Located in Lisbon’s Rua de São Bento, The Verse is a boutique aparthotel housed in a building restored by Portuguese architect Carrilho da Graça, and with interiors by Studio Astolfi – we stepped inside for a closer look…
The Verse stands out for its unrivalled comfort and contemporary flair – a cosmopolitan yet craftsmanship-driven project, divided over five floors. At the entrance, there’s a hybrid lobby where we can find the reception area and the bar. The bar is always open and ready to welcome travellers and locals. The 15 accommodation units are spread over the five floors, all furnished with living room and kitchen and divided into studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom (with patio and terrace options). With its interior design by Studio Astolfi, every nook and cranny evokes details that subscribe to an irreverent outlook, timeless elegance, and a contemporary style that coexist harmoniously with Portuguese craftsmanship.
Image credit: Francisco Nogueira / The Verse
The concept of The Verse was born out of the owners’ need to feel at home when travelling. Andrew and Anna Richardson (father and daughter), and David and Henry Clarkin (father and son), the four founding partners, are frequent travellers, be it for business or pleasure. Faced with the lack of places that would make them feel truly at home abroad, they saw this market gap as an opportunity to create a cosy venue that would give guests a sense of belonging.
The Verse emerges as an aparthotel conceived to blend comfort and aesthetics that seeks to accommodate diverse audiences: families with children, for whom space and independence are essential factors; business travellers who want to find a serene refuge at the end of a busy day; or design-conscious people, sensitive to high-quality settings, interested in a more tailor-made, locally rooted experience.
Image credit: Francisco Nogueira / The Verse
The kitchens (made to measure, with wood panelling and stone worktops) and living areas share the same room, creating an open space where conversations find room for refinement. The bathrooms, paved with hydraulic mosaic and Tosco washbasins, allow guests to find relaxation and well-being without constraints. In the bedrooms, the most elemental thing stands out: a bed that’s hard to get out of in the morning. Although they follow the same line of thought, the typologies feature distinctive details that make them unique in their own way.
Image credit: Francisco Nogueira / The Verse
The 15 units are spread over the five floors that make up The Verse. The top floor shelters the largest accommodation: a spacious two-bedroom apartment delights guests with its beautiful terrace. Its dimensions make it ideal for a family getaway or hosting private parties and small events.
Image credit: Francisco Nogueira / The Verse
With traditional Portuguese architecture at the base of its structure, the building’s ceiling height varies from floor to floor. The apartments on the first floor convey grandeur and magnificence through their tall windows and ceilings. On the other hand, the ground-floor apartments present arched ceilings and warm natural light coming through the windows. Lastly, in the two ground-floor rooms, private patios invite you to spend some time outside, eating, spending time with friends and family, or just enjoying Lisbon’s pleasant weather.
Main image credit: Francisco Nogueira / The Verse
