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 At only 2 kilometres from the centre of Lisbon, the York House is a living witness of past, but anyway provides the facilities any major hotel in Europe takes for granted: from air conditioning to internet access, modern devices coexist with the architecture of a monks` residence that goes as far back as the 17th century.
1606, to me more precise. That is the date of the original foundation of the "Convento dos Marianos", a group of buildings in a simple, austere style set some feet over the street level. Today, one of these buildings houses the first class accommodations and services of this four star hotel, and some of its remainings are still visible.
Actually, the fate of this religious residence was affected by one of the most powerful characters in the history of Portugal: Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, better known as the Marquis de Pombal. |
 As Prime Minister during the reign of José I (who ruled in the 18th century), he was in charge of many political, economical and religious reformations. Inspired by the Enlightment, the Marquis was responsible for the expulsion of the Jesuits from Portugal and took many relevant measures trying to broaden the absolutist power of his king. In this context, he ordered the dissolution of the "Convento dos Marianos" in 1759.
However, his influence went way beyond this action. Pombal is also remembered as the man who rebuilt Lisbon after a 9-scale earthquake that destroyed a great part of the city in 1755. His directions gave birth to the "Pombal style", a really severe architecture made for prevention in case of future earth tremors.
Once it was dissolved, the building that used to house the Convento is said to have gone through many functions: first it became a military hospital during the mid 19th century, and afterwards, it was home to an evangelical religious sect. It was not until 1880 that it became an inn, opened by two English ladies born in Yorkshire, who obviously named the hotel after their hometown. |
 In 2004, the York House received its last renovation. In the inside of the hotel, the typical features of monks` residences have been kept for the sake of a unique atmosphere: ancient wood floors, a courtyard surrounded by rooms and austere immaculate walls at the endless corridors that motivated daily prayers, create a one-of-a-kind site for your holidays in Lisbon. And at the same time, they will set the perfect starting point for your knowing the Portuguese capital as it really is: a magical combination of old and present times.
Among the lodge's 32 rooms, the guest will have the chance of enjoying an amazing experience at the Classic ones, furnished with antiques and rugs on the terracotta-tiled floors that resemble at least certain aspects of the original monks` chambers. |
 The "Monastery Room" offers a plus: it overlooks the courtyard, without any doubt the feature that mostly attracts visitors. Around this public area enchanted by the sun rays, shrubs and an old big palm tree, the guestrooms are located, each with its own personal decoration and perfectly equipped bathrooms.
This terrace, an authentic Portuguese patio, becomes the ideal place to rest and absorb the sunshine after a morning tour around Lisbon or a day at a nearby attraction. However, it also works as a dining room in summer, where candle lit meals can be held for guests on honeymoon or just willing to enjoy the romantic date of a lifetime. At the lodge's restaurant, set in a special room overlooking the patio, delicious dishes from Portuguese and French cuisine are available, accompanied by an extensive wine list and specialties "from the sea and the land", as the menu quotes. The York House Hotel possesses a bar too, offering drinks and snacks that can also be taken at the courtyard. |
 Even though the inn used to be home to catholic prayers and contemplation, the conflicted history of Portugal has gifted it with a wide diversity of styles that today mingles with modern details. The Muslims, who invaded in 711, left an important legacy that begins at the name "Lisbon" (the city was named originally "Felicitas Julia" by the Romans), and ends in some typical features that prevail in the "barrios" (neighbourhoods). At the York House Hotel, the courtyard and the "azulejos" on the walls establish this bond with history.
And all of this, within the most sophisticated framing: the Barrio da Lapa, where the hotel is located, has made elegance its synonym, featuring petits palais, charming town houses and the Ancient Art Museum. In the nearby area, the two obliged stops are the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of Jeronimos. |
 Then, the historical neighbourhoods of Barrio Alto and Chiado will captivate you with their narrow streets and tapas bars, as well as landmark cafés that attract intellectuals and the wrought-iron balconies that also date back to the Muslim domination years.
This 4 star hotel is on a famous street in Lisbon, Rua das Janelas Verdes (which stands for "Green Windows Street" in Portuguese), only 2 kilometres from the city centre and 10 from the Airport. Various means of public transport are available at a stone's throw from the lodge's door, so that access to the main attractions is guaranteed. Nevertheless these trips are worth taking for the adventure itself: Lisbon's cobbled streets are usually steep, going up and down the seven hills on which the city stands, and trams and funiculars provide the best views of the traditional setting. |
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