Lisbon has changed. If you walked down the Avenida da Liberdade ten years ago, it felt like a sleepy, grand boulevard. Today? It’s a gauntlet of designer shopping bags and high-end tourists. But right at the edge of this frenzy, tucked away behind a facade that most people just walk right past, is Palacio da Anunciada. It is a 16th-century palace turned into a hotel, and honestly, it’s one of the few places left in the city that feels like it actually belongs to the history of Portugal rather than a corporate brochure.
Luxury hotels in Europe usually go one of two ways. They are either stiff, museum-like relics where you’re afraid to touch the furniture, or they are hyper-modern glass boxes that feel like they could be in Singapore or New York. The One Palacio da Anunciada manages to sit in that weird, beautiful middle ground. It’s got the marble. It’s got the hand-painted frescoes. But it also has a vibe that feels surprisingly chill for a five-star property.
The Bones of the 16th Century
You can't talk about this place without talking about its bones. Built in 1533, the building survived the Great Earthquake of 1755, which is basically a miracle in Lisbon history. When the Count of Ericeira lived here, this wasn't just a house; it was a cultural hub. We are talking about a library that once held 18,000 volumes. While those books are gone, the sense of scale remains.
The restoration was handled by the H10 hotel group under their "The One" brand, and they spent a fortune making sure they didn't ruin it. You’ll notice the "Lioz" marble everywhere. This is the stuff of Portuguese kings. It’s that creamy, fossil-filled stone you see at the Jerónimos Monastery. At Palacio da Anunciada, it’s used in a way that feels sleek rather than dated.
Most people think staying in a palace means drafty hallways and creaky floors. Not here. The 124 rooms are almost startlingly modern compared to the common areas. You go from a 400-year-old hallway with original stone arches into a room with high-speed Wi-Fi, silent air conditioning, and minimalist lighting. It’s a bit of a head trip.
What People Get Wrong About the Location
If you look at a map, you’ll see the hotel is located on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão. Now, if you’ve been to Lisbon, you know that street is famous for "tourist trap" seafood restaurants where guys stand outside waving menus in your face.
Because of this, some travelers shy away. They think it’s going to be loud or tacky.
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They’re wrong.
The hotel is an island of silence. Once you cross the threshold, the noise of the "Ginja" drinkers and the crowds vanishes. Plus, you’re actually in a strategic sweet spot. You are a three-minute walk from Rossio Square, but you’re tucked behind the Avenida. You get the convenience of the Baixa district without having to live in the middle of a literal circus.
Eating at Condes de Ericeira
Dining in hotel restaurants is usually a last resort for people who are too tired to wander outside. At Palacio da Anunciada, the Condes de Ericeira restaurant is actually worth a visit even if you aren't staying there.
The dining room is spectacular. Look up. The ceilings are ornate, gilded, and honestly a bit distracting when you’re trying to focus on your sea bass. Chef Desidério Costa runs the kitchen here, and he focuses on "Portuguese tradition with a twist," which I know sounds like every other restaurant description in the world, but he actually pulls it off. He uses local ingredients like porco preto (black pork) and fresh Atlantic seafood, but the presentation is world-class.
The real secret? The garden.
Lisbon is a city of hills and concrete. Finding a 2,500-square-meter private garden in the center of the city is like finding a unicorn. There is a 100-year-old dragon tree in the courtyard that acts as the centerpiece. Sitting out there with a glass of Douro red wine while the sun sets over the terracotta roofs is probably the most "Lisbon" moment you can have.
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The Rooftop and the Pool
Let’s be real: people book this place for the pool.
In a city as hot as Lisbon can get in July, a rooftop pool is a necessity, not a luxury. The pool at Palacio da Anunciada is long enough for actual laps, which is rare for European city hotels. It looks out over the neighborhood of Sant’Ana. You aren't seeing the Tagus River from here—for that, you’d need to be higher up the hill—but you get a view of the "real" Lisbon. The laundry hanging on balconies, the cats on the tiles, the life of the city.
The Despacio Spa is tucked away inside the building and features a sauna, a sensory shower, and a small fitness center. It’s compact. If you’re a gym rat who needs a massive CrossFit rig, you might be disappointed. But if you want a massage after walking 20,000 steps on Lisbon’s cobblestones, it’s perfect.
Why the Service Matters
A lot of five-star hotels in Europe have this "stiff upper lip" service where they make you feel like they’re doing you a favor by checking you in.
That isn't the vibe at Palacio da Anunciada.
The staff is genuinely young and energetic. They’ll tell you about their favorite tasca around the corner or which tram to avoid. It feels human. There is a lack of pretension that you wouldn't expect when you’re standing under a chandelier that probably costs more than a mid-sized sedan.
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Real Talk: The Nuance
No place is perfect. If you are looking for a hotel with a roaring nightlife scene or a "see and be seen" lobby bar, this isn't it. The vibe here is quiet. It’s sophisticated. It’s for the person who wants to read a book in a velvet chair and then go to bed early so they can hit the Belém Tower before the crowds arrive.
Also, the street entrance is a bit narrow. If you’re arriving in a large SUV or a private van, the logistics of the Rua das Portas de Santo Antão can be a bit of a squeeze. The drivers in Lisbon are magicians, though, so they usually make it work.
Your Game Plan for Palacio da Anunciada
If you’re planning a stay, don’t just book the cheapest room. The "Deluxe" rooms are great, but if you can swing a suite, do it. The suites often feature the original architectural details of the palace that make the stay feel truly unique.
- Breakfast is a must. Don't skip it. They do a buffet, but it’s high-quality—think artisanal Portuguese cheeses, local honey, and pastéis de nata that are actually fresh.
- Use the Concierge. They have deep connections for fado performances in Alfama that aren't just for tourists.
- The Dragon Tree. Take your morning coffee in the garden by the tree. It is the quietest part of the day and the light hitting the palace walls is incredible for photos.
- Walk to the Elevador da Glória. It’s right around the corner. It’ll take you up to the Bairro Alto in minutes, saving your calves from the brutal incline.
Lisbon is a city that is rapidly losing its soul to over-tourism, but places like Palacio da Anunciada show that it’s possible to modernize without tearing down the past. It’s expensive, sure. But for a night or two, living like a 16th-century nobleman with 21st-century plumbing is a pretty good trade-off.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay
To truly experience the property, skip the standard tourist routes for a day. Spend your morning at the nearby Solar do Vinho do Porto for a port tasting, then head back to the hotel for a late afternoon swim. Avoid the "tourist menu" restaurants immediately outside the front door and instead walk five minutes north toward the Campo Mártires da Pátria for more authentic local eats.
Make sure to ask the front desk about the history of the Ericeira family. They have some fascinating stories about the previous owners that help put the grandeur of the ballroom and the height of the ceilings into context. Understanding that you are sleeping in a place that survived the 1755 disaster changes how you look at every stone and archway in the building.
Book your stay directly through the hotel website if possible; they often include spa credits or breakfast upgrades that you won't find on the major booking platforms.