Tarabel - The Lisbon Palácio with a Memory of Marrakech
By Lulu Townsend
The first thing you notice is the silence. Lisbon’s chatter fades as you enter Tarabel’s modest blue-fronted palácio in Lapa. This new hotel opening features nine suites arranged naturally, as if you’re staying in an elegant private home where the design has evolved over time. High ceilings, tall windows, and soft, neutral tones create a relaxed atmosphere, and the antique furniture adds a homely charm. Many rooms and suites overlook the Tagus, and the terraced garden slopes down to a lush green heated pool that becomes the gathering spot on warm afternoons.
The building dates from the 19th century, and French designer and owner Rose Fournier has kept the interiors calm and understated by using light colours, vintage mirrors, and furniture, pictures and frames sourced from flea markets in Paris. The palette of whites and bone shades complements Lisbon’s natural light, while the drawing room brings everything together with comfortable sofas, fresh flowers, and shelves filled with books. It feels inviting and easy to settle into for a morning or afternoon with a cup of tea.
Those familiar with sister property Riad de Tarabel in Marrakech will recognise familiar details, from the orange-flower diffusers to the glycerine soaps produced there. The connection is subtle but creates a gentle link between the two houses. In Lisbon, the aesthetic shifts slightly with wooden floors, colonial fans, blackout blinds, white and simple lighting. Bathrooms are spacious, with large walk-in showers, many featuring signature roll-top baths and double basins, and several suites have private terraces. Rose has also introduced white trellising in several suites, sometimes above the baths and sometimes to frame key corners of a room. It brightens spaces and adds depth without altering the original architecture. Storage is thoughtfully designed rather than an afterthought, and the handmade leather shelves add a smart finishing touch.
There’s no rush to do anything or be anywhere at Tarabel Lisbon. Breakfast, served from 8 o'clock with linen tablecloths, is available until whenever you wish, and you can enjoy it wherever you prefer - whether on the veranda, in the garden, or in the drawing room. Manager Arnaud, Swiss by birth and meticulous by nature, has been involved in the project from the early stages and has built a young team that offers warm, discreet, and reliable service from the moment you arrive. Lunch is often taken poolside, though Lisbon is full of excellent cafés and restaurants, most within walking distance and all within a short Uber ride. I suggest you go out into the heart of the city for lunch to soak up the atmosphere, visit Time Out market and the independent boutiques and return in the evening for a cocktail while the chef prepares Portuguese dishes with a twist, using seasonal produce from the region.
Tarabel offers a quieter, more refined way to enjoy Lisbon away from the crowds. Lapa’s wide streets, embassies, and elegant houses reflect the area's character, while the city centre is close by for easy access without feeling overwhelming. The size of the palácio feels right for the neighbourhood, and the pool and garden provide spaces to relax between exploring. The nod to Marrakech adds a familiar touch for those who have stayed at Riad de Tarabel, but Tarabel Lisbon has its own charm and offers a very peaceful, comfortable retreat away from the city's other hotels.
