Palacete Chafariz D'El Rei
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Hotel Details
Location
Lisbon
Portugal, Europe
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Expert Review: Palacete Chafariz D'El Rei
Palacete Chafariz D'El Rei in Lisbon, Portugal, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently lauded by guests for its unique blend of historic grandeur and personalized luxury. This intimate "home boutique hotel" offers an exceptional stay in the heart of Lisbon's most historic district.
Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel receiving superb ratings. It boasts an impressive 4.9 out of 5 bubbles on Tripadvisor and a "Superb" 9.2 rating on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe their stays as "fantastic," "fabulous," and "amazing," often noting that the experience "exceeded expectations". The sentiment is one of enchantment, feeling like a cherished guest in a private, aristocratic mansion.
Key Highlights
Guests are particularly captivated by the Palacete's exquisite and personalized service, its stunning historic architecture, and its prime location. The hotel's unique design, an eclectic blend of Neo-Moorish and Brazilian Art Nouveau styles, is a frequent point of praise, with original stained glass, tiles, moldings, and antiques carefully preserved. The sense of exclusivity, afforded by its limited number of suites, allows for an intimate and attentive experience. Many also highlight the privileged views of the Tagus River.
Room Quality
The Palacete features just six spacious suites, each boasting a distinct character and luxurious design. Rooms blend period details, such as stuccoed ceilings and antique furniture, with modern comforts. Standard amenities across the suites include private balconies, large flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibars, and well-appointed en-suite bathrooms with bathrobes and slippers. The Grand Torreão (also referred to as Luxury River Suite or Deluxe King Suite) is particularly notable, spread across three floors and offering panoramic views and even a telescope for stargazing. Guests commend the comfort and the attention to detail, including pure cotton sheets.
Dining Experience
The dining experience, particularly breakfast, receives high praise. A "Royal Breakfast" is served daily in the restored dining room, which overlooks terraced gardens, or can be enjoyed on the terrace. The breakfast often includes a variety of delicacies such as smoked salmon, homemade brioche, exotic fruit salads, and a selection of pies, all served on fine porcelain. Hot and cold drinks, including juices, teas, coffees, and hot chocolate, are also part of the offering. The "Royal Brunch" program is also available, providing a refined culinary experience with views of the Tagus River. Room service is provided for guests who prefer to dine in the privacy of their suites.
Service & Staff
The service and staff are consistently highlighted as a major strength of Palacete Chafariz D'El Rei. Guests frequently describe the team as "exquisite and personalized," "extremely helpful," "kind, courteous," and "wonderful". Many reviews specifically mention staff members going "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay, contributing to the feeling of being in a private, welcoming home. The staff are multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Location & Accessibility
The Palacete Chafariz D'El Rei boasts an enviable location in the historic Alfama district, Lisbon's oldest and most emblematic neighborhood, directly facing the Tejo River. This allows for breathtaking river views and easy exploration of the area's typical alleys, lanes, and steps. Major attractions such as São Jorge Castle are a mere 10-minute walk away, while the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) is just 0.2 miles distant, and the Santa Justa Lift is 0.6 miles away. The nearest Metro station is approximately 1312 feet from the hotel, and Humberto Delgado Airport is about 4.7 miles (10 km) away, making it accessible for travelers.
Value & Pricing
While offering lavish amenities and impeccable service, Palacete Chafariz D'El Rei is often considered to provide "exceptional value for money" compared to the average hotel room price in Lisbon. Typical nightly rates for a stay can range from approximately $253 to $588, depending on the suite and season. Guests frequently affirm that the quality of the property and the overall experience justify the cost.
Common Complaints
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are a couple of recurring points to note. The historic nature of the building means it does not have an elevator, which may pose a challenge for some guests as rooms can be up to four stories high. Additionally, the hotel maintains an adults-only policy, as it cannot accommodate children under the age of twelve. While one older review mentioned "basic rooms" and "few amenities," this sentiment is heavily contradicted by the vast majority of recent reviews that praise the luxury and refinement of the suites and services.
