Review of Bairro Alto Hotel, by Rupert Eden

Like an exotic ballerina plying her luxuriant trade on a street corner, the Hotel Bairro Alto in Lisbon cruelly tempts gaping passers-by as they stroll along well-known landmark Praça de Camões.

The facilities

Whilst positively oozing sophistication and sensuality the boutique hotel's spartan lobby acts as a kind of decompression chamber to acclimatize the privileged few from the noisy bustling cafes and boutiques of Rua Garrett to a cool and fresh silence. It is mainly thanks to top design duo Diogo Rosa Lã and José Pedro Viera that the hotel has set an entirely new standard for Portugal in terms of architectural flair and unrivalled urban chic.

The impeccable style and service would also be difficult to surpass even in Paris or New York whilst resident chef Leonor Manita has been poached from London's Nobu to produce dainty menus fit for a Lusitanian king and eaten in the Flores patio restaurant. If the gorgeous décor isn't enough for some, the boutique hotel is located in the center of Lisbon's arts district. Guests can also relax with a fitness and wellness center directly on hand.

The rooms

There's 55 spacious rooms on offer here, that conjure up yesteryear images of post-war screen idols like a Breakfast at Tiffany's film set and soft yellow, ochre and pale blue pastels are borrowed from the surrounding Chiado district. Fifth floor attic rooms come equipped with a décor completely unique from the rest of the Portuguese themed rooms. Bathrooms resemble those of Anouska Hempel-inspired Blake's Hotel. A rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of Lisbon and the Tagus estuary seen in the distance and is the perfect place within the boutique hotel to sip cocktails as the sun sets.