Bairro Alto Hotel

Up, on top of the rooftop, we first fall in love. Initially, because of the dazzling view over the Tagus River, which fills us with emotions. Then, with who we have beside us contemplating the same moment. And lastly, we surrender wholeheartedly to each and every treat received at the Bairro Alto Hotel, a boutique hotel, stood in the heart of Lisbon, where love lingers.
Your eyes are drawn down the hill, to the glistening waters that make you want to stay longer, while you enjoy a summer cocktail, a wine, a natural juice, accompanied by light snacks. From 12 noon to 1 am, the moment is yours to choose. Whether you want to enjoy a city sunset or a moment for two, the space is open to guests and the local community. The backdrop, the cityscape, is what reigns supreme in this spot on the sixth floor of the 5-star boutique hotel.
Next is the Mezzanine, on the intermediate floor, between the ground and first floor, a space that was created after the extension of the hotel, and which is connected to the patisserie. This is the ideal place for business meetings, a lounge lined with wood, with curved lines, reminiscent of a luxury yacht.
But if you’re hankering after a different gastronomic experience, then Bahr &Terrace is where you will enjoy the creations concocted by Bruno Rocha, the hotel’s executive chef. A kitchen open to the dining room, separated by a marble counter, which works to preparing dishes using Japanese techniques with local and seasonal products. These techniques are the result of the various culinary expeditions made by the chef. This is on the 5th floor, in an informal, contemporary and elegant environment, where you can try out the lunch menus or sample the true Bahr experience at dinner, the options of which are minimalist. And, of course, always accompanied by an appealing wine list (chosen by the house sommeliers: David Rosa and Vasilii Grebencea). Bahr&Terrace pays tribute to the artists who made the city glitter in the 19th century, clearly visible in the decoration: the still and the wine glass are a tribute to the bohemian manifesto; the books on display portray the poets who passed through the city; among other details. And, just so you know, you can also enjoy the views from the terrace here, if you wish.
Need anything else, perhaps? If so, then we invite you to visit 18.68 Cocktail Bar, the most recent addition to the Bairro Alto Hotel. The bar occupies the old and original premises of the oldest voluntary firemen’s barracks in the country, in the Largo Barão de Quintela. The food shares Portuguese inspiration with Japanese technique, always accompanied by a menu of exclusive cocktails, 18 in total, 15 of them original and 3 classics, prepared by the bartender on duty. To start with, a Maçaricos, to pair with the dishes, a Sotas, and to close the evening, a Rescaldo. From Wednesday to Saturday, from 6 pm to 2 am, this venue provides another reason to go out and dine. The 18.68 Cocktail Bar has opened its doors in the Bairro Alto Hotel, with its DNA reflecting a strong investment in mixology.
But if your stroll through Bairro Alto takes place after 10 am, until late afternoon, then let yourself be enchanted by the boutique patisserie, which embraces the vintage aesthetic on the ground floor of the hotel. Facing the street, inside, wood lines the walls, and the high ceiling gives the space more grandeur. This place was inspired by traditional Lisbon pastelarias, the Portuguese-French influences of which are reflected in the menu, including pasteis de nata, millefeuilles, jesuítas and croissants. The menu has been created by pastry chef Maria Ramos and changes seasonally.  

Up, on top of the rooftop, we first fall in love. Initially, because of the dazzling view over the Tagus River, which fills us with emotions.

Now that the dining and cocktail areas have been introduced, let’s tell you about the history of this building. In 1868, Lisbon was facing a difficult period with fires. Therefore, in September of that year, in the chemist’s shop owned by the Azevedo brothers, in Rossio, personalities of the time gathered, and from that meeting resulted the creation of the first company of volunteer firemen. Cossoul became the founder of the Real Associação Humanitária dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Lisboa, the oldest volunteer fire brigade in the country. Many names connected to commerce, the aristocracy, the sciences and the arts became members of the brigade, which later became known as the «Bomba dos Fidalgos» [roughly, ‘The Brigade of Noblemen’].
Stood in the heart of Bairro Alto, the centuries-old building that houses the Bairro Alto Hotel was built in the aftermath of the 1755 earthquake. However, it was in the 18th century, at the behest of the Marquês de Pombal and his rebuilding plan, that a group of buildings were erected. This group currently houses the boutique hotel, which is located between two iconic Lisbon neighbourhoods, Bairro Alto and Chiado. The hotel opened its doors in 2005. Before that, it had been a hostel, over two floors. When the Largo Luís de Camões square was inaugurated in 1860, a third floor was added. It became the Hotel de l’Europe (it was often referred to in travel guides), one of the most prestigious hotels in the city, which received performing artists, who came to spend seasons at the São Carlos Theatre, including the famous French actress, Sarah Bernhardt. Later, the building became the property of hotelier Alexandre Almeida, in 1921, and reopened as the Grand Hôtel de l’Europe. It closed its doors in 1980. And it was in 2005 that it was reborn with new owners and a refreshed concept. The first 5-star boutique hotel in the capital, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Virtuoso network and the Signature Travel Network. In 2017, the expansion works began. In 2019, the hotel reopened its doors. It retains the original features, with a modern touch and 21st-century comfort. With design by architect Souto de Moura, winner of the 2011 Pritzker Prize, the building has been given new life. Historic features, such as the stone masonry, vaulted ceilings and tiles, are still present. The interiors were the responsibility of Atelier Bastir, a decoration with character, colour, volumes, without overlooking antiques and vintage pieces that are part of the history of this house.

Today, the hotel has 87 rooms (4 singles, 65 doubles and 22 suites)