Valverde Sintra Seteais Palace

The 18th century Seteais Palace that sits on the outskirts of Sintra is today a Tivoli hotel with just 30 rooms.

• The original décor and furnishings, many of which date back to the 1700s
• The old-world, polished service
• The setting, walking distance into Sintra but offering magnificent views of the town

With just 30 rooms spread throughout the historic Seteais Palace, this hotel feels more like a museum than a five-star hotel. The standard of the rooms, while old-fashioned, however, emit a luxurious quality, and many have original elements like murals, moldings and period furniture.

Built in 1787, the building was originally a very grand private home for the Dutch consul and a close friend of Portugal’s own Marquis de Pombal, the man responsible for rebuilding Lisbon after the devastating earthquake of 1755. The Tivoli hotel group, who are sister companies with Asia’s Anantaras, took over management in the 1950s and were running the property until recently, when Valverde took over.

The palace grounds are worthy of sightseeing, and tour buses do stop outside the gates to peer at the property’s magnificent facade. Beyond the palace and peering eyes, however, gorgeous gardens and mazes spread out and feature fabulous views of the fairytale-like Sintra. In fact, the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle both can be viewed from guest rooms in the hotel.

There is a lovely outdoor pool, an elegant restaurant and bar. The hotel also houses a spa, with treatments and wellness programs.

Couples who appreciate staying in a historic place. Those traveling with kids or who prefer a property with 21st-century amenities might be happier at the nearby Penha Longa.