guided Port wine tasting where you can discover some gems produced by wineries such as Brejinho da Costa, Vieira de Sousa and Graham’s.
Of course, it is also highly recommended to explore the surroundings, getting lost in the narrow streets of the surrounding neighborhoods. Any additional recommendations for eating? Seagull Method Cafe, O Velho Eurico and Fauna & Flora, all with succulent casual dining proposals and an atmosphere as welcoming as the city itself.