Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel

Ask at reception to book a table for a meal and performance at a local “Casa de Fado”. Traditional food and sentimental ballads will serenade you long into the wee hours.

The Corpo Santo really is a gem in the crown of one of Europe’s finest cities. What stands out here is the effortlessness with which the team provide service to their guests. Charming members of staff are there to open the door for you, to show you to your room and to recommend the finest Portuguese wines to pair your meal. This is a personal touch: that the hotel is delighted to see you – and there could be no warmer welcome. A complimentary welcome massage and platter of fresh fruit in your room are the custard cream on the pastry. And speaking of edibles, daily food and regional wine tasting, soft ice cream available in reception and midnight snacks all night will certainly keep hunger away. A short walk from reception is the Porter Bistrô – named after the dark, porter beer that was produced in this square in 18th century Lisbon (a burnt caramel recipe imported from Ireland). Chef Artur Roldão boasts a fine selection of local delicacies, paired perfectly with local wine and a classy dining experience.

But that’s not enough for Corpo Santo – no request is too much. Whether it be a fresh fruit juice that is not on the menu, parking your car for you when you arrive or surprising you with an exquisite gin bar after a long day exploring the city. Not only is it sublime – “it’s our philosophy,” assures Nuno Pereira (Rooms Division Manager), with an honest twinkle in his eye.

Beyond the service, the hotel is an exhibit for Portuguese history, with a collection of artefacts on display, which were uncovered when excavating the site. A large portion of the Fernandina Wall, constructed by King Dom Fernando in the 14th century to keep out the invading Castilians, has been preserved as one wall in the hotel’s own “Sala Fernandina”, an atmospheric reading room where guests can enjoy a moment’s peace with a book or an evening drink.

There is tasteful Portuguese detail in every room, each complete with complementary minibar, Nespresso coffee machine and an Ultra HD Television. A chromotherapy system in the bathroom mixes colours and music to match the mood of your choice: four colours for the four elements, which transport you into a personal sanctuary.

In a short four years since its inception, Corpo Santo has set a trend for a flawless guest experience. It has personality and uniqueness on every floor and in each room. Its soundproof windows offer calm in the heart of bustling Lisbon, and its style celebrates its historical roots with a modern and minimalist design. The key ingredient to their success, though, is their philosophy. Maya Angelou famously said: “people will never forget how you made them feel,” and in getting this right Corpo Santo makes it very hard to leave.