The pedigree of the hotel Palácio Belmonte is beyond doubt. The first section was built in 1449, on the top of ancient fortified Roman and Moorish walls, thus making it the oldest palatial building in Lisbon, and Vasco da Gama was received there upon his triumphant return from India.
To cap it all in 1997, the Palácio Belmonte was classified as a National Monument. Before opening its doors to the public some 2 years ago, however, the Palácio Belmonte underwent a major renovation process with a brief to maintaining the spirit and ambiance of the old palace whilst imbuing it with a modern touch.
This process is still a work in progress in some respects, particularly with regards to the combination of new and antique furniture, but elegance and nobility are ever present companions.
There are several terraces with fantastic views of the city and the suites (all named after prominent Portuguese individuals) are unique in many ways.
The Bartolomeu de Gusmão Suite, for example, is situated on top of one of the Moorish towers has four floors and its own terrace.
The Fernão Mendes Pinto Suite comes with a Roman wall evidencing the Lisbon earthquake. Other are equally interesting.