Hotel Palace of Vidago

Hotel Palace of Vidago (Hotel-Palace de Vidago)
Hotel (Hotel)
The front facade of the hotel-palace in the former-civil parish of Vidago
Official name: Hotel Palace em Vidago
Named for: former-civil parish of Vidago
Country	Portugal
Region	Norte
Sub-region	Alto Trás-os-Montes
District	Vila Real
Municipality	Chaves
Location	Vidago, Arcossó, Selhariz e Vilarinho das Paranheiras
Architects	José Cristiano de Paula Ferreira da Costa, Álvaro Siza Vieira
Owner	Portuguese Republic
For public	Private
Management	Instituto Gestão do Patrimonio Arquitectónico e Arqueológico

The Hotel Palace of Vidago (Portuguese: Hotel Palace em Vidago), is a hotel located in the civil parish of Vidago, Arcossó, Selhariz e Vilarinho das Paranheiras, in the municipality of Chaves, Portuguese district of Vila Real.

The first hydrographic study of the thermal springs of Vidago occurred in 1863, following several years of visits by Portuguese locals and those seeking medical treatments. At the time there was a belief that the mix of sodium bicarbonates and "radioactive" elements were helpful in treating digestive problems. Since this period, though, the spas were closed, but at its height (1875 to 1877) was visited by people as important as the King D. Luís I of Portugal. Between 1876 and 1889 it was awarded prices in Madrid, Paris, Vienna and Rio de Janeiro for its curative properties.

The hotel was constructed in 1910, and was considered the most luxurious in the Iberian Peninsula at the time. Designed by architect José Ferreira da Costa, it was inaugurated by King D. Manuel II at the time of its opening; his brother and father (King Carlos) had visited Vidago for treatment, the centre becoming a centre of concerts, tennis and croquet events and on the island in the park there was a skating rink.

In 1995, there was a remodelling of the hotel.

Between 2007 and 2008, owing to degradation, Grupo Unicer (the owners) began a program of remodelling and recuperation, in order to create a tourist holiday village, under the direction of architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. It was reopened in 6 October 2010, coinciding with the centenary of the original hotel, assisted by then-Prime Minister José Sócrates.

The hotel is located in the millennium park of Vidago, encircled by various species of ancient trees (such as maples, pines and laurels), river runs, pedestrian trails and three natural mineral springs. These springs (called Vidago, Vidago II and Fonte Salus) have differing levels of bicarbonates, sodium and carbon mineral compositions.