Memmo Príncipe Real Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal

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Updated: April 8, 2021
By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: Rua Dom Pedro V, through a gated tunnel.
• Hotel website: memmohotels.com
• Hotel phone: +351 219 016 800
• Check prices on Booking.com

Memmo Príncipe Real – Designer chic, that memories are made of, in hip Príncipe Real.

The first five-star from the boutique Memmo brand is characterized by unforced modern elegance and exceptional service. The geometric new build by Samuel Torres de Carvalho is perched on a quiet hillside and features sleek rooms with full-length windows offering outstanding city views. Just off the main street in Príncipe Real, the swanky design symbolizes this neighborhood, once royal, now increasingly trendy. There is classic limestone on the floors, a portrait of the Royal Prince in the lobby, and contemporary slatted oak screens and furniture. Luxurious touches include Bose speakers and port cocktails; some rooms boast a private terrace or a balcony with a fireplace. The enthusiastic staff offers fresh recommendations placed under a ‘host hat’ and sweet surprises in the room daily. The open-plan restaurant and bar’s glass walls open onto an inviting pool terrace with magnificent views.

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Memmo Príncipe Real – Location

• Address: Rua Dom Pedro V 56 J, 1250-094 Lisbon.
• Nearest Metro/Subway: Avenida (0.5 mile), Baixa-Chiado (0.7 mile), and Restauradores (0.5 mile) are all close by.
• Area: Great location just off the tourist trail in Príncipe Real, with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene and excellent shopping. A short hop north of the historic center, with the bars of boho Bairro Alto just to the south, and well-heeled, cultured Chiado 10 minutes (0.5 mile) away. Nearby strollable attractions include Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (0.1 mile), Convento do Carmo (0.5 mile), and Avenida da Liberdade for high fashion (0.5 mile). Be aware that the streets towards Rossio and Avenida da Liberdade are steep; the nearby funicular Ascensor da Glória (0.4 mile) is useful for getting down to those areas and back.
• How to Get There: From Lisbon Portela Airport, it is a 25-minute trip on the metro to Rato; take the red line to Saldanha, then change to the yellow line. Then walk or hop on the 24E tram to Príncipe Real, a 4-minute walk (0.1 mile) to the hotel. Or take the 783 bus to Amoreiras, then change to the 758 to Príncipe Real. If arriving by train at Gare do Oriente, similarly, take the metro, changing at Saldanha. From the main bus station at Sete Rios, take the 758 bus to Príncipe Real.
• Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €25 from Lisbon Portela Airport – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
• Handy to: Bairro Alto, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Avenida da Liberdade.

Memmo Príncipe Real – The Basics

• Ages: Guests tend to be an international crowd, 35-55, especially couples, looking for a special stay highlighting local culture and great service. Older children are welcome. Note: Extra beds and cots are NOT available. Children 12 years and over are considered adults when booking.
• View: Many rooms offer gorgeous views of the city; some also have a private terrace or balcony with an outdoor fireplace.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
• Laundry: Laundry, ironing, and shoeshine services are available (extra charge).
• Parking: Valet parking and a private garage on-site, a rarity for Lisbon, at €30 per day (reservation required).
• Extras: Concierge service and 24-hour reception. Airport transfer in a Tesla available. Pillow menu, Bose Bluetooth speaker, B&O TV, Nespresso machine, minibar, and complimentary sweet treats in the room. Ingredients set up for a port tonic as a welcome drink. Complimentary premium Hermès toiletries, robes, and slippers in the bathroom. App with access to international newspapers. Turndown service available. ‘Host hat’ in the room with daily new suggestions for your stay. Complimentary travel guide ‘Living Príncipe Real’ and free local walking tour; guests can also join the Memmo Alfama tour.
• When to Book: Book 3-4 months in advance for the summer high season.
• How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
• Phone: +351 219 016 800
• Email: preal@memmohotels.com
• Website: memmohotels.com

Memmo Príncipe Real – Amenities

• Pool: Heated pool on the terrace outside the restaurant, with fabulous city views. Sunloungers and sunscreen are provided and there is a poolside bar in the summer.
• Spa: No spa, but in-room massages and treatements are available.
• Fitness Center: No fitness center currently. The hotel has plans to put in an outdoor gym on its rooftop.
• For Disabled Guests: There is an elevator to all rooms in the main building and step-free access to the entrance and to the premium rooms in a separate building. However, the street to the entrance is steep. There is 1 room specially adapted for accessibility.
• For Families: No special facilities for families.
• Activities: The excellent staff will make it their mission to help organize personalized activities for you in the city, including delivering individual suggestions to your room each day and making surprise dinner reservations.

Memmo Príncipe Real – Food and Drink

• Restaurant: Café Príncipe Real Restaurant & Bar is at the heart of the hotel, with green velvet sofas and a lovely terrace out by the pool. Talented chef Vasco Lello is inspired by the Portuguese global voyages, so there are also Brazilian, African, and Asian influences on the menu. Open for lunch 12:30-3:00pm daily and for dinner 7:30-10:00pm Sun-Wed/7:30-11:00pm Thu-Sat. Light bites are served during the afternoon. $$-$$$.
• Lounge/Bar: The bar is located inside the restaurant. It offers a fine cocktail list, including creations inspired by the fusion of Portuguese and global flavors, as well as the classics. In the summer, there is a poolside bar as well. DJs play sets in the evenings Thu-Sat.
• Breakfast: The breakfast spread can be included in the room rate, otherwise, it is €30 per person. It is served 7-11am in the restaurant and on the pool terrace outside. The buffet includes fresh fruit, pastries, fine Portuguese cheeses and meats, and there is also hot food such as eggs and crepes made to order.
• Room Service: 24-hour room service is available.

Memmo Príncipe Real – Rooms

• Room Types: Exclusive Double • Superior Double • Superior Double with City View • Superior Double with Terrace and City View • Junior Suite • Premium Double • List of all Rooms
• Smoking Rooms: Memmo Príncipe Real is 100% smoke-free.
• Best Room: Exclusive Doubles are the smallest at around 25m², but each has a unique and cozy balcony fitted with a fireplace and comfy sofa. Premium Rooms are the largest at 50 m², in a separate building, with panoramic views from the bedrooms and bathrooms, and a seating area, designer oval bathtub, as well as a spacious shower in each.
• For Families: Every Junior Suite has a bedroom as well as a sofa bed in a separate lounge and can sleep up to 3 people.

Memmo Príncipe Real – Local Transport

• Walking: Walking in Lisbon is great fun, provided you have good footwear and do not mind hills and cobblestones. Note that the hotel is high on a hill and the streets north and east of it are steep. Plenty of big attractions are walkable and downhill: Praça do Comércio is an 18-minute walk (1 mile), Alfama is 17 minutes (0.7 mile), and the Elevador de Santa Justa is 14 minutes (0.7 mile). The nearest metro stations of Avenida (0.5 mile), Baixa-Chiado (0.7 mile), and Restauradores (0.5 mile) are close by.
• Metro, Tram, and Bus: Public transport in Lisbon is good and includes the metro, buses, historic trams, and 3 funiculars; the nearby Ascensor da Glória is handy for getting to Praça Restauradores/Avenida da Liberdade and back. There are also local trains to Sintra and Cascais from Rossio and Cais do Sodré respectively. Consider getting the Lisboa Card, which covers unlimited trips, including on the trains, as well as free entry to lots of attractions. The metro is good for getting to the airport, while trams are both popular and practical. The famous tram #28E stops outside the hotel and is a fun way to see the winding streets of Alfama, while #15E will take you west from Praça da Figueira (0.7 mile) along the river to Alcântara and Belém.
• Taxis, Uber: A taxi from Lisbon Portela Airport will take around 20 minutes (6 miles) and should cost around €16, plus a luggage charge. There is a risk of drivers seeking to cheat tourists on this route; to avoid this, buy a prepaid voucher from Ask Me Lisboa in Arrivals. Uber and other ride-sharing services are cheaper (starting at €10 from the airport), and more so in the city center.

Memmo Príncipe Real – What’s Nearby?

Recommended Nearby Tours

• Lisbon Street Art Tours – If you are curious about Lisbon’s growing urban art scene, go on a dedicated 3-hour stroll. There are open, small group, and private tour options (Open Tours are tips-based). Learn about local and international artists here contributing to this form of art – part of the proceeds goes toward funding the creation of more street art. MishMash tours depart from Praça Luís de Camões (0.5 mile).
• SANDEMANs – Become a Lisbon insider by booking a walking tour with a passionate local guide. Fun options include an Alfama tour (€14) and a pub crawl (€15). The most popular offering is the 2.5-hour Free Tour of Lisbon, which is tips-based and takes in Bairro Alto and Baixa. It starts conveniently on Praça Luís de Camões (0.5 mile).
• Devour Lisbon – Spend half a day seeing a new side of the city and Portuguese culture and tasting its iconic foodie highlights. Devour’s tours are decent value at €69 per adult for 3.5 hours. There are over 10 stops, enough for breakfast and lunch, taking in specialties like salted cod, cheeses, pastel de nata, and port. Starts at Praça da Figueira (0.7 mile).

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Tapisco – Spanish and Portuguese small-plate cuisines (tapas and petiscos) meet at this casual fusion spot from Henrique Sá Pessoa. Great for sharing with friends and washing it all down with a glass from the vermouth bar. (100m).
• A Cevicheria – Super-popular Peruvian table from chef Kiko Martins, in a sleek white venue with a dramatic octopus hanging from the ceiling. Be prepared to wait, then enjoy green gazpacho with scallops, ceviche that shows off Portuguese fish, and pisco sours. (0.1 mile).
• Flor da Laranja – Cozy, flamboyantly decorated Moroccan place in Bairro Alto. Rabea Esserghini is a wonderfully warm host as well as chef. Ask her advice on the delicious menu and taste rich tagines, such as lamb with prunes and almonds, fragrant couscous, and more. Book ahead. (0.1 mile).
• Local – An intimate chef’s table in Príncipe Real, Local serves just 10 people in 2 sittings each night. Great for surprising, seasonal dishes from the rotating cast of chefs, and for making new friends. Book ahead. (0.2 mile).
• ZeroZero – Find Artisan pizza, fine Italian ingredients, and good times at this oh-so-popular hangout. The wood-fired oven, prosecco bar, and terrace draped in flowers are a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. (0.3 mile).
• Chutnify – Enjoy modern South Indian dishes in a hip and fun Príncipe Real location. Their specialty dosas (crisp and savory Indian rice crêpes) are a must-try. Great for vegetarians and spice lovers. (0.3 mile).
• 100 Maneiras – One of the hot tables in town, with daring chef Ljubomir Stanisic serving imaginative Yugoslav/Portuguese fireworks. The tasting menus (€80-€110) are ‘stories’ that tell the tale of his life’s journey. Reserve in advance for this relaxed, intimate Bairro Alto location (0.2 mile). The team also runs Bistro 100 Maneiras in nearby Chiado (0.4 mile).
• Boa-Bao – Buzzing Pan-Asian place in Chiado which has won many hearts with traditional dishes from Thai tom yum to Chinese dumplings, Malaysian curry, and Japanese mochis. A pretty terrace and craft cocktails complete the experience. (0.5 mile).
• Taberna da Rua das Flores – A local favorite, this cute tavern serves up Portuguese classics at lunch. The evening menu is much more freewheeling, with chef André Magalhães making the most of local produce. Cash only and no reservations. (0.5 mile).
• Belcanto – Formal, Michelin 2-starred Belcanto is star chef José Avillez at his most experimental. A showcase for Portuguese gastronomy as well as Portuguese wine, it promises to take you on a memorable voyage. Tasting menus start at €165. Reserve well in advance. Look out for Avillez’ other restaurants around Chiado. (0.6 mile).
• Alma – Unpretentious yet Michelin 2-starred, Alma is a soulful foodie destination from Henrique Sá Pessoa in a gorgeous historic warehouse. His crack team blends global influences into beautiful modern Portuguese dishes in the open kitchen, complemented by bold wines. Tasting menus (€110-€120) celebrate local fish and seafood and the chef’s Asian-influenced classic dishes. Reserve well in advance. (0.6 mile).
• JNcQUOI Avenida – Dress to impress and book ahead at this fashionable place on Avenida da Liberdade. It’s all very stylish – the crazy/beautiful décor, complete with a Velociraptor skeleton, the cosmopolitan menu with French and Italian as well as Portuguese dishes, the extensive wine list, and the chic downstairs DeliBar. The company also recently opened JNcQUOI Asia nearby. (0.6 mile).

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Pavilhão Chinês – Wonderfully kitsch bar, where cabinets and even the ceiling is filled with collectibles from lead soldiers to Action Men, and the drinks are classy. (100m).
• BA Wine Bar do Bairro Alto – Tiny wine bar with a big reputation due to its collection of over 200 wines and passionate staff. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations and try the selection of hams and cheeses too. (0.3 mile).
• Duque Brewpub – Beer aficionados looking for some local flavor should head for Duque, a pub dedicated to Portuguese craft beers, including their own creations. (0.3 mile).
• Cerveteca Lisboa – Lisbon’s original craft beer bar, with a rotating cast of the best and freshest brews on tap from over 100 producers in Portugal, Northern Europe, and the US. (0.4 mile).
• Park – Never has a car park been this cool. Take the elevator to the roof and find Park, for yummy cocktails and a hip young crowd amid lush plants, DJ sets, and stunning river views. (0.5 mile).
• Le Consulat Bar – Relaxed-chic bar and brunch venue with exciting cocktails and great service. Huge windows open over Praça Luis de Camões for people-watching. There is also an atmospheric corner wine bar/smoking room with a surrealist film projection. (0.5 mile).
• Red Frog – Hidden 1920s New York-style speakeasy in Lisbon. Ring the bell to be admitted to a world of vintage sights and sounds and an ever-changing menu of mouthwatering cocktails. The bartenders here are topnotch, so be adventurous. (0.5 mile).
• Mini Bar – José Avillez’ fun gourmet bar is all about entertaining, drinking, and eating. It is decked out like a theater, the largely Portuguese wine selection is great, and the small plates playful and mouthwatering – think green apple margarita as a starter. All this plus DJs every Friday and Saturday night. (0.6 mile).
• Ginjinha Sem Rival – Hole-in-the-wall near Rossio making and selling ginjinha, Lisbon’s specialty sour cherry liqueur. The family has been running this famous bar since 1890. Join locals queuing up outside for a shot. (0.6 mile).
• Pensão Amor – Cheeky Pink Street favorite that winks at its past life as a brothel. The décor is flamboyant and velvety, there are burlesque and jazz performances on the little stage, and usually a line out the door. (0.7 mile).

Best Nearby Cafes

• A Brasileira – Grand Art Deco jewel and Lisbon’s most famous café. Enjoy your coffee and cake knowing you follow in the footsteps of legendary poet Fernando Pessoa whose statue sits on the terrace outside. (0.5 mile).
• Copenhagen Coffee Lab and Bakery – Danish import bringing excellent espresso and Nordic minimalist vibes to Lisbon. Their cinnamon swirls are scrumptious and they do a mean all-day breakfast for €12. 0.4 mile to the Rua Nova da Piedade branch.
• Fábrica Coffee Roasters – Serious coffee lovers adore this topnotch coffee house. Head here for single-origin coffees, bought directly from producers and roasted by Fábrica themselves. 0.6 mile to the Rua das Flores branch; 0.6 mile to the Rua das Portas de Santo Antão branch.

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

• Rua Dom Pedro V – Príncipe Real’s main drag is known for its design studios and is a big draw for fashion-forward shoppers. Find Lidija Kolovrat for a local designer with a love for fine materials, Shon Mott for ‘slow fashion’ and timeless style, and Amazingstore for eco-friendly accessories. (75m).
• Embaixada – Award-winning shopping gallery in a neo-Moorish palace. It beautifully houses a variety of cool Portuguese designs and crafts (and some international brands), from high fashion to organic baby clothes, cosmetics, and eco-friendly homeware. There’s a lovely bar, Gin Lovers, and a steakhouse, Atalho Real, for when you need a break. (0.2 mile).
• Bettina & Niccolò Corallo – Find chocolate heaven at this artisanal, family-run chocolate shop and café. They roast their own coffee and cacao and make the best chocolate in town fresh daily. Try thin bars containing up to 100% cocoa, cakes, luxurious hot chocolate, and even cocoa sorbet. (0.2 mile).
• Manteigaria – Look no further for (possibly) the best pastéis de nata in town. The title is hotly contested, but these custard tarts are certainly an unmissable Lisbon classic, and Manteigaria gives everyone else a run for their money. (0.5 mile).
• Rua Garrett – The best place to start for high-end shopping in Chiado. Highlights include colorful, young outfits at Gardenia and jewelry in a very glamorous interior at Tous. (0.5 mile).
• Maison Nuno Gama – Menswear from one of Portugal’s most famous designers. Expect fine tailoring, use of bright colors and azulejo patterns, and an in-store barber shop. (0.5 mile).
• Avenida da Liberdade – The swankiest designer shopping in town is found along this grand boulevard. Big names like Armani and Miu Miu have stores here; Fashion Clinic has womenswear and menswear branches, bringing together international brands; and 39a Concept Store is both, an art gallery and a fashion boutique. (0.5 mile).
• Fábrica Sant’Anna – Handcrafted azulejos (tiles), produced using the same traditional techniques since the factory opened in 1741. Great for souvenirs and gifts. (0.5 mile).
• Livraria Bertrand – The oldest-running bookstore in the world, open since 1732. Bertrand is a bookshop, café, and cultural landmark where Portuguese intellectuals once gathered. (0.6 mile).
• A Vida Portuguesa – Your one-stop shop for artisanal Portuguese products, from tinned sardines to pencils, ceramics, and notebooks. The brands are carefully chosen to maintain traditional production as well as make excellent gifts. (0.6 mile).
• Manteigaria Silva – Venerable gourmet grocery store stocking the best of Portuguese specialties for over 100 years. It’s all about fine traditional products including charcuterie, cheeses, salt cod, and local wines. 0.7 mile to the historic Rossio branch.
• Garrafeira Nacional – Local wine-selling institution with its own little museum. A great place to stock up on all manner of Portuguese wines, ports, and spirits. 0.7 mile to the Rua de Santa Justa branch.

Nearby Attractions

• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – A fantastic example of the miradouros, viewpoints on hills, which are a fixture in Lisbon life. It’s an appealing gathering place with its fountains, kiosks serving drinks, and musicians and DJs playing, and the views across the city to Castelo De São Jorge are jaw-dropping. (0.1 mile).
• Igreja de São Roque – One of the first Jesuit churches anywhere, built in the 16th century, with an adjoining museum of sacred art. The church’s baroque interior, richly decorated in many kinds of marble and gold, illustrates the Jesuits’ influence and wealth. (0.3 mile).
• Street Art – Lisbon is known for its vibrant urban art scene and it is worth taking time to seek out some of the best pieces or joining a dedicated tour if you get really into it (see above). Nearby standout locations include Escadinhas de São Cristóvão with its fado mural (0.8 mile); Travessa dos Fiéis de Deus, one of many streets worth noting in boho Bairro Alto (0.3 mile); and the Calçada da Glória, where the entire steep street acts as an outdoor gallery (0.3 mile).
• Convento do Carmo – Haunting skeletal remains of a convent destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Now an atmospheric ruin, with an archaeological museum showcasing azulejos (traditional tiles), mosaics, and sarcophagi. (0.5 mile).
• Museu Nacional De Arte Contemporânea – Small but intriguing collection that takes visitors through 150 years of Portuguese art, from mid-19th-century romanticism up to far more modern pop art and installations. (0.7 mile).
• Elevador de Santa Justa – Lisbon’s answer to the Eiffel Tower, this cast-iron lift was built in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier, Eiffel’s apprentice. It’s a very classy (if pricey and packed) way to travel from Baixa up to Largo do Carmo. The viewing platform with its gorgeous views can be accessed for just €1.50 from behind Convento do Carmo. (0.7 mile).
• Alfama – Get lost in Lisbon’s oldest and most romantic district. Once the city’s Moorish quarter, its winding streets feel lost in time and are a magnet for tourists. Climb up to the imposing ramparts of Castelo De São Jorge crowning the hill, gaze out from the many miradouros (viewpoints), and mix with the locals in the bars and cafes. At night, with the soulful sounds of fado coming from restaurants, it feels truly magical. (0.7 mile).
• Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros – Fascinating site that reveals layers of ruins under Baixa. Book a tour with an archaeologist and explore the mainly-Roman structures, including Lisbon’s only Roman mosaic as well as traces of later Visigoths, Moors, and the medieval city. (1 mile).
• Praça do Comércio – Lisbon’s grandest square impresses with its massive scale and graceful 18th-century colonnades which are beautifully lit at night. Here you will find the triumphal arch, Arco da Rua Augusta (you can take a lift to the top for the view), plenty of fine restaurants and cafes, and Lisbon Story Centre, an interactive museum where you can learn all about the city’s history. (1 mile).
• Museu do Aljube Resistência e Liberdade – Important, somber museum in a former prison that bears witness to Portugal’s 20th-century fight against dictatorship. It preserves the memory of the dictatorial regime which was in power from 1926 to 1974, its repressive tactics, and the resistance to it, leading to the Carnation Revolution that ended it. (1 mile).

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Mercado Biológico do Príncipe Real – Find healthy, organic produce galore by the pretty Jardim do Príncipe Real. Wares include honey, jellies, fresh bread, organic wine, and handmade soaps as well as fruits and vegetables. 9am-3pm every Saturday. (0.3 mile).
• Feira na Avenida – Fancy flea market, as befits the location, strung along Avenida Liberdade and starting by Praça da Alegria. Go look for buried treasure – quality antiques, vinyl records, and second-hand books – as well as artisanal handicrafts and food stalls. Runs every second weekend of the month and on the fourth Saturday and preceding Thursday, May-October. (0.4 mile).
• Mercado da Ribeira – Time Out turned half of this 19th-century market hall into a curated food court in 2014. So now it is half traditional fish and produce market, half Lisbon’s gourmet greatest hits, and a hugely popular hangout. There are over 40 kiosks, serving everything from great burgers (Ground Burger) to wine (Garrafeira Nacional), seafood (Marisqueira Azul), and budget creations from star chefs Henrique Sá Pessoa, Marlene Vieira, and co. (0.7 mile).

Memmo Príncipe Real – The Hotel

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