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You've booked your flight to
Lisbon and are excited; then you go online to
search for a hotel and your heart sinks. Endless business hotels, miles from
the city centre, no style, no Latin soul.
Well, be of good cheer. Billed as the Portuguese capital's first
contemporary boutique hotel, the stylish
Bairro Alto is right in the thick
of the action. In fact, the converted mansion block on Praça Luis de Camöes,
a square in the hilltop old quarter, could not be in a better spot.
On the outside, the mansion's original decorative features lend it grace
and presence, and - in contrast to much of the city, it has to be said - its
smart yellow paint job makes it really stand out. The inside is welcoming,
unfussy and elegant. Lobby and stairwells are flanked by giant,
shield-shaped metal sconces that would not look out of place in a stately
home's armoury, but they set up a nice design contrast with the bright
coloured lights and Cubist shapes of the funky cafe/cocktail bar on the
ground floor.
Upstairs, landings with oriental-style antique bird-print wallpaper lead
to bedrooms that manage to feel both luxurious and compact, with big beds,
marble bathrooms, flat-screen satellite TV and - in superior doubles - a
decanter of absolutely delicious (and complimentary) port waiting on your
side table.
Exploring the city is a piece of cake (or, as they say in Lisbon, a
custard tart). Cross the square and the Rua de Diario de Noticias sucks you
into the Bairro Alto's narrow streets filled with bars and quirky boutiques
so small you have to queue alongside locals to peruse the modern and retro
fashions inside. In among hip bars lie traditional hangouts too, such as the
intimate cafe Adega do Ribatejo.
Everybody says the best way to see Lisbon's sights is from Tram 28, so
just turn left out of the hotel and there's a stop 50 yards away. A weekend
travel pass costs €3.50 (£2.40).
 Bairro
Alto Hotel Lisbon
Location Situated in the centre of Lisbon, in the oldest charming
part of the city, Bairro Alto Hotel overlooks the city's main square
Luis de Camoes. This intimate luxury hotel brilliantly blends
traditional Portuguese architectural elements with exceptionally refined
contemporary furnishings and details. Rooms The hotel proposes 55
guestrooms and suites offer a sense of serenity in the heart of this
bustling city. All rooms are beautifully decorated in a classic
Portuguese style, well appointed with latest hi tech facilities and
having panoramic terrace overlooks the Tagus River. Restaurant
Guests can dine at the stylish Flores restaurant, which serves creative
fusion, features a terrace for al fresco dining. The casual Garrett Cafe
Bar offers light lunch and dinner, as well as refreshing cocktails.
General Bairro Alto Hotel also provides conference facilities for
all your private or business functions. During leisure, you can workout
at the gymnasium and relax or refresh at massage centre. |
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