L
isbon is booming, with more tourists visiting this year than ever before — over six and a half million, exploring its charming cobbled streets, riding its trams and tucking into its famous pastel del nata pies. To accommodate them, dozens of new hotels have opened in the past few years, including some very chic boutique establishments in historic buildings. Here are three of the loveliest new openings.
Tarabel Lisbon
When Rose Fournier set about designing the Tarabel, she knew she wanted “big rooms — the luxury of space”. She decided to buy the 19th-century residence in upmarket Lapa within ten minutes of seeing it.
Five years later it’s one of the prettiest hotels in the city, with nine spacious and light-flooded suites, all with vintage bathtubs, sinks and showers; six with incredible views over the terraced garden and pool to the River Tagus; three with private terraces shaded by jaunty gold-and-white parasols. Given the superior degree of chicness on display, it’s no surprise to learn that Fournier was born and raised in Paris, nor that she has been buying antiques for years — and they have resurfaced both in this hotel and a riad in Marrakesh.
