Review: Torel Palace Lisbon hotel review

Why book?

The Torel brand is a trusted one, and with good reason: they have four hotels in Portugal, each providing stellar service, unique rooms and in memorable locations. Torel Palace Lisbon is the original, but thanks to recent renovations, shows no signs of ageing or tiredness. Plus, the property’s courtyard has one of the best views of the city.

Set the scene

Lisbon is a city of miradouros (viewpoints) frequented by locals and tourists, but it’s rare to find a great view that isn’t packed with people trying to get the perfect sunset shot. Step in Torel Palace Lisbon, which is set on the top of a hill overlooking Baixa, Bairro Alto and out towards the River Tagus, and has an outdoor courtyard with a vista to rival any other in Lisbon – and an added perk of privacy. This is a particularly special place to hang out in the evening, when guests are at their most relaxed and you can hear the sounds of the city drifting past with a glass of vinho verde in hand.

In fact, this air of VIP is evident throughout the hotel; from the literal red carpet that leads from the entrance to the separate check-in building, to the 14-seat Michelin starred 2Monkeys restaurant, where guests converse with chefs as they plate up. Everything here is designed to make you feel special, and it’s not hard to do so, when you’re quite literally at the top of the city.

The backstory

Torel Palace Lisbon was the first property for the brand, opening in 2013. The Lisbon hotel was originally two separate private mansions, one built in 1902 and the other in 1904. Now, it consists of three historic palaces – and one apartment building – following a 2023 expansion that saw the . Known for its impeccable views (the tower at the top of the newly-renovated building was once the highest point in Lisbon).

Torel does a really good job at linking their properties - even though each one is different, you always spot the golden thread linking each hotel together. That’s thanks in part to the storytelling you’ll spot in each property; here, for example, rooms are named after Portuguese royalty, and grandeur and opulence are clear decor themes.

The rooms

In total, the hotel has 33 rooms, plus five apartment-style accommodations for longer stays and a villa, available for bigger groups travelling together. Each is designed to be opulent yet cosy, with décor hinting at the Portuguese royalty that inspired it, so expect antique furniture, high ceilings, plush velvet headboards, oversized chandeliers and, in some cases, roll-top bathtubs placed strategically alongside the windows.

With such an impressive view, it would be a shame not to wake up and feel Lisbon’s famous light spilling in, which is why most rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s worth opting for a city view, if only to watch the sunrise and sunset over the city from your own private room.

The food and drink

The restaurant offering here is impressive: a Michelin star restaurant, a larger restaurant with a city view, and a separate bar offering an extensive cocktail menu. Happily, each one is a treat. 2Monkeys made our list of the best restaurants in Lisbon thanks to its inventive tasting menu, intimate 14-seat interior and passionate chefs. Black Pavilion, the restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, plus more relaxed dinners, serves up a menu of classic Portuguese dishes; think perfectly-cooked steak (with a gorgeous roasted garlic bulb placed neatly on top, giving the most delicious scent) and seafood rice packed with plump prawns. The floor to ceiling windows overlook the hotel’s perfect view, and the draped ceiling gives a more chilled, relaxed vibe – in late spring you can see the jacaranda blooming over the terrace, and it’s hard to imagine a better place to while away an afternoon.

Breakfast is served buffet style, in a small room with quirky vase-print wallpaper. The offering is vast, with cheeses, meats, various yoghurts, hot dishes and – of course – Portuguese pastries on offer. And the cosy bar is a dream place to have a nightcap; almost like a British pub, but with an added element of opulence and a range of cocktails so impressive you'll find it difficult to decide (but go with the caipirinha for a citrus treat with a boozy kick).

The spa

The spa is part of the new building development, and sits in the basement, with a serene circular courtyard used as the entrance space. While the Torel brand is, undoubtedly, Portuguese in history and design, this section of the hotel slightly steps away from the norm, and leans towards a more Middle Eastern aesthetic. That’s mostly because this is the only spa in Lisbon offering treatments inside a hammam, and in creating such a separate space from the rest of the hotel, the brand has managed to create a wonderful pocket of serenity.

The hammam treatment is wonderfully thorough, and the therapists go the extra mile to ensure guests are comfortable – during my treatment, I was given an ice cold glass of water after spending 20 minutes in the steam room. I emerged feeling squeaky clean and fresh, albeit needing a cool-down in the courtyard.

The neighbourhood

While still very much central Lisbon, Pena is a more residential part of town, and apart from the funicular (the oldest in Lisbon), which ferries tourists up and down throughout the day, you’re more likely to see locals passing by than visitors.

The beauty of Lisbon is that it’s relatively small – albeit hilly – so everything is closely accessible if you’re willing to put some steps in. The luxurious shopping street Avenida da Liberdade is nearby, and we recommend a visit to Graça for restaurants, wine bars and the famous Saturday flea market Feira da Ladra.

The service

Staff are friendly and warm, particularly during check in and out. While service wasn’t particularly personal, it was efficient and pleasant, and the experience in 2Monkeys restaurant was a particular highlight thanks to the care and attention chefs and wait staff pay to diners. One thing to note: there’s no turn-down service at night, so you may need to call down to reception to request a water top-up.

Eco effort

While sustainability may not be front of mind at Torel Palace Lisbon, it’s clear some thought has gone into the hotel’s impact. As expected, the property is plastic-free, and cleaning products used are eco-friendly. Renewable energy is used throughout, and guests use sustainable bathroom products from Portuguese brand Oliófora. In the restaurants, seasonal products are used to reduce waste, and any surplus food is donated where possible. Staff are trained in sustainability best practices when they join the brand.

For families

This is a hotel that caters to all ages, and while the crowd is predominantly adults, there were some children staying while we were there. The two swimming pools will certainly appeal to children, and the poolside bar service means cocktails and soft drinks are available all day to keep you refreshed. The Black Pavilion restaurant has plenty of food options for younger children, and the buffet-style breakfast has options to keep all ages happy (the mini pasteis de nata go down a treat).