24 Hours at the Verride Palacio Santa Catarina
To be straightforward, until recently, I had mixed feelings about Lisbon. During my first stay in the capital of Portugal, I didn’t enjoy the time as much due to family issues. On my second trip, I left Lisbon with heavy stomach pain. Yet, I gave the upcoming capital on River Tejo another chance for my recent birthday trip on our way to Marrakech. Honestly, it couldn’t have been a better place and time to visit!
“Without a doubt, Lisbon’s finest and most unique place to stay - especially for design aficionados”
When we landed at Lisbon airport, we were already awaited by our driver who whisked us to our place to stay within 30 minutes. I don’t remember any other trip from the airport to the hotel which felt as stunning as this one. Even though it was already dark outside, we could literally feel the unique vibes of the “new” Lisbon. Busy bars and restaurants, cobblestone streets and lively squares - all lit in the same romantic light. When the car stopped on a square with a viewpoint, we knew we had arrived at what seemed to be the best place to stay in town right now.
the Views alone are worth staying here, wouldn’t there be the flawless service and perfect design that turn this place into a real game-changer
We left the limousine and were welcomed by a stunning palazzo with a spectacular facade. Soon afterwards we entered the huge gates of Verride Palacio Santa Catarina and were welcomed in the most friendly way by a bellman and a front desk employee. Check-in was super quick, as they already waited for our arrival and so we were on the way to our room within two minutes of entering the hotel. Located on the second floor, the premium suite is among the best rooms in the hotel and obviously, we were speechless entering the huge doors and looking at the gorgeous interior design. Everything looks so sleek and matches the history of the ancient building while the finishes are top-modern and state-of-the-art with contemporary designer pieces. Upon entering, the bellman explained all details of the suite plus gave us a few first recommendations for our short time in Lisbon. Never would I have expected to be so flashed by a hotel I didn’t have on my luxury hotel radar. The first impression mostly is everything and here our expectations were exceeded in many ways.
Speaking of exceeding expectations, the welcome amenities were among the best I have received so far: an etagere with sweet treats and Pasteis de Nata along with a mouth-watering dessert and a bottle of top-notch port wine. We settled ourselves in the separate living room with a sofa, two armchairs and a free-standing bathtub that neither of us could use to a shortage of time. However, the complimentary Aesop toiletries were another pleasant surprise and matched the whole experience just as perfectly as the unparalleled views of Lisbon. No art piece or painting could replace this view, especially with the lucky weather we had on our two days in Lisbon. Clear at night and blue skies with an azure blue of the river meeting the colourful skyline of the Bairro Alto district. I have to say the views alone are reason enough to choose Verride Palacio Santa Catarina for your next stay in Lisbon.
On the other side, I have to say that a hotel is just as good as the beds are. In this case, I have to confess that this bed was truly heavenly and the handmade linen together with the perfect firmness of the mattress made the whole sleeping experience unbeatable. Even though the hotel is situated in the very heart of Lisbon's old town, we couldn’t hear the cars driving on the cobblestone or trams passing by. Right next to the bedroom was a small bathroom with single vanity, toilet and bidet as well as a walk-in shower that obviously also came with full-size Aesop products. I was surprised to even find my favourite Aesop mouthwash along with the terribly great soaps and all-time winner Geranium shower gel. Needless to mention that our five hours of sleep felt like a rest of ten hours in these heavenly beds and sumptuous suites. The reason for the short sleep was the mouth-watering dinner at Brilhante down the hill and the bustling nightlife at the supercool clubs also just around the corner of this amazing hotel.
The next morning, on my actual birthday, we decided to have breakfast in their breakfast room. Normally breakfast is served on their Wintergarden right next to the outdoor pool. I love a la carte breakfasts and Verride Palacio Santa Caterina knows how to do breakfast perfection. The whole experience is set up in a four-course menu. First, we were served yoghurt and granola with honey and strawberries before the etagere with ham, cheese, bread, spreads and sweets arrived. Soon afterwards the main dish arrived and consisted of plain scrambled eggs with chives. Unfortunately, we had to catch our limousine and therefore couldn’t enjoy the last course which would have been pancakes - a favourite of mine. Honestly, I regret not having had more time for this amazing breakfast and one should plan at least an hour for the full experience plus try to schedule it in the warmer months so they serve breakfast on the terrace in front of the pool with Lisbon’s best view! Just when we began to love and appreciate this stunning hotel, it was already time to head to Marrakech and we left Lisbon behind.
I rarely do wrong when travelling, however, I underestimated the Verride Palacio Santa Catarina and only stayed one night at this hotel. Therefore I truly hope that I have a chance to stay here again very soon. It will always be my number-one hotel in Lisbon and definitely one of my new favourite hotels in the world. Honestly, the small size of the property, the perfect service, the impeccable design and flawless service make the Verride Palacio Santa Catarina a perfect place to stay. Needless to say that there is no direct competition in Lisbon. Compared to the two other top-tier hotels in town, I would call this hotel an excellent value for money and the personalized experience here is worth so much more than any other hotel experience!
Disclaimer: The stay was provided by Verride Palacio Santa Catarina and we were guests of the hotel for editorial purposes. However the above written has not been influenced and represents the author’s own opinion.
