My Story Hotel Ouro

As I awaken from one of the best nights’ sleep in years, I open my eyes to find myself in an atmosphere of hushed, undisturbed tranquillity. The soft morning light filtered in through enormous windows to illuminate the subtle, glimmering shades of gold that filled the room. Could I still be dreaming, I wondered? The peace of it all felt almost otherworldly, just slightly too ambrosial to be reality. Stirring from my stupor I realise this is, of course, very much real – I’m in the My Story Hotel Ouro, and incredibly moments away from the bustling centre of Lisbon. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here; instead I’ll take you back to the start, where all the best stories begin.

A small part of me assumed, towing my bag behind me to the hotel, that the Rua Áurea might be paved with gold as its name suggests. Even so, the white tiles beneath me seemed to shine like the precious metal as I reached my new residence, the My Story Hotel Ouro. Inside, the staff welcomed me with open arms – there was a kind of genuine camaraderie (yet unfailingly professional, naturally) as they divulged their favourite secret hang-outs and restaurants while guiding me around the hotel. I felt as treasured as gold itself.

Though most of Lisbon was razed to the ground after a catastrophic earthquake in the 18th century, something my walking tour guide was keen to emphasise, you can’t help but resist the sensation that you’re wandering through the open pages of a history book. Although many shops and restaurants appear frozen in time, trendy bars and restaurants have begun to fill the streets of Lisbon. Best of all? It was all at an arms’ reach from the My Story Hotel Ouro.