Seteais Palace - A large white building with a clock tower
1 / 10

Seteais Palace

4.7
·976 reviews·Sintra, Portugal

An 18th-century country hotel offering elegant rooms, chic dining, a spa, and a pool amidst Sintra's enchanting landscape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Enjoy a leisurely tea or garden stroll.

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Seteais Palace - A large white building with a clock tower

Seteais Palace

Best Time

Afternoons

Enjoy a leisurely tea or garden stroll.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An 18th-century country hotel offering elegant rooms, chic dining, a spa, and a pool amidst Sintra's enchanting landscape.

4.7
(976 reviews)

"Extraordinary hotel for a romantic getaway with your loved one. Very calm and reserved."

Vertical photo
TIP

👑 Afternoon Tea Booking

Pre-book your 'Queens' Tea' at least a day in advance for a truly royal experience. :ticket:

📸 Photographer's Paradise

The palace and gardens are incredibly picturesque. Allow ample time for photos! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Queens' Afternoon Tea

Queens' Afternoon Tea

Palace Restaurant

Indulge in a regal afternoon tea experience amidst opulent surroundings. A perfect treat for a special occasion.

TikTok
Enchanting Gardens

Enchanting Gardens

Palace Grounds

Wander through romantic, meticulously kept gardens offering stunning views and a serene escape. A photographer's paradise.

Instagram
Palatial Architecture

Palatial Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the elegant 18th-century country hotel, a photographer's dream with beautiful details at every turn.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Pre-Book Your Royal Experience

While you don't need to be a guest to enjoy the Seteais Palace, pre-booking is essential for experiences like afternoon tea. This ensures your spot and avoids disappointment, especially during peak seasons. TikTok

Consider Your Sintra Itinerary

Seteais Palace is a beautiful stop, but Sintra has many attractions. Prioritize your must-sees and plan your transport, as buses can get busy. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Enjoy a leisurely tea or garden stroll.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds for a more serene experience.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Perfect date idea 💖 #lisbon #lisbontips #sintra #lisbontravelguide #tea
@andrechaica
80.1K likes • 745.8K views

👑 Afternoon Tea Booking

Pre-book your 'Queens' Tea' at least a day in advance for a truly royal experience. TikTok :ticket:

📸 Photographer's Paradise

The palace and gardens are incredibly picturesque. Allow ample time for photos! Instagram :camerawithflash:

Sintra itinerary 🏰 #sintra #portugal #penapalace #lisbon #castle #garden #travel #sintradaytrip #solotravel
@ellen_liang
29.5K likes • 825K views
Decidimos relaxar um pouco aqui em Sintra! Escolhermos este palácio para descansar e aproveitar o dia. Segue um pouco do que nos espera.
drgersonguerreiro
62 likes • 4.4K views

💰 Splurge-Worthy Experience

While pricey, the hotel offers an extraordinary romantic getaway with impeccable service. Reddit :moneybag:

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Sintra Center

It's a 15-minute walk to more restaurants, but be aware of one-way roads for driving. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

What to know about day tripping to Sintra from Lisbon in Portugal 👇🏼 🚂 You can easily catch the train from Rossio station, it takes about 40 minutes. 🚌 Some of Sintra is walkable, but you can also get around by bus or Tuk Tuk. Note: the busses do get busy in peak hours. 🏰 Choose only one popular destination and head there first (and pre-buy your tickets!). Fill the rest of your day with explorin...
@jesslouiseellis
18.5K likes • 506.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👑 Afternoon Tea Booking

Pre-book your 'Queens' Tea' at least a day in advance for a truly royal experience. TikTok :ticket:

📸 Photographer's Paradise

The palace and gardens are incredibly picturesque. Allow ample time for photos! Instagram :camerawithflash:

💰 Splurge-Worthy Experience

While pricey, the hotel offers an extraordinary romantic getaway with impeccable service. Reddit :moneybag:

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Sintra Center

It's a 15-minute walk to more restaurants, but be aware of one-way roads for driving. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(976 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Seteais Palace is lauded for its extraordinary romantic ambiance, impeccable service, and stunningly beautiful, well-kept gardens, making guests feel like royalty. While the luxury comes with a high price tag, many find the experience, including the food and serene environment, to be worth every penny for a special occasion. Some minor issues like uncomfortable beds and power outages were noted by a few guests.

"Can not comment on rooms or general service as I visited to attend a wedding and reception. Beautiful grounds and scenic views as the hotel is perched up on a mountain.
I didn't stay at the property as the room rates were crazy. Even the one drink I purchased here was super expensive, matching their room rates!"

festus

"Extraordinary hotel for a romantic getaway with your loved one. Very calm and reserved. Deliciously embedded in Sintra’s surrounding forest, it’s a perfect combination of view, healthy green atmosphere, Portuguese hospitality and romantic environment. The palace is beautiful, the staff exquisitely competent and warm with the guests, making you feel like royalty. The pool and pool area are very comfortable and enjoyable, without an overload of people (don’t know why, but grateful). The gardens are very romantic, beautiful and well kept. Breakfast is wonderful, with delicious food, great variety of a la carte dishes. I highly recommend the eggs Benedict. Worth every penny!!"

Francisco Machado

"The moment we began communicating with the Joanna and the team at Valverde for our wedding editorial we were smitten. Uncompromising service, genuine warmth and the most beautiful wedding venue in Sintra. Everywhere you turn at Seteais there is another beautiful detail - a piece of art, a perfectly styled piece of furniture, an elegantly designed garden. It is a photographer's paradise! If you're looking for a wedding venue in Portugal we recommend meeting the team and touring this venue. We cannot wait to come back to Valverde Palácio de Seteais soon!"

Alecia Asselin

What People Like

Romantic atmosphere
Impeccable service
Beautiful gardens

What People Dislike

High prices
Minor room issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a train from Rossio station in Lisbon to Sintra (approx. 40 minutes). From Sintra station, you can take a bus or a tuk-tuk to Seteais Palace. Some parts of Sintra are walkable, but the palace is uphill. TikTok

Yes, it's about a 15-minute walk to other restaurants and attractions. However, be mindful of one-way streets if you plan to drive, as it can add significant time to your journey. Reddit

Besides walking, you can use local buses or tuk-tuks to get around Sintra. Be aware that buses can become very busy during peak hours. TikTok

As a hotel, parking is available for guests. For visitors attending events or afternoon tea, inquire directly with the hotel about available parking options. Reddit

Absolutely! Seteais Palace is a popular stop for day trips to Sintra from Lisbon. Plan your itinerary to include it along with other key attractions. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need to be a guest to enjoy certain experiences like afternoon tea or to dine at the restaurant. Pre-booking is usually required for these. TikTok

The 'Queens' Tea' experience is a premium offering and can be quite expensive, reflecting the luxury of the venue. It's best to check their official website or contact them for current pricing. Reddit

As a hotel, Seteais Palace is generally accessible, but specific times for dining or afternoon tea should be confirmed directly with the hotel. TikTok

Discounts are not commonly advertised for general visits. However, package deals might be available for hotel stays or special events. Reddit

For those seeking a luxurious experience like afternoon tea or a fine dining meal, the cost is often considered worth it for the ambiance and service. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The manicured gardens, the grand facade of the palace, and the elegant interiors offer numerous stunning photo opportunities. The views from the grounds are also spectacular. Instagram

If you are dining or attending afternoon tea, you can generally take photos in the public areas. For extensive photoshoots, especially for events, specific permissions and fees may apply. Instagram

Absolutely! Seteais Palace is described as a photographer's paradise, with beautiful details, art, furniture, and elegantly designed gardens making it an ideal wedding venue. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography. However, the palace and gardens are also lovely in the soft light of the afternoon. Instagram

While general photography is usually permitted in public areas, professional or commercial shoots may require prior arrangement and authorization from the hotel management. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Seteais Palace offers a refined dining experience, including breakfast for guests and a restaurant that is open to visitors. They are also known for their 'Queens' Tea'. TikTokReddit

Yes, dining at Seteais Palace is considered a luxury experience and is priced accordingly, with even a single drink being quite expensive. Reddit

The Eggs Benedict at breakfast are highly recommended. For afternoon tea, the 'Queens' Tea' is a signature experience. Reddit

Breakfast is typically a service for hotel guests. However, it's worth contacting the hotel to see if they offer any breakfast packages or options for non-guests. Reddit

While specific menus aren't detailed, high-end establishments like Seteais Palace usually accommodate dietary requests. It's best to inquire about vegetarian or vegan options when booking your reservation. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Seteais Palace is primarily known for its romantic and luxurious atmosphere, families can still enjoy its beautiful grounds. The expansive gardens offer space for children to explore and run around in a safe, picturesque environment. Consider visiting during the day for a more relaxed experience. Instagram

For a special treat, the afternoon tea could be a memorable experience for older children, introducing them to a more formal dining setting. However, be mindful that the palace's ambiance is quite serene, so it might be best suited for families with well-behaved children who can appreciate a quieter setting. TikTok

💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways

Seteais Palace is an extraordinary hotel for a romantic getaway. Its secluded location, combined with the stunning architecture, lush gardens, and impeccable service, creates a perfect setting for couples. The calm and reserved atmosphere ensures privacy and tranquility. Reddit

Indulge in a romantic afternoon tea, enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens, or simply relax by the pool. The palace's historical charm and the staff's warm hospitality make guests feel like royalty, enhancing the romantic experience. It's an ideal destination for anniversaries, honeymoons, or simply a special escape. InstagramReddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Seteais Palace is a photographer's paradise. The combination of neoclassical architecture, elegant interiors, art, perfectly styled furniture, and beautifully designed gardens provides endless opportunities for stunning shots. Every corner offers a new, aesthetically pleasing detail. Instagram

Whether you're capturing a wedding editorial, a travel vlog, or simply personal memories, the palace's grandeur and the surrounding natural beauty are incredibly photogenic. The old money aesthetic and royal core vibes are particularly strong here, making it a popular spot for those seeking that specific visual style. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Royal Retreat: The History and Ambiance of Seteais Palace

The Seteais Palace (Palácio de Seteais) is an 18th-century country hotel that exudes an air of refined elegance. Originally built as a summer residence for a wealthy merchant, it later became a royal retreat. Its architecture reflects the neoclassical style popular during that era, with grand facades and meticulously designed interiors. The palace is nestled amidst lush gardens, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Sintra hills and the distant Atlantic Ocean. This historical setting creates an enchanting atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. TikTok

The ambiance at Seteais Palace is one of tranquility and exclusivity. It's a place where you can truly feel like royalty, whether you're a guest staying in its elegant rooms or visiting for a special experience. The staff are known for their exquisite competence and warmth, making guests feel pampered and well-cared for. The combination of historical grandeur, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality makes it a sought-after destination for those looking for a luxurious and romantic escape. Reddit

While the palace is a hotel, its beauty and charm are accessible to a wider audience through experiences like afternoon tea or dining. These offerings allow visitors to soak in the palatial atmosphere without necessarily booking an overnight stay. The attention to detail, from the art and furniture to the perfectly styled gardens, contributes to its reputation as a photographer's paradise and a truly memorable destination. Instagram

Experiencing Seteais Palace: Beyond the Hotel Rooms

Seteais Palace offers more than just luxurious accommodation. For those not staying overnight, the Queens' Afternoon Tea is a highly recommended experience. This allows visitors to indulge in a regal spread of treats in the palace's elegant dining rooms or terraces, providing a taste of royal life. It's advisable to pre-book this experience at least a day in advance to secure your spot. TikTok

Beyond the tea, the palace gardens are a must-explore. These beautifully maintained grounds offer serene walking paths, stunning vistas, and numerous picturesque spots perfect for a leisurely stroll or a romantic moment. The gardens are a key part of the Seteais experience, contributing significantly to its tranquil and romantic ambiance. Instagram

Dining at the palace restaurant is another way to experience its grandeur. While it is a splurge-worthy experience, the quality of food and service, coupled with the unique setting, makes it memorable. Visitors have praised the breakfast, particularly the Eggs Benedict, and the overall exceptional service provided by the staff. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2