Lisbon City Council Greenlights Two New Hotels, One at Fernando Pessoa's Last Resting Place!

Lisbon's Bold Move on Hospitality

The Lisbon City Council has approved the construction of two new hotels in the city, one of which will be a luxury establishment situated in the historic Hospital de São Luís dos Franceses, where the renowned poet Fernando Pessoa passed away on November 30, 1935, at the age of 47.

In a private meeting, the council voted on the proposals, resulting in opposition from PCP, Cidadãos Por Lisboa, and BE, while PS abstained, and the ruling PSD/CDS-PP coalition supported the project despite lacking an absolute majority. Notably, Livre was absent during the voting process.

Details of the Luxury Hotel

The proposal, presented by Joana Almeida, the independent councilor from the “Novos Tempos” coalition, includes plans for expansion through partial demolitions to create a 5-star hotel with 68 accommodation units consisting of 4 single rooms, 62 double rooms, and 2 suites.

This urban operation focuses on a 1,567.30 m² area, part of the Palácio Cunhal das Bolas, which houses six buildings currently occupied by the hospital. This site is classified as an area of historical residential significance and is protected under national heritage laws.

Architectural and Cultural Considerations

The licensing request by Mercan Property Bairroalto, Lda emphasizes the preservation of the original structure of the Palácio Cunhal das Bolas, maintaining its distinct architectural styles and the main entrance through the courtyard on Rua Luz Soriano.

The new hotel will feature five floors above ground and one basement, covering a total floor area of 5,751.58 m², while adhering to existing height regulations for the façade.

Approval of the architectural project is contingent upon receiving a favorable conclusion from the Cultural Heritage IP, focusing on architecture, archaeology, and external arrangements, as well as the restoration of the plaque commemorating Fernando Pessoa that was previously located at the main gate.

Additional Hotel Development

In the same meeting, the council also approved the architecture project for a 4-star hotel at Rua Tomás Ribeiro, which will encompass 117 accommodation units over a 1,022.48 m² area. This new building will have seven floors above ground, a recessed floor, and four floors below ground, with a maximum building height of 27.10 m.

The approval of this project by Predurba – Prédios Urbanos SA is also subject to various entity consultations.

Criticism from Local Political Parties

Following the approvals, the BE party criticized the decision to construct two new hotels in Lisbon, particularly at the Palácio Cunhal das Bolas, arguing that it is a classified building that will be compromised and transformed into a hotel in an area already saturated with tourism. They highlighted that under the leadership of Carlos Moedas, two hotels have been opened each month, indicating a trend of over-tourism plaguing Lisbon. They also mentioned a discussion about a new private student residence in Olaias, lamenting the lack of public housing proposals.