The One Palácio da Anunciada Lisbon Review
By
3 years ago
Travel in the off-season and enjoy one of Lisbon’s best-kept secrets
Lisbon is a city on the up. Thanks to a host of travel awards scooped over the last few years, the scrapping of most Covid restrictions for visitors, and a slew of trendy new hotel and restaurant openings for 2022, there’s never been a better time to get in on the action. But Lisbon isn’t your average city break; from the winding hilly streets and ancient architecture to a bustling arts scene and easily accessible beaches, this more-than-your-average city break requires a more-than-your-average city hotel. Enter The One Palácio da Anunciada.
The One Palácio da Anunciada Review
STAY
The One Palácio da Anunciada is housed in a 16th-century original palace building, with 83 rooms set in the spacious buildings and surrounding 2500 square metres of pretty gardens. The interiors feature restored and enriched original features including marble floors and eye-catching gilded ceilings, with multiple comfortable and attractive shared spaces in the hotel to relax in between excursions. The rooms are light and bright, with bleached wood and hand-painted ceramic decorations. The bedrooms boast plenty of space compared to many other city centre neighbours, much of which can be found in the bathrooms, which are lined with rose-pink marble and house showers big enough for a party. The beds are made up with Egyptian cotton sheets and also enormous, making for a welcoming cocoon at the end of a busy day. Speaking of welcoming, you’ll find the main appeal of The One Palácio da Anunciada in its staff. From the moment you arrive, to the moment of (reluctant) departure, the service is superlative.
EAT
Nowhere is this more evident than in the intimate Condes de Ericeira Restaurant. Catering for up to 24 guests per sitting, this stunning setting is the perfect place for an elegant evening meal sampling the best local flavours. Our host, Fernando, ensured the meal was one to remember, offering flawless menu recommendations, from the fish soup to the cod and cornbread main. Beware the faultless wine pairing recommendations though; there are too many ‘must-try’ local wines for one sitting, unless you are prepared to wake up with a sore head.
DO
If you should wake up with a sore head, you can pass up a day of sight-seeing in favour of a day of poolside lounging. The elevated pool with majestic gardens at The One Palácio da Anunciada is one of its main draws, particularly in the warmer months, although with Portugal’s balmy climate, some off-season pool action is certainly a possibility. Below the pool and level with the attractive courtyard, you’ll find the hotel’s spa, Despacio Spa at The One. When you’re ready to venture outside, you’ll find you’re in the perfect location for exploring, just one street back from the Avenue de Liberdade and within walking distance of the old town and many of the city’s big sites. The train station is also close by for a day trip to Sintra, and absolute must (but travel early to avoid crowds in high season).
THE FINAL WORD
With the friendliest welcome in the city (already one of Europe’s friendliest) and a pool so alluring you might miss what this gem of a destination has to offer outside of the hotel, The One Palácio da Anunciada is the one of our favourites. Just make sure you’re up in time for breakfast; the smoked codfish with cream cheese and lemon pearls is unmissable.
BOOK
Rates at The One Palácio da Anunciada, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, start from £144 per night. For further information or to book, visit preferredhotels.com
