A

A
second home to the upper echelons – from Madonna and Christian
Louboutin to newlyweds Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender – the
hilly metropolis of Lisbon
is enjoying a rather grandiose second wind. With a flurry of starry
new residents proliferating its side-streets and palatial
properties, Lisbon’s hoteliers are taking inspiration from this
city’s revitalised allure.

Complementing Lisbon’s effervescent energy and reflecting the
city’s historical density, Torel Palace comprises of two
historic mansions – one cerulean, the other salmon – dating back
to 1902 and 1904. The passion project of Barbara, Ingrid and Joao
(two Austrians and a Portuguese) sits at the end of a tiny sliver
of a street, tucked away from the bustle below. Perched on one of
Lisbon’s seven hills, namely the Colina Sant´ana, Torel Palace
remains something of a hidden gem, despite its central
location.

Rooms

Comprising of 26 rooms, each is inspired by a queen or king of
Portugal. Blending past and present, the rooms at Torel Palace brim
with charm, personality and modern touches. Generously sized rooms
decked in traditional Portuguese styles come with large wardrobes,
an over-sized bed and all the home comforts you could conjure up.
Suites are suavely finished and guests can anticipate a flair of
regality – think faux-fur throws, sumptuous velvet headboards and
gilded furnishings – in their chosen room. Come evening,
mini-shortbread and a bedtime note are placed on your pillow as
part of the hotel’s turndown service.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the blue room and is available to guests
all day long. Serving a simple continental breakfast including
meats, cheeses, cereals, an assortment of breads and pastries in
addition to some hot breakfast options, there is no lack of choice
here. If you are somehow still peckish after breakfast, it’s good
to know that you’ll never be too far from a pastéis de nata, the
classic Portuguese pastry, which cost no more than a euro a
pop.

How about lunch and dinner?

Headed-up by 20-something chef Bernardo Agrela, Cave 23 blends
classic and traditional Portuguese cuisine techniques and bold
flavours. Open for dinner only, this eclectic bistro places its
focus on domestic products. Tucked away in the far corner of the
Torel Palace’s enclave, guests can expect a hearty meal paired with
some supreme wine – choose from a robust selection including
full-bodied Malbecs and saccharin Moscato. For something a little
less-committal, guests can dine at Terraço 23 where the menu offers
refreshing and informal fare, dominated by light meals such as
salads and tapas.

Is there a bar?

The shoebox-sized bar is an ideal pit-stop for a postprandial
drink. Contrasting shades – from the rich black counter top to the
green velvet chairs – create a seductive ambiance that will keep
you here far longer than you’d anticipated.

Within a short distance you’ll find…

Only 100 metres from the hotel is the oldest elevator in Lisbon.
Dating back to 1884, the Elevador do Lavra brings you to the
Avenida Liberdade in a matter of minutes, where elegant boutiques
are a paradisiacal trigger for those who enjoy shopping. A few
minutes onwards is the Jardim de Torel, a small, lovely park with a
little café and view all the way to the Arch of the Rua Augusta and
to the river Tejo. In the other direction, you can walk up to the
Marques de Pombal square and visit the statue of the man who
planned the reconstruction of Lisbon after the devastating
earthquake of 1755.

Things you should know

Those seeking adventure beyond Lisbon’s parameters should aim
for the nearby palatial Sintra or beachtown of Cascais. To maximise
on your time, it’s best to rent a car through the hotel’s car
service.

Come departure, there’s no need to rush your final breakfast at
Torel Palace as Lisbon airport is just a 15-minute drive from the
hotel.