The palace was built in 1787 for the Dutch consul in Portugal. It was later rebuilt and decorated with typical neoclassical motifs, such as vases, busts and bas-reliefs. The arch connecting the two wings of the palace was added in 1802. The walls of several rooms in the palace are still decorated with the original frescoes by a French painter. Seteais was the home of the aristocracy until it was converted into a hotel in 1953. The original design of the palace has been carefully preserved. Among the many palaces in Sintra, Palacio de Seteais offers a completely different experience. Surrounded by rich décor and antique furniture, staying at this hotel is a chance to get a taste of the life of Portuguese nobility.
The Seteais Palace has hosted many famous guests. In 1809, the English poet Lord Byron stayed here. In the second half of the 20th century, the hotel was welcoming US President Richard Nixon, British author of detective novels Agatha Christie and actress Catherine Deneuve. Musicians such as Simon & Garfunkel and Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones, also stayed here during their stays in Sintra.
