These are the 55 best hotels in Portugal, according to the Michelin Guide
The first selection of the best hotels in Portugal by the Michelin Guide awarded one to three keys to 55 properties across the country. In total, two hotels received the maximum distinction of three Michelin keys. Another 13 won two keys and 40 received one key.
The key system is similar to the stars awarded to restaurants, but with different evaluation criteria. The five criteria are:
- The hotel must be an open door to the destination;
- The hotel must have excellence in interior design and architecture;
- The hotel must maintain quality and consistency in service, comfort and maintenance;
- The hotel must have coherence between the level of experience and the price paid;
- The hotel must have uniqueness, personality and authenticity.
The inaugural selection of Michelin keys in Portugal highlighted properties ranging from the capital Lisbon to hotels on Madeira Island. There are hotels from international chains, palaces and boutique hotels, which are distributed in urban centers, next to beaches and even in wine and rural areas .
The key categories reveal different aspects and sensations in the hotels. They are divided as follows, according to the guide:
- 1 Michelin key : indicates a very special stay. It is a jewel, with its own character and personality;
- 2 Michelin keys : indicate an exceptional stay. It is a place worth a detour, where a memorable experience is guaranteed;
- 3 Michelin keys : this is the highest distinction, indicating a unique stay, with unparalleled comfort and hospitality. It places the hotel among the most notable and extraordinary in the world.
Of the 55 hotels on the list, two received the maximum distinction of three keys. One is in the Algarve , while another is in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, in the Lisbon metropolitan area.
The first is Vila Vita Parc , in the village of Porches. There are 203 rooms, suites and apartments and six private villas – all accommodations have balconies and the villas have private pools.
The hotel is spread across 50 acres of gardens, set on the edge of cliffs on a secluded beach. Amenities include a golf course, signature spa, beach club, six bars and ten restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Ocean , led by chef Hans Neuner.
The other property with three keys is located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It is Le Penha Longa Resort , part of the Ritz-Carlton collection, which was once the residence of the Portuguese royal family.
The complex has 204 rooms, all with views of the surrounding mountains. There are seven restaurants here, two of which hold a Michelin star each: LAB by Sergi Arola , which offers tasting menus; and Midori , which combines Japanese cuisine with Portuguese flavors. The property also has a golf course, a former monastery and a 14th-century chapel.
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