Monthly Archives: July 2007

A grand palace in a lush setting

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The Pestana Carlton Palace is a 19th-century creamy white and gold building set in lush gardens and parkland. Classified as a National Monument, the hotel is all marble, gilded surfaces and chandeliers. Although thoroughly elegant and maintaining a gracious mien, the hotel has skillfully blended all 21th-century conveniences into its skillful and gracious brand of hospitality.

The guest rooms continue the white and cream color scheme of the exterior, punctuated by antiques and marble fireplaces. Period furniture and rich carpeting on inlaid floors are also part of the exquisite and opulent decor. Some of the rooms are located in two newer wings adjacent to the main palace.

Wander in the hotel’s extensive gardens to find the beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by sun terraces and adjacent to the Casa do Lago, a 19th-century Oriental-style summerhouse serving drinks and light repasts during the warmer months. For guests wanting to relax after a vigorous day of touring or business, the fitness center, located adjacent to the pool and in a lovely garden setting. features a heated indoor lap pool, sauna, Turkish bath, hot tub and gym. The spa and spa treatments take place in the center.

Pestana Carlton Palace
Location: Rua Jau 54, Alto de Santo Amaro, Lisbon, Portugal; 20 minutes from airport

Luxury style: Family-friendly with many special amenities for children; suitable for high-level business meetings, a center for Lisbon social gatherings and celebrations.

What we’ve heard: The pavilion overlooking the pool is a absolute gem of tranquility and peace. Take a break after touring for an aperitif or cool drink. Light repasts are also available.

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Lisbon’s hillside wonder of refinement & tranquility

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When you are staying at a hotel where the service is so refined, so exquisite, that every need is answered without even a question, then you will often realize that is is doubtless a Four Seasons hotel. There is no luxury group that maintains such a high standard throughout all its properties. The Four Seasons The Ritz Lisbon is no exception. There are few hotels who even come close in Lisbon and discerning travelers often make it their top choice. The hotel is located on one of Lisbon’s seven hills and overlooks Eduardo VII Park, the Tagus river and many of the Lisbon’s skyline’s notable landmarks.

Although the exterior has some remnants of a fascist building of the 50′s, the interior radiates luxe of the highest order from every surface. The guest rooms, large and spacious, boast rich woods, silky canopied bed, marquetry desk, elegantly upholstered seating and deep plush carpeting. Park-side rooms have gorgeous views of the park and many sport balconies.

The hotel’s Varanda Restaurant, which overlooks the park and spills out into a gorgeous set of terraces, has been a landmark for business executives, family celebrations and dining by Lisbon’s sophisticated elite. The menu is Mediterranean with grills, fish and vegetables of the area.

The Ritz’ spa is over 16,000 square feet of facilities designed to soothe the senses and impart a sense of well-being. Every treatment is available, all to the lulling sound of Buddhist music. After a program of treatments and a rest session in the poolside loungers, the day can be topped off by tea in the Spa Cafe.

Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon
Location: Rua Rodrigo de Fonseca 88, Lisbon, Portugal; 20 minutes drive from the international airport

Luxury style: Whether business or pleasure, The Ritz is a top choice. Although not quite at the city’s center, it is still convenient.

What we’ve heard: Odd-numbered rooms are preferable because they are, for the most part, have stunning views of the park and over the city.

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