You’re walking up a steep hill in Lisbon. Your calves are burning, and honestly, you're starting to wonder if the GPS is lying to you. Then you see it—a tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tunnel. You walk through, and suddenly, the noise of the city just... stops. You’re standing in a quiet, limestone-paved courtyard that feels like a secret garden for the wealthy. This is the entrance to Memmo Principe Real Lisbon, and if you think it’s just another "luxury boutique hotel," you’ve kinda missed the point.
Most people book this place because they saw a photo of the pool. Don't get me wrong, that pool is incredible. It hangs off the edge of a cliff like a turquoise mirror reflecting the terracotta rooftops of the city below. But the real magic of Memmo isn't the view—it's the weird, quiet confidence of the architecture.
Why Memmo Principe Real Lisbon Isn't Your Typical Five-Star Stay
Most high-end hotels in Lisbon try to beat you over the head with history. They’ve got the gold leaf, the heavy velvet, and the "I’m a 400-year-old palace" vibe. Memmo Principe Real Lisbon went a different way. Architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho (who basically defines modern Portuguese minimalism) built a sleek, white, geometric cube on the site of an old equestrian riding center.
It shouldn't work. A modern white box in a neighborhood of 19th-century mansions sounds like a recipe for an eyesore. But it works because it "levitates" (the architect's word, not mine) over the hill. It doesn't block the view; it frames it.
The interior is just as deliberate. You won't find a cavernous lobby. Instead, you get intimate spaces filled with oak wood and local limestone. There’s a plaster mural behind the reception desk by artist Iva Viana that looks like jasmine blossoms. It’s a subtle nod to the Principe Real gardens right outside.
The "Corridor" Room Debate
Let’s talk about the rooms, because this is where people get surprised. Honestly, some of the standard rooms are narrow. They’ve been described as "corridor rooms." If you’re expecting a massive ballroom to dance in, you might feel a bit cramped.
But here is what most people miss: the design is meant to pull your eyes toward the window. Almost every room (except for two) has a panoramic view of the city. You’re paying for the floor-to-ceiling glass and the way the light hits the Tagus River at 6:00 PM.
If you want the real experience, you have to go for the Exclusive Room. It has a private balcony with an outdoor fireplace. Sitting there in November with a glass of Port while the fire crackles and the city lights flicker below? That’s the "royalty" feeling owner Rodrigo Machaz was aiming for.
Eating at Café Príncipe Real
The hotel’s restaurant, Café Príncipe Real, is where the "Colonial" theme comes out. Now, that word can be a bit loaded, but the hotel uses it to describe the culinary map of the Portuguese-speaking world. We're talking Brazil, Africa, and Asia.
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Chef Vasco Lello is the one running the show here. He doesn't do "fusion" in the messy, confusing sense. He does traditional Portuguese flavors with global accents. Think fresh fish from the Atlantic paired with spices that once traveled the same trade routes.
- The Breakfast: It's a sit-down affair, not a buffet. Thank God. No fighting over cold scrambled eggs.
- The Signature Drink: When you check in, you find a "cocktail kit" in your room. It’s everything you need to mix their signature Port-based drink. It’s a nice touch that makes you feel like a local host rather than a transient guest.
- The Vibe: After 4:00 PM, a DJ usually sets up on the terrace. It gets lively, but it never turns into a rowdy club. It’s sophisticated—lots of linen shirts and expensive sunglasses.
The Neighborhood Factor
Principe Real is arguably the coolest neighborhood in Lisbon right now. It’s where the "old money" families live alongside the city's best designers.
If you stay at Memmo, you aren't in the tourist trap of Baixa. You are steps away from Embaixada, a 19th-century neo-Moorish palace that’s been turned into a concept shopping mall. You're also right near the Botanical Garden and a bunch of antique shops that feel like museums.
One thing to keep in mind: the hotel is down a narrow alley. If you’re driving, it’s a nightmare. Use the hotel’s private garage (it’s about €30 a night) or just take a taxi. Better yet, join the complimentary walking tour the hotel offers every evening. It’s the best way to understand the layers of history in the cobbled streets around you.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book the cheapest room. You’ll end up in one of the smaller "Superior" rooms and feel like you’re missing out.
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- Book a City View: If the room doesn't say "City View," you're staring at a wall or a narrow street. The view is 50% of the reason to stay here.
- The Fireplace Hack: Only the "Exclusive" category has the outdoor fireplaces. It’s worth the upgrade if you’re visiting in the shoulder season (March-May or October-November).
- Timing the Pool: The pool is heated, but it’s small. It’s for dipping and sipping, not for laps. Go early in the morning if you want a photo without ten other people in the background.
- Explore the "Secret" Park: Right across from the hotel entrance is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the city, but the hotel’s own terrace is usually less crowded.
Is It Actually Worth It?
Look, if you want a massive gym, a sprawling spa, and three different lobbies, go to the Four Seasons. Memmo is a "Design Hotel" in the truest sense. It's for people who appreciate the grain of the oak wood and the specific shade of green on the velvet sofas.
It’s expensive. It’s a bit tucked away. The rooms can be snug. But once you’re sitting on that terrace with a cocktail, watching the sun set over the Castelo de São Jorge, you won't care about the square footage of your bathroom.
Next Steps for Your Trip
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Check the "Exclusive Room" availability for your dates, as these four rooms sell out months in advance. If you aren't staying at the hotel, book a table for dinner at Café Príncipe Real at least 48 hours ahead of time to snag a spot near the window. If you're driving, call the concierge to reserve your spot in the garage before you arrive, as the narrow streets of Principe Real offer zero street parking for visitors.