Bairro Alto Hotel Lisbon

General Information

A minimalist expression of a array of Lisboan influences, the entrance hall is outstanding for the sense of space and tranquillity that it imparts; a marked contrast to the buzz of the streets outside. Visitors are welcomed by 2 roomy modern wrought iron sculptures, made by the prestigious artist Rui Chafes, suspended within alcoves carved out of conventional Lioz stone. On either side, 2 archways coated in white colonial lacquer, lead through to the brasserie on one side and the reception on the other, this lacquer effect carried through into the restaurant region. 2 dark green benches of 16th century design are the unparalleled furniture in the entrance, causing the eye to be naturally drawn to the abstract rose-shaped mosaic in the very heart of the floor. This Venetian-styled 'terrazzo' marble floor runs throughout the hotel's public zone contributing to the fluidity of space and imparting a sense of silent. Bringing the outside in, Moorish-inspired 'azulejos' panels of green, white and cinnamon-colored tiles line the walls of the first floor regions. These glazed tiles are a characteristic feature found on the exterior walls of conventional Portuguese houses. Key Selling FeaturesLocated in the chic Bairro Alto area, the conventional heartland of intellectuals, artists and revolutionaries, Bairro Alto Hotel is Lisbon's 1st modern shop hotel. Intimate in size it's the main basis to discover this magic town steeped in heritage. Capturing the indomitable spirit of exploration that pervades Lisbon, a town long associated with explorers, traders and settlers, Bairro Alto Hotel both embraces the Portuguese architectural convention, whilst respectively turning it on its head. Bairro Alto Hotel represents a combination of the antique with the recent, it pays homage to the country's architectural and design styles via the ages, including exotic influences of its former colonies, whilst interweaving modern materials from other countries including England, France, Morocco and Italy. The past was also meticulously retraced in the sourcing of original materials and application of different styles.

Location Information

In the center of the Bairro Alto region, in the Placa Luis de Camoes and in between rua das Flores and rua do Alecrim. To the south extends "Rua Garrett" with its trendy cafes and self-sufficient shops. From here, it is just a ten-minute wander to the more up-to-date mall center of Baixa Chiado and Lisbon's cinema land. Bairro Alto Hotel is situated in the plaza that bears a statue and name of Luis Vaz de Camoes, the soldier poet who told the story of Portugal's discoveries in his epic poem, "Os Lusiadas". To this day, Bairro Alto remains synonymous with creativity and revolution, the latter whether only in spirit since the people's uprising in 1974. The Bairro Alto area (literally the Upper City) is an historic enclave dating from 1513, which is reached in a novel way through the Santa Justa Elevator (a structure reminiscent of the Eiffel citadel in Paris) from the lower town. The colorful region resounds to the calls of vendors and fishmongers, and the windows and balconies are festooned with washhouse and birdcages. At night the region comes alive with some of the best fado cafes in the town, along streets lit by Victorian lanterns. Fado is the prestigious brand of music and dance brought to Portugal by African slaves in the nineteenth century. Characterized by songs of sadness and despair, there is no better spot in Portugal to undergo this musical genre than in the Bairro Alto of Lisbon. In new times, Bairro Alto features also made a name for itself as an alternative shopping destination, popular with those searching for style and design outside the mainstream. Up and coming designers have increasingly chosen to move into the region, further contributing to the district's creative and economical regeneration.