The New Pousadas (Historic Hotels) in Porto, Cascais, Lisbon and Madeira

Pousada da Carmo

Submitted for planning permission in 2024. The project envisages the adaptation of the Palacio Valadares into a 5* hotel/ pousada.
Located alongside the ruins of the Convento do Carmo, the palace was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, possibly making use of vaulted cellars which belonged to much older buildings. As opposed to many downtown Lisbon sites, the building is arranged around a generous patio which will allow the hotel to hold open air events which enjoy views to the castle, the Santa Justa lift and other historic areas of the city.
The project envisages 85 rooms, and will make use of the large, decorated rooms on the first floor for public areas and events. The project is not without challenges, be they structural, be they the impositions of the historic buildings’ commissions.