Everything You Need to Know about Staying at Solar do Castelo Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal

Looking to stay in an 11th century, fairytale castle village? With a view of an actual castle? With peacocks roaming free?! You’re in luck. Solar do Castelo Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal, is just the place you’re looking for. This hotel is truly stunning, and the staff are kind and helpful. Here is everything you need to know to be convinced to stay here!

The Hotel

The 18th century building that houses Solar do Castelo is situated over the former castle kitchens (destroyed over the last 900 years). The tilework alone is absolutely stunning, and the attention to both detail and comfort were not lost on us! The courtyard boasts plenty of seating and a sense of calm as peacocks peek in over the adjacent Castle wall or walk next to you.

There is also a library and sitting room inside where you can enjoy coffee, tea, water, and sweets any time of day–including the famous Portuguese pasteis de nata. Every time we entered the property (after the hike up the hill!), we were instantly calmed and at-ease. Between the greenery, the water features, and that classic, local tilework, we felt that we were having a truly local experience, which is what we love in our travels.

A photo of this doorway is what sealed the deal for me!
The most beautiful place.
A peahen and peacock overlook our courtyard from the Castle!
Read on: How to Make the Most of the Lisboa Card

The Location

Did I mention it’s the only hotel located within the castle village walls? The great thing about staying next to the Castle is that you’re next to the Castle. The compromise with that is the fact that the streets are too narrow for most cars (the hotel provides a transfer service to and from the airport for you), and it’s quite uphill!

Castles are always situated on the highest point for defensive purposes, so bring sturdy walking shoes, or take advantage of the hotel’s golf cart service if the hike up isn’t within your comfort level. You’ll have your pick of shops and restaurants nearby, so if you want a day without leaving the hill, you can do it!

A sneak peek of the courtyard.
Have coffee, tea, and sweets any time of day in the sitting room!
Keep reading: What to Do in Lisbon on a Monday (when many businesses are closed!)

The Room

Our room was on the second floor (third floor for Americans), and we had a view of the historic town and the sea below. Out the other window, we could see across the way to the Castle, usually with a peacock or peahen in view as well!

The bed was very comfortable, there was ample of seating, and the desk in the corner was helpful as well. There was also plenty of storage with both space to hang clothes and fold them into a drawer in the closet. We were also given a complimentary bottle of port upon arrival!

The bedroom
Desk and Chair
Complimentary Bottle of Port
Keep reading: What to Pack for a Week in Spain and Portugal in Summer

The Bathroom

The bathroom was tight, but functional. There was actually plenty of counterspace, which was a little surprising, in a good way. The shower was large, but I wasn’t a fan of the full-size toiletries. Our window over the sink overlooked the Castle grounds, which was a nice touch. Not pictured: toilet and bidet.

The shower and sink, with ample counterspace.
What a sweet peacock soap dish!
More here: The Ultimate Guide to Solid Toiletries for Travel

The Breakfast

Breakfast is served from 7:00am-noon each day and is constantly refreshed. You can choose to enjoy the buffet indoors, or take your plate outside to the courtyard. Each morning, you can enjoy eggs, bacon, beans (very British), sausage, veggies, fruit, smoked fish, cold cuts, cheeses, a variety of breads both sweet and savory, yogurt, and more! On our last day, there was even a chocolate fountain with strawberries available!

Breakfast in the courtyard was a highlight of the day, every day!
Chocolate fountain with strawberries
Keep eating: The Best Places to Eat in Lisbon

The Museum

This hotel has its own museum! When the building was turned into a hotel, archaeological excavations revealed many artifacts from the Castle’s past and beyond. Here, you’ll find Iron Age artifacts dating from 600 B.C. next to artful pottery dating back to the 18th century A.D. It’s worth a visit and is completely free to guests.

Their small museum is well worth a visit!
Read next: What to Know Before You Visit Lisbon

Want more? Get everything you need to know on my dedicated Portugal Page, and find more amazing hotel reviews on my Accommodations Page!

Love this post? Pin it for later!

2 responses to “Everything You Need to Know about Staying at Solar do Castelo Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal”

  1. […] Keep reading: Staying at Solar do Castelo Hotel, Lisbon […]

  2. […] Also here: Staying at Solar do Castelo Hotel, Lisbon […]

Leave a Reply

%d
Verified by ExactMetrics