The modern memmo Príncipe Real is the third addition to memmo’s portfolio in Portugal and is in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. The hotel sits perched on a hill so offers jaw-dropping views of the orange-speckled cityscape from the terrace bar and room balconies.
Príncipe Real is cool and cosmopolitan with a high concentration of boutique shops, chic cafés and snazzy restaurants. Nevertheles,s there are slim pickings when it comes to accommodation, so the 41-room memmo is a welcome addition to the suburb. Given the building on the former site was little more than a crumble, the memmo team had a clean slate to build a modern, swanky space not so commonly found in a city full of heritage-listed buildings. The hotel cleverly weaves in elements of history, however, with a stately painting of Portugal’s former king Pedro IV hanging at the entrance. Rooms have clean lines and modern furnishings, with homey extras like faux fur throw rugs, a daily tip of things to do in the area, and ingredients to make your own port tonic cocktails upon arrival. On the ground floor, a lap pool stretches along the terrace, where you can sip a cocktail and admire the view. When you get the munchies, step inside and take a seat at the Café Príncipe Real. This groovy restaurant draws flavour influences from Portugal’s worldly conquests such as Brazil and Africa.
Location:
The hotel has an awesome position just off Rua Dom Pedro V, Príncipe Real’s main shopping strip. Therefore, if you want to be located where it’s hip and happenin’, you can’t do much better than this. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby to keep you satiated.
Nearby:
Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara: This is one of Lisbon’s finest viewpoints, capturing the São Jorge castle, river and tumbling terracotta-roofed buildings.
Jardím Príncipe Real: Just 200 metres from the hotel is the peaceful Príncipe Real park, where you’ll find a craft and produce market every Saturday. The central feature is a giant cedar tree that shades the park like a giant umbrella.
A Cevicheria: Chef Kiko Martins is the man behind one of Lisbon’s most popular restaurants. Sip a pisco sour at a bar table on the street while you wait for a prized table.
Embaixada: This might just be Lisbon’s most beautiful shopping spot. Embaixada is a gallery of boutique stores stocking mostly Portuguese products and is housed in a stunning neo-Arabic palace.
Bettina & Niccolò Corallo: The hot chocolates at this teeny café are unbelievably decadent—all diets should be put aside for these.
Good for: The memmo Príncipe Real is well suited to style-savvy travellers and couples looking for a place to escape for a weekend or longer. The terrace bar is the perfect place to enjoy some post-shopping chill time.
Amenities: Pool; room service; free Wi-Fi; minibar; restaurant; bar; laundry service; concierge
Time Out tip: Join one of the hotel’s free daily walking tours to get the lowdown on the local area.