SimplyAbuDhabi XLV

History & Architecture Perched high on a hill with sweeping views across Lisbon, the Memmo Príncipe Real artfully blends into its environment, sitting in perfect harmony with the past and the present. Unlike the grand Neoclassical buildings that define much of Lisbon’s cityscape, the hotel’s architectural aesthetic is articulated by a more contemporary sensibility. The Memmo group entrusted the architecture to The Madrid-born Portuguese architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, who was able to comprehend the balance required to merge contemporary and classic forms. Renowned for his big-statement modernism, Torres de Carvalho, who is responsible for Memmo’s two previous hotels, created a sleek four-story geometric building in stark white with a long, rectangular silhouette. Arrival Experience Tucked away from the main road, through a tunnel, down a slope, and into the doors of the hotel, guests are greeted by a transparent expanse. One whole side of the ground floor is glass, making the reception area, the restaurant, and the terrace feel open to the outdoors. This also gives the hotel’s upper bedroom floors the appearance of levitating in the air. The clean lines and muted tones create a sense of refined elegance that sets the tone for the arrival experience. Allied with this is the abundance of natural light combined with the pared-back aesthetic, which creates a soothing, minimalist sense of calm. The reception team are friendly and efficient and in no time I head for my room to behold the view. Simply Abu Dhabi | 153