Expo ’98 – “The Oceans: a Heritage for the Future”
In the years leading up to Expo ’98, Lisbon experienced a significant increase in hotel supply, partly driven by the city’s need to meet the anticipated rise in demand during the Exhibition (as had occurred in Expo ’92).
Following Expo ’98, demand declined, making it essential to seek out new markets and strengthen existing ones. It was with this purpose in mind that the Lisbon Heritage Hotels brand was created. Much like the theme of Expo ’98 – “The Oceans: a Heritage for the Future”, the brand also sought to promote Portugal’s national heritage to those visiting the country.
At that time, three Portuguese families joined forces to promote three hotel properties housed in historic buildings in the city: As Janelas Verdes and Hotel Lisboa Plaza.
The former Hotel Condestável (now Hotel Lisboa Plaza), was inaugurated in 1954 and designed by the architect Lucínio Cruz. As Janelas Verdes, meanwhile, is housed in an eighteenth-century palace next to the National Museum of Ancient Art.
The desire to consolidate the connection to the city’s heritage and culture led to the search for new projects in eighteenth-century buildings. Thus, in 2001, Solar do Castelo was inaugurated, built on the site of the former kitchens of the Royal Palace. Later, in 2007, Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel opened, harmoniously combining original architectural features with contemporary design.
The preservation of Lisbon’s architectural and historical heritage remains central to the mission of Lisbon Heritage Hotels, not only within its properties but also through partnerships with institutions such as the National Museum of Ancient Art, the National Museum of Contemporary Art – Chiado and the Lisbon Architecture Triennale, as well as through donations supporting training in restoration and conservation, as was the case this year with FRESS.
Today, Lisbon Heritage Hotels brings together four charming properties located in the historic centre of Lisbon, housed in former residences and historic buildings. Owned by Portuguese families who came together to create intimate settings, each hotel is designed to strengthen the connection to the city’s heritage and culture, while offering every modern comfort.
