Bairro Alto Hotel

Before Lisbon became fashionable, it had only one five-star boutique accommodation, the Bairro Alto Hotel. Then, just as it closed for renovations, Lisbon became a capital of cool and boutique hotels sprouted across the city. So when it finally reopened in 2019, after a three-year renovation, it had some serious competition.

It also vanquished much of that competition, emerging as one of the nicest places to stay in the capital. First off, it occupies a prime corner of the city, at the border between posh Chiado and lively Bairro Alto.

Second, it now occupies several adjacent 18th-century buildings, with loads of period charm but also with thoroughly modern interiors. The look is handsome, with vintage accents, rich colors and textures, and an understated use of tiles and marble, almost all of it from Portuguese artisans.

Third, and perhaps most important, the options for food and beverage are delightful, including a street-side café, a guests-only rooftop lounge, the 18.68 cocktail bar and the signature Bairro Alto Hotel Restaurant. It’s far more than a basic hotel restaurant, serving a cuisine based on Portuguese ingredients that is flavorful, colorful, healthy and savory.