Hotel Photo Journal: A Luxurious Stay at Palácio Príncipe Real in Lisbon
Welcome to my Hotel Photo Journal series, where I share visual storytelling and reviews from unique accommodations worth checking into.
Slowing Down in Style
Sometimes, all we need is permission to slow down. After a whirlwind week exploring the Portuguese coast with my mom and her friends, I found myself craving solitude. I landed in Lisbon ready for a quieter pace—and that’s exactly what I found during my 3-day stay at Palácio Príncipe Real, a luxury boutique hotel tucked away in one of Lisbon’s most enchanting neighborhoods.
Setting the Scene: Three Days in Príncipe Real
Lisbon offers no shortage of dreamy, postcard-worthy corners, but there’s something extra special about Príncipe Real. Cobblestone streets rise and fall past pastel-colored facades and hand-painted tiles. The heart of it all is Jardim do Príncipe Real—a gorgeous, tree-lined park where locals gather on warm evenings and musicians strum bossa nova beneath a centuries-old cedar tree.
This was my third time in Lisbon, so I didn’t feel the need to rush around or check off sights. All I wanted was a few slow days in the sunshine, photowalks, and wine on a terrace with a book. On my first evening, I sat in the park with a glass from a nearby tasca, listening to music float through the air. It was one of those soul-touching moments that make you pause and think: Yes, this is exactly what I needed.
A Hidden Oasis in the Heart of Lisbon
Walking through the gates of Palácio Príncipe Real felt like stepping into another world. This 19th-century palace has been lovingly restored to honor its aristocratic past while introducing modern comforts in an elegant, understated way.
My room looked out onto the garden, and through tall French doors, I had a private wrought iron staircase leading directly to breakfast on the terrace.
The neoclassical façade, with its symmetrical lines and tall windows, is stunning. Inside, light spills through every room, dancing between lush velvet armchairs, antique clawfoot tubs, and soaring ceilings trimmed with ornate moldings.
This hotel understands that true luxury is about feeling. It’s about thoughtful materials, timeless textures, and creating a sense of peace the moment you arrive.
The Art of Doing Nothing
After years of traveling, I’ve learned that overpacked itineraries aren't it. Sometimes, the most transformative part of travel happens when you let yourself just be.
Mornings here became a beautiful ritual. No alarms. Just natural light waking me gently. I’d throw on a robe and wander down to the garden for breakfast with my journal in hand. Bowls of fresh fruit dappled in sunshine. Jacaranda trees in bloom. Perfectly ripe avocado on sourdough. It all felt luxurious—not because it was fancy, but because it was slow and intentional.
Afternoons were for naps by the pool with my book. The garden is enclosed by tall trees and filled with birdsong—a peaceful little world within the city. (Except the day the gardeners came through with their machines, but I let it slide.)
This solo stay gave me space to just think. To let my mind wander, untethered. When was the last time you truly gave yourself that?
Why Solo Travel Changes Everything
There’s a certain openness that comes with traveling alone. No noise. No expectations. Just your own rhythm.
If you’ve been curious to try solo travel but feel unsure, start small: three days in a place like this can be transformative.
You notice more when you’re alone. Light hitting a wall just right. The quiet of a library. A song playing from an open window. And yes, it can feel awkward at first to dine solo—but learning to enjoy your own company might be the most valuable travel skill of all.
Photography Notes: Light, Space, and Texture
As a content creator and photographer, I’m always tuned into how a space makes you feel. And Palácio Príncipe Real was a photographer’s dream: soft morning light through antique glass, lush greenery framing pale pink walls, quiet moments that invited me to pause and look closer.
Every corner offered a subtle interplay of elegance and atmosphere—exactly the kind of storytelling I love to capture.
Let’s Collaborate: Visual Storytelling for Hotels & Travel Brands
Interested in storytelling-driven content creation? I help luxury boutique hotels and design-led accommodations showcase their unique spaces through authentic, atmospheric imagery.
I specialize in creating visuals that tell the unique story of your property or destination. Let’s create together.
