The Tower (now part of the
Tower Room) was the dressing room of the Count, who loved to watch the beautiful views while he was getting ready. The Palace became famous by the glow of its social gatherings and balls, attended by the elegant aristocracy of Lisbon.
It remained a family house until 1988, when the family of the Count sold it to the Simões de Almeida family, who turned it into a hotel, Hotel da Lapa. The architect responsible for the re-construction was Mr. Alberto Cruz, a very skilled and experienced professional in the area. But unfortunately he was not able to complete the project as he passed away when the construction begun. His son Mr. Manuel Cruz was put in charge to continue what his father had planned for the Palace. The building construction took almost 5 years to be completed due to a few problems that arose. The architects wanted to preserve the appearance of the Palace, some rooms such as the Armory room which is called
Belém room today, preserves the original style of Count of Valença’s Palace with the private bathroom of the count situated in the annexed tower. Another reason that postponed the opening of the hotel was that during the construction an aqueduct was found in the basement of the building; as a result, the workers were not allowed to continue for months, they had to lower it by using rocks. Nowadays this aqueduct is considered national heritage. Finally in 1992 the hotel was ready for the public.
It is important to explain that during the process of renovation from Palace to hotel, the artists worked hard to keep the original design of the Palace, which gives us clear examples of the Portuguese society in the 19th century. The beautiful stained glass windows in
Columbano and Eça de Queiroz rooms are still the original ones from the time of Count of Valenças Palace. As well the classic and beautiful furniture from Eça de Queiroz room are still the same, including a beautiful carpet dating 170 years.
In 2002 was inaugurated the Villa (a new wing), with 2 suites12 rooms, all with balcony and beautiful views over the gardens.
The Hotel is divided into three different sections,
Palace wing,
Garden wing and
Villa Lapa with a total of 109 rooms. The rooms and suites of the new wing have been redecorated with Portuguese style fabrics and furniture and different the decoration on every floor.
The 21 rooms and the Suite Count of Valenças of the original Palace built in 1870 were all redecorated too in 2003, with Portuguese furniture made in the North of Portugal, in Paços de Ferreira, where excellent craftsmen have recreated the furniture in the styles D. João V, D. Maria I and D. José. Every room and suite in the Palace has a different style; you will find Art deco, Colonial, Algarvian and Neo-Classic styles. The Lapa Palace has styles for all tastes.
The Suite Count of Valenças and five other deluxe rooms are located on the 5th floor of the Palace, the noble floor. These rooms have been carefully redecorated with lamps, mirrors and furniture recovered from the original Palace's furniture. The gold leaves of the walls of the Suite Count of Valenças (originally part of the ballroom) have been restored as well as two big mirrors, placed in the living room.
In all rooms of the Palace you will find the
beautiful Portuguese porcelain Vista Alegre, founded in 1824.