It was 7 o’clock in the afternoon when Avenida dos Aliados, in Porto, was invaded by newspapers men, who sold “O Nacional”, a Portuguese newspaper of the twentieth century. “Last minute news, Le Monumental Palace is being inaugurated”, they shouted to anyone who wanted to listen.
The building, which corresponded to the trip on which we were about to embark, illuminated one of the most important arteries of the city of Porto, the city that was never conquered by the Moors, a fact that today is worth the nickname “Invicta” – or “The Undefeated city”.
Entering the hotel, we were greeted by the Grand Ladies of the Belle Époque, with the feathers and fringes taking care of the clothing and always with the female cigarette in hand. The guests gazed in wonder at a scene that promises to be one of the highlights for all those who want to visit Porto.
Le Monumental Palace: The design
The design of the whole space was the responsibility of Oitoemponto, who pledged not to let the French style and the chic ambience, which reigned at the inauguration party, slip away. The whole building was in keeping with the belle époque, a period marked by the end of World War I, and in which, therefore, the cosmopolitan spirit of fun took over Europe.
The gastronomy of Le Monumental Palace
Each corner of Le Monumental Palace is a declaration of love to the 20s, which mixes French and Portuguese design in a single space never seen before. This is also honored in the kitchen, which mixes French and Portuguese gastronomy with a unique concept.
For star chef Julien Montbabut, Le Monument restaurant, the cocktail bar, Bar Américain, and the French brewery, Monumental Café, bring a new life to Porto. A modern and bright French cuisine with Portuguese details served in three exceptional settings. For more individual tastes, there is brasserie, gourmet creativity and dishes to share.
Le Monumental Palace: Feel at Home
Le Monumental Palace, which pretends to be your luxury residence in the heart of Porto, is composed of 63 rooms complemented by 13 suites with unique luxury and refinement. In addition, there is also a dedicated space for guests’ wellness with a 24-hour gym, and a spa and sauna open to all who want to experience new sensations.
In the various rooms that design the hotel, the fireplace is the center of attention, to reserve moments of pure pleasure that you can share with family, friends or even for business.
It is in the elegance of detail that you find the biggest surprises with an immediate sense of comfort offered by the selection of materials and articles in the Superior Rooms. Graphic patterns, pastel fabrics, lacquered woods and noble furniture: custom made.
Elegant and bright, Le Monumental Palace‘s suites are spread over the five floors of the Hotel with varied standards and nobility in materials: pastel fabrics, furniture with harmonious lines and lacquered woods. Art de vivre in the old bourgeois homes has been designed in exceptional suites to make you feel at home while enjoying the luxury services they provide.
♦ Discover all the Secrets from Portugal ♦