Right in the heart of Lisbon, this classic hotel from the Pombaline époque was shuttered for expansion in October last year. Souto Moura, a Pritzker winner architect and a frequent guest, was the designer of the makeover will almost double the Hotel’s capacity.

Keeping the looks, the colors, and elements that date back to the 18th century, it recovers the architectural heritage of Luis de Camões square, set between Chiado and Bairro Alto.

With a sweeping view over Lisbon, the building was once an hermitage that was leveled in the 1755 earthquake. Recovered for lodging, it then became home to the Grand Hotel de l’Europe and Hotel Europa, that back in the 90’s it was a meeting point for artists.

The Bairro Alto Hotel as such opened in 2005 and has ever since being rated for its 5 star hospitality with a hotel boutique luxury concept. Combining contemporary with classic, and making the most out of this building’s history, this was voted for fourth times in a row the Europe’s Leading Landmark Hotel.