Madam’s Lodge: a hotel with sultry charm.
Let’s dare Madam’s Lodge: an original naughty hotel
Madam’s Lodge is no ordinary hotel. Things need to be said and precautions taken.
The hotel is not open to minors. At Madam’s Lodge, the world is reserved for discerning adults.
Naughty rather than salacious, irreverent but not vulgar, Madam’s Lodge’s approach is very clear.
The hotel overlooking the ‘pensão Amor’ bar – in the famous pink street of Cais do Sodré – is a former brothel.
And the ‘madam’ in question was nothing more and nothing less than the madam. It was from this distinguished madame that the brothel keepers were called.
Today, the hotel – in reality an AL – Tourist Accommodation, retains the spirit of its sulphurous past. It also pays homage to the ladies who used to stay permanently in this brothel located near the port. A place where sailors were easy to seduce.
The hotel tells the story of the building and how it was occupied by the prostitutes who stayed there.
In the bedrooms, the chests of drawers preserve the objects they used: toiletries, letters and photos. Treasures that make the former tenants feel at home.
Madam’s Lodge assumes its role, and the guests love it.
Funny, elegant and provocative accommodation
At Madam’s Lodge, the rules were strict but announced with a sense of humour.
Madam’s role was also that of protector, and behaviour considered unacceptable was strongly repressed.
There was only one reception area, which also served as a lounge: the old ladies’ room, nicknamed “As Pombinas”, the doves. This is where they used to wait for customers.
The lectern that holds pride of place here recounts the daily life of the boarding house.
Madam’s Lodge has 22 rooms spread over 5 floors.
Each room has a QR code giving access to the life of the lady who lived there.
Three rooms have Turkish baths or saunas. The rooms are reminiscent of the old underground categories: the Secrètes (transvestites), the Fantaisies de Lisbonne (fadists), the Coins spéciaux (for rich customers) and the Perles du monde, of which there are three, occupied by women renowned for their sense of eroticism: an African, an Asian and a Russian.
Finally, the last category: Les Trésors de Madame, ‘triple’ rooms with huge beds for threesomes…or not.
The art of collude and having a good time
At Madam’s Lodge, you come for the reason of your choice.
Almost all the rooms have ‘ole’ objects, decorative or utilitarian, but whose function leaves no doubt. Handcuffs, an erotic cage and various other objects dot the decor.
The style is sometimes liberty or very flowery. But the predominant red and the many photographs and paintings that adorn the walls leave no doubt as to the purpose.
The staircase serving 5 floors and giving access to the reception area is well worth a visit. It was painted by the artist Nuno Saraiva, who is well known in Portugal for his caricatures of typical Portuguese characters.
The erotic and humorous scenes that line the entrance to the hotel help to put you in the mood. In passing, you can discover how to use some of the objects placed in the rooms.
Artist Nuno Saraiva has had fun painting a ‘Madam’ who becomes increasingly exuberant and exhibitionist as you move up the floors.
A winking and amusing ‘pension
AL ‘Madam’s Lodge’ plays the eroticism card, distilled in small doses.
No provocation or vulgarity, and discretion is the order of the day. www.lisbonne-affinités.com has been assured that the house is extremely well soundproofed.
The 4th floor has a terrace with a lovely view over Caís do Sodré and the Tagus River.
The house manager serves a welcome drink called ‘Love Potion’.
Breakfast is served in pretty baskets left at the door of the room, for €25 per person.
And it’s available from 8.30am to 1pm.
The management is clear: the company is not provided.
An informed Madam’s Lodge
The Pensão Amor – the bar is on the 1st floor. There is plenty of entertainment on offer at this trendy establishment.
Madam’s Lodge reception is on the 2nd floor.
Madam’s Lodge
Rua Nova do Carvalho, 38
Cais do Sodré
Price: 150/250 euros per night.
For further information https://pensaoamor.com/en/