Seteais Palace

When I travel, I always try to pick out unique hotels that reflect the area’s history and culture. I’m always surprised by how much the prices for five star hotels drop in low season. Seteais Palace in Sintra usually runs a rack rate of $ 400, but I was able to book it for about $ 150 a night. We stayed two nights in this hotel and it was sublime! I cannot say enough about the service and the beauty of this hotel.
We were greeted with two glasses of port and an assortment of savory tarts. The hotel and the room was impeccably clean and the view over the labyrinth could not be beat. Seteais captured the mood of Sintra and put us within walking distance to Quinta da Regaleira. What more could we ask for?
This gem boasts manicured gardens, decrepit stairways leading to hidden grottos, original frescoes, orange orchards, magnificent food, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, elegance and outstanding views. Did I mention hospitality?
There were very few guests when we arrived and we had the place to ourselves. We roamed from one incredible room to the next feeling like royalty. During dinner we were the only ones seated in the grand ballroom being serenaded by a harpist.
The Seteais Palace (Seven Sighs) is so called because of the love affair between a Portugues nobleman and a Moorish princess.
Built between 1783 and 1787 for the Dutch consul Daniel Gildemeester, on lands granted by the Marquis of Pombal, it is a splendid example of 18^th Century architecture. Exceptionally glamorous, the palace is set amid classical and romantic gardens that preside over the lush panorama of Sintra. The grand public rooms are nothing short of stunning featuring original frescoes attributed to French painter Jean Pillement. Painted motifs include exotic vegetation and mythological characters such as nereids, tritons and nymphs. A walk through the palace reveals small touches of glamour such as fresh cut flower arrangements, gleaming silverware, molded ceilings, marble statuary and comfortable antique couches. The bedrooms are richly upholstered with period furniture and feature views toward the valley or the pool. Just gorgeous.