Vila Galé hotel revitalization project in São Luís set for October opening

Governor Carlos Brandão inspected the ongoing works of the Vila Galé investment in São Luís' historic centre on 21 May. The Portuguese hotel group is committing more than R$ 100 million to restore over 20 heritage buildings, creating two hotels – Vila Galé Collection Ópera and Vila Galé Collection Poesia – and five restaurants within the UNESCO‑listed Praia Grande area. The initiative, carried out with the state and federal governments and private partners, aims to repopulate the district, preserve cultural assets and stimulate local tourism and the economy.

A press conference on the same day marked the countdown to the first hotel's opening, scheduled for 1 October, with a second phase slated for December. The restored venues will add 43 rooms in the former Casa Maranhão and 50 rooms in the former Defensoria Pública building. Direct flights from São Luís to Lisbon are expected to start on 27 October, further promoting international visitor flow.