But the best thing about the Bairro Alto Hotel might be its location, right in the heart of Lisbon (if such a thing may be said to exist), at the Luís de Camões square, where Bairro Alto, Chiado, Cais do Sodré and Príncipe Real all come together: the perfect starting point for hitting every side of the city. In the vicinities you will find baroque churches, historic cafes, restaurants and shops; there is plenty to do for a day of strolling around. But it's at night, especially during the weekends, that the area really comes to life. The square is not a place where people spend a long time, but a night out almost always begins with a cup of coffee at the Refresco Kiosk. Where it will lead, time will tell.
You can be sure that returning to your room after a night out will be more or less like getting into heaven: a large, fluffy bed, perfect when you need a rest from a long day. To get an old-fashioned hot tub, you need to take a suite; but every room includes a complementary bottle of Port. If you're travelling with a family and wondering whether you really want to be surrounded by all those temptations, here is a piece of good news: there is a babysitting service and a kids' activities program.
You absolutely must go up to the rooftop and have a drink while gazing at the Tagus – do it right after checking in to ensure you get a front row table. After 5pm in summertime it will be almost impossible to even get a seat, but still, here's a tip: the bar serves breakfast and mornings up there are usually peaceful and laid-back.
Everything is good at the Flores do Bairro restaurant: good food, good mood, good folks. Chef Bruno Rocha serves contemporary food mixing Portuguese tradition, French rigour and Eastern craft to provide a relaxing menu whose dishes are meant to be shared.
The Café Bar, open to the public, is the hotel's rebel sibling with a futuristic look. It has a fine menu and danceable music.
Time Out tip: All saints will help you downhill, so says a popular Portuguese saying, but this time we will suggest going up, all the way to the Príncipe Real, and enjoy an evening among Lisbon's trendier stores, a gin tonic at the Lisboeta Pub or a tea at the Pavilhão Chinês. Then choose which one of chef Kiko's restaurants you want to have dinner in: Cevicheria, for a lighter meal, or Asiático, for Eastern flavours.