Currently regarded as Lisbon’s best hotel, Pestana Palace is a former 19th-century palace of the Marquis de Valle Flor and classified as a national monument. The four suites and communal areas within the former palace took almost 10 years to restore, with stained-glass windows specially sent from the Vatican. Original features remain in these rooms, with antique furnishings collected from across the globe. The only hotel in Portugal with a chapel, the Pestana is currently awaiting permission from the archbishop to hold wedding ceremonies. The new palace extension comprises 192 rooms, divided into ‘sunrise’ and ‘sunset’ wings. The landscaped botanical gardens are a source of calm and serenity, and contain many flowers unique to Portugal. A marble swimming pool lies on the site of a former lake and a Chinese pavilion offers light meals in the summer. Guests also benefit from a modern health club and the highly respected Valle Flor restaurant. A relatively remote location proves to be the only down-side to this unique hotel. Modern luxury with historical character.