Fodor's Expert Review Palácio das Especiarias

A characterful boutique hotel in the heart of Chiado, Palácio das Especiarias occupies a beautifully restored 16th-century mansion hiding a wealth of intriguing detail behind its low-key facade. Super friendly reception staff make checking in a pleasure rather than a chore, and guests can help themselves to a selection of hot and cold drinks and cakes in a retro-chic living area replete with deep armchairs, an ornate wooden chess set, and a piano. The hotel is themed around Portugal's spice trade, a detail reflected everywhere from the Age of Discovery-era period furnishings to the choice of books in the library. There are nooks and crannies to be explored throughout the property.