Review: Flora Chiado Apartments, Lisbon

Combining contemporary design with archaic history, experience Lisbon the exclusive way with a stay at Flora Chiado Apartments

A hedonistic hideaway in the heart of Lisbon’s trendiest district, Flora Chiado Apartments combines the luxury services of a five-star hotel with the freedom of spacious self-catered apartments.

Perfect for those looking to explore Lisbon for longer, whether it be for three nights or thirteen, here’s what to expect from a stay within its designer-clad walls.

Contemporary cool meets classic culture

Down a little cobbled street, mere steps away from Lisbon’s main square, sits a salmon pink building that counts Belcanto amongst its neighbours (the city’s first restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars).

Over the threshold awaits Flora Chiado Apartments’ reception – and a check-in process that comes with a complimentary Portugese drinks trolley, no matter how early in the day.

Brimming with historic architecture featuring an impressive stone staircase at its centre, the building’s archaic frame only adds to the ambience. The individual apartments meanwhile, styled by their architect owner, are both cool and contemporary – carefully designed to ‘enhance the mystery of the old city’ that surrounds them.

The blend of old and new can be felt throughout. Whilst the past has been carefully preserved, there’s also the addition of trendy furnishings, pine flooring and modern design features.

Sleek Tom Dixon lighting illuminates walls covered in authentic Azulejo tiles – some of which date as far back to the Gothic period. Large windows hide behind robotic shutters which twirl open at the touch of a switch, whilst intriguing decor features the likes of old typewriters perched across from statement art pieces.

The result, is a beautiful juxtaposition of interior design that’ll leave you gazing from floor to ceiling.

It’s all in the detail

With enormously high ceilings, plenty of space and an endless amount of comfy seating, the apartments are clearly a place to unwind.  But  evidently, also one to entertain.

Upon first opening the front door, guests are greeted with an welcoming bottle of red wine, bowl-like glasses and a gourmet cheese platter. Apartments feel far more like a home than hotel, a space that’s clearly yours to enjoy and explore.

In terms of mod cons, there are many. Make the most of zippy wifi, a friendly concierge service, state-of-the-art kitchens and Delta coffee machines. In the chic bathrooms await fluffy robes, slippers and oodles of Molton Brown goodies, which all amplify the lux feel.

For something incredible, splash out on the T2 Duplex A. Split across two floors, the living room and kitchen compose the spacious ground level, whilst upstairs, two roomy bedrooms both boast ensuite bathrooms and beautiful airy lighting.

Epicurean extras

Breakfast is a  boutique affair, offering a more personalised service in comparison tothe usual  hotel buffet spread. Focusing on freshness rather than extravagance, the fridge is daily replenished with eggs, fruit, milks, juices, yoghurts. A bag of locally-baked goods is also placed outside each morning, featuring pastries and bread.

Don’t worry about washing up – that’s all taken care of by the daily maid service. Instead, sip back and relax before heading out for a day’s exploring.

For the foodie crowd,  gourmands can sample the à la carte menu of next door neighbour Alma in the comfort of their own kitchen, brought straight to your abode without needing to lift a finger (only a fork).

For those wishing to experience its Michelin experience firsthand, there is always a reservation table laid aside purely for Flora Chiado’s guests.