The hype
Guests are enchanted by the architecture and the courtyard pool, but recent stays are marred by shocking cleanliness lapses and aging bathrooms.
Palacio Ramalhete
$180-350/ nuit
Réservez si You want to live like a 19th-century aristocrat (or Madonna) in a quiet, tile-filled sanctuary away from the tourist crush.
Pourquoi les gens l'adorent
- Authentic 18th-century palace vibes with original azulejos
- Heated courtyard pool (a rare find in a Lisbon boutique)
- The 'Old Kitchen' room with its massive copper fireplace
En bref : A stunningly atmospheric time capsule that is currently struggling with maintenance and housekeeping consistency.
Évalué par @jayneytravels: Staying here felt like living in a museum, but cozy. The original 18th-century tiles and that massive chandelier in the suite were unreal. If you love history and quiet luxury, this is the spot.
Ce que les clients qui ont séjourné ici ont dit
Reality check
The 'romantic decay' vibe is leaning too far into 'decay'—peeling paint, rusty fixtures, and spotty housekeeping are becoming common complaints.
- You obsess over Portuguese tiles and antique furniture
- You prefer a quiet residential neighborhood over the chaotic city center
- You want a heated pool for a winter dip
Propreté et entretien
5.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Recent reviews cite missed trash, dust, and even biological waste left from previous guests.
- Bathroom hygiene: Concerning. Reports of mold in showers, rusty fixtures, and 'old & humid' smells.
- Maintenance: Struggling. Peeling paint and worn-out bathroom tiles are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean but basic; some complaints about hardness.
- Odors & scents: Old building smell—can be musty/damp in winter, though common areas often smell of wood polish.
Sleepability™
6.5MODÉRÉ
0-4BRUYANT
4-7.5MODÉRÉ
7.5-10SILENCIEUX
- Creaky floorboards from rooms above
- Hallway footsteps
- Plumbing noise
Avant de réserver
Bon à savoir
- Lisbon City Tax is now €4 per person/night (up to 7 nights), payable at check-in.
- Reception is 24/7 but the front door is locked; you ring a bell to enter.
- Breakfast is served until 11:00 AM, which is generous for late sleepers.
Quoi emporter
- Earplugs (for the creaky floors)
- Grip-sole slippers (the polished wood stairs are slippery)
- Mosquito repellent (courtyard rooms can get bugs in summer)
Génie des chambres
Meilleurs choix
- The Old Kitchen (Suite): Features a massive original stone hearth and copper fireplace
- The Oak Room: Wood-paneled walls and a masculine, cozy library vibe
- Dove Room: Former chapel with frescoes and waist-high azulejos
Chambres à éviter
- Standard Double Rooms: Often tiny, some with no space for a suitcase
- Rooms near the reception: Can be noisy from check-in traffic
Génie de demande de chambre – copier & coller
“I am booking specifically for the architecture—please assign one of the heritage rooms like the 'Old Kitchen' or 'Oak Room.' Please avoid the smaller Standard rooms or anything on the ground floor near reception.”
FAQ et astuces cachées
Tout ce que vous voulez vraiment savoir avant de réserver.
Is the pool actually heated?
Yes, it is a heated 'tank' style pool, usable even in cooler months, though it's small.
Is there an elevator?
No. This is a protected historic building with many stairs. Staff will help with luggage, but you have to walk.
Does Madonna really own it?
No, she rented the entire hotel for a year (2017-2018) while house-hunting in Lisbon, but she does not own it.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking. There is a public garage about 5-10 minutes away (~€30/day), but street parking is a nightmare.
How far is the city center?
It's not in the center. You need a 15-min Uber or a ride on Tram 25/Bus 714 to get to Baixa/Chiado.
Is it suitable for kids?
Technically yes, but the vibe is very 'adult quiet' and the pool is small. Bored teenagers will hate it.
Conseils d'initiés
- ✨
The 'honesty bar' in the lounge is a nice touch—pour your own port and sit by the fire.
- ✨
Ask for a room on the upper floors for a glimpse of the Tagus River.
- ✨
The #15 tram stop is nearby but often packed; use the #25 tram or cheap Ubers instead.
5 choses à savoir avant de partir
💡The 'sunflower' tile panel that gives the hotel its name is nearly rubbed away by centuries of footsteps.
💡Some bathrooms have 'rusty metal clingers' and need serious renovation.
💡The 'river view' from most rooms is actually a 'river glimpse' over rooftops.
💡There is a secret passageway behind a revolving dresser in one of the lounges.
💡The breakfast buffet includes sparkling wine, so you can start the day with a mimosa.
Guide local
Carte
Découvrez où se situe Palacio Ramalhete et ce qu'il y a à proximité.