The Fastest Way to Feel Like a Royal? Stay at the Verride Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal
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No knock against France or Spain, but Portugal is the unsung hero of Europe. Okay, maybe "unsung" isn't really fair, especially since it seems like everyone and their mother has visited Portugal in the last couple of years. But I still feel like the Eiffel Tower and Barcelona get all the glory. Let's change that, starting right now.
I was lucky enough to visit Lisbon, the capital city, last summer and stay at the Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina. And reader? Let me tell you, hotels have unfortunately been ruined for me henceforth. This place is in a class of its own—fantastic location, amazing staff, luxe design, gorgeous rooftop, and a pool. It really had it all. And I'm gonna tell you about it.
THE QUICK HITS: VERRIDE HOTEL EDITION
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Cost per night: Starting at $519
Best for: Those still riding the quiet luxury train
While you're here, visit: Faz Frio, Plano, Vino Vero, Mouraria de Maria Casa de Fado, and Park Bar for great food and drinks
One-word vibe check: Sophisticated
Most iconic photo spot: The rooftop, with 360-degree views of the city and the Tagus River
Don't leave without: Taking a nap on a chaise lounge by the pool
THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS!
Honestly, this hotel grabbed me by the throat when I stepped inside the serene and opulent lobby. Picture: Stone floors, a grand spiral staircase, original molding, and magnificent bouquets of flowers. Having just rolled off my red-eye flight, I did not feel like I adequately matched the vibe. It was giving glamorous, I was giving...needs a shower. But alas.
THE ROOMS!
My husband and I stayed in a Bica room, aka the most "affordable" offering at the Verride. The cheapest option normally means your room is the size of a shoebox, or that the bed is a full rather than a queen, or that the windows face out into a beautiful brick wall. At the Verride, you're not forced to make any such compromises. Outside our spacious (brag) room (complete with four huge windows, a king-sized bed, and a spa-like bathroom with a rainforest shower head—brag, brag, brag), we had a gorgeous view overlooking a historic quarter of the city.
Our bed was supremely comfortable, the closets were substantial, and there was ample room for two adult humans, each with their own massive (😇) suitcase, to mill about without tripping over each other or coming anywhere close to stubbing a toe. Also, we came home every night to a scrumptious little Portuguese treat from housekeeping on our nightstands.
THE AMENITIES!
Can I interest you in an al fresco dip with panoramic views of the Tagus River and Lisbon's iconic red rooftops? Steps from the hotel's covered terrace, where a decadent breakfast is served each morning (more on that below), you'll find a beautiful swimming pool and several spots to lounge/nap. After a long day of traipsing along the cobblestone streets or touring Castelo de São Jorge, a relaxing soak is just what you'll need, trust me.
THE FOOD AND BEV!
Technically, you could stay at the Verride and never leave the property and you wouldn't starve. Far from it, in fact. There's Suba Restaurant, on the top floor of the palace, which serves a fine-dining lunch and dinner menu of local and seasonal fare. Then one floor up, there's an outdoor rooftop bar (just called "Rooftop," lol), open in the afternoons and evenings, where you can order a cocktail and a bite while enjoying views of the city and river.
Each morning, a breakfast of fresh fruit, flaky pastries, fluffy eggs, and more is served on the terrace—though they'll also deliver the spread to your room if you had too much Ginjinha (a traditional Portuguese liquor, ICYMI) the night before.
THE BOTTOM LINE!
There is so much to do in Lisbon (ride on Tram 28E, take a day trip to Sintra, listen to live fado music, eat pastel de nata in Belém, etc.), it's easy to jam-pack your schedule full of activities. Staying at the Verride is the perfect place to recover after busy days touring the city. It's comfortable luxury, with exquisite design and highly accommodating hospitality. If you're in the mood to treat yourself, you can't go wrong here. Take it from me.
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