Lisboa upscale hotel choice (??)
 

Four Seaons or Bairrio Alto Hotel. These are available for my dates in early November; Avenida Palace is apparently already booked. Location is paramount here. I am in family medical semi crisis here at home and do not have the time that I usually take for planning, so all advice is so very much appreciated.

I've not been to Lisbon and have little idea of the city's layout.

Please, I will also need advice on booking flight (or take bus??) from Bilbao to Lisbon, and of course, will need much info on eating in Lisbon!

Many thanks to all!!

Sorry to hear not all is well at home. Would think 4 Seasons is quite incovenient for most people's tourist itineraries, but taxis in Lisbon are quite cheap, so it might not be an issue if reviews for 4 Seasons outclass those for your other choice.

For eating, I will only urge you not to miss Bom Jardim and the best bacalhau a braz you can find. It has to be high quality to be good. I loved mine on the terrace of the York House Hotel (where I did not stay -- I rented an apartment) but people who spend more time in Lisbon than I do might have a long list of places to sample quality bacalhau a braz.

Can't speak to the interiors of the rooms as I have not stayed at either. We did spend considerable time on the wonderful terrace of Barrio Alto Hotel as our apt in Lisbon was just a few blocks away. I will say that the staff were very hospitable and I loved the location. We enjoyed good drinks and tapas. The area does have a fair amount of walking up and down hills to get places, but not too bad. There's a metro stop right near by.

We had a very good tasting menu at Restaurante 100 Maneiras. We had a nice casual meal at Cantinho do Avillez. José Avillez is one of Portugal's most famous chefs we were told. He also has a more upscale restaurant, michelin star restaurant, Belcanto. I willl need to look at notes to see where else we had good meals.

Hope your family crisis resolves.

I I stayed next door to Four Seasons...
The location is not that inconvenient. Next to a beautiful park and not far to .Gulbenkian Museum.
I walked into the hotel...seemed very formal.
A few minutes to metro or a 20 min walk down the Avenida .
Taxi from Chiado was less than 10 euros.

Given a choice,Barrio Alto is a better/ more central location.

Just got back last month and stayed at the InterContinental Hotel.... across from Edward VII Park and near Pombal Square and walking distance to all the major Squares.


Picture #1 in row one was my view from the hotel....all the way down to the Commercial Square and the Tagus River

https://www.google.ca/search?q=Lisbo...w=1371&bih=665

Thanks, all. Just watched taped PBS (US) tv show about Lisbon and the host Mike Colameco) dined at Balcanto among other places. Looked great! And Sandra, my friend, I will be looking up bacalhau a braz, you can be sure@@@!!


This is another show in the series, but not the one just on tv here in NYC; but interesting just the same:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRoIaRhqQTo





So location of Bairro AltoHotel is better than 4 Seasons, even if it means walking up some hills? As when I want to wander around and leave partner in room…..which one has more interesting shops and eating places nearby?

http://bairroaltohotel.com/en/





Also. please: I am so sorry to put this out there as I usually do so much reading but do not have so much free time at the moment…..will be booking through Virtuoso which gives me free breakfast and other credits and also possible upgrade.

Of interest, for food:



http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/tr...miss.html?_r=0

Liebon is extremely hilly...no mater where you stay.
BA is in a livelier area, more cafes and restaurants. Also ,a number of stores
From FS you can walk to Avenida in a few minutes ....many shops (including
designers names. ) and hotels line the street.
I preferred BA/ Ciado area at night . FS area was rather quiet .

Lots to see and do around BA. The area around the FS seemed not as interesting to me. However, that said, I spent way more time in Ba area so knew it better. And yes, Lisbon is hilly. I felt like I was constantly climbing which may
not be the case in other areas.

Barrio Alto is definitely the more lively area for cafes etc. More like UWS or even GV as opposed to UES. I've nothing against the 4 Seasons and think it would be a kick to stay is such old school splendor. Lisbon -- rather like the someplaces in Italy -- has horizontal plateaus among the steeply vertical hills, and besides, taxis and trams and subways are readily available.

sorry, Chiado

if anything surprised me about Lisbon , it was how hilly the city is and how steep and slippery many streets are.

Ah, yes, slippery...I forgot about that. We had a bad rainstorm one afternoon and it was like walking on ice, even without the rain, it was slippery. Just step carefully.

eeek, the slippery is scary at this point but I did just book Bairro Alto Hotel for 5 nights in early November. (Much prefer upper West Side to Upper East in NYC; stranded right now in midtown and not so much fun playing nurse! Must think about that uniform with the starched cap!!)

Are there taxis that can take us around if we have problem with sliperiness or hills? I imagine……must take good long look at Lisbon a city of which I know NOTHING! But very exciting!!


Anyway, thanks to all for the input; so booked the Lisbon hotel and now working on flights from Bilbao to Lisbon…….looks like TAP is the most direct…so much hope that I can pull off this trip!!

Have already booked hotels in Getaria and in San Sebastian, and now in Lisbon….working on the ones in Roa/Lerma area…….all of a sudden these medical things just leave you snapped….very difficult but I so much appreciate the help here and will, of course, write trip report!!!!!

Taxis readily available everywhere and cheap. My experience is that few drivers speak English, and my attempts are Portugeuse pronunciation of street names wide of the mark. Learned to write down address first to show driver and have map to show.

Polished stone/tile walking surfaces notoriously slippery.

You're getting great advise from everyone. I'd also prefer Barrio Alto to the Four Seasons location. Plus from Barrio Alto you'll be able to walk to many of the restaurants that have been recommended. I'll second Yestravel's food recommendations, we enjoyed many of the same places.

We spent a month in Lisbon during the winter two years ago and had a great time. Just incase it might be useful here's a link to my blog posts including some food recommendations...
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/search/label/Lisbon

Sorry to hear about the hassles at home and hoping your trip will be a great distraction. We loved Lisbon!

The Lapa Palace is our favorite hotel in Lisbon (www.olissippohotels.com) with service top of the line. You can take a taxi from there to anywhere in the city for next to nothing.

But if you want to stay in the Barrio Alto, then the Bairrio Alto Hotel should do fine. The only problem is that smoking is still allowed in the lounge as of our last visit.

We've found that the Hotel Britania (www.hotel-britania.com) is also an excellent choice in the historic center of the city.

Thanks. all..will look into Lapa Palace but thought this was too far out of city.....

More important, how to fly from Bilbao to Lisbon.....TAP??

Lapa is no more removed from major points of interest than the 4 Seasons is. Just removed in a different direction, and actually makes it easier to get to Belem and some museums. Plus, the Lapa neighborhood is particularly lovely (don't know the hotel). One website you should have bookmarked if you don't already is LisbonLux

Britania is in a great location( not uphill) and minutes to Avenida.
....would have been my choice but for the rate.

Elsewhere, There are also Elevadores that carry you up to the higher levels as well as a sort of cog rail. You'll enjoy Barrio Alto and Lisbon

Bairro Alto Hotel for several reasons

Lobo thank you..I know you are the in-house expert here for Portugal…would you say Bairro Alto Hotel instead of Britania which also looks wonderful? (Have yet to look at Lapa Palace..)

Danon, thank you as well, as always..and Sandra, too..and HAppy Traveler, Robert, and all!

Re : language
I tried to say a few words in Portugese, but ended up speaking Spanish
( with apologies)
..it worked just fine in stores and taxis.

ekscrunchy, Lisbon is one of the most interesting cities I have ever visited. My wife and I were there for seven days in March, as the first part of a month's visit to Portugal. We'd go back in a heartbeat.

We dined at Belcanto, which was excellent. We chose one of the tasting menus, with wine pairings. Yes, it was an expensive meal, but one of the best we've had.

One thing that might interest you: we booked a food tour with Taste of Lisboa: http://www.tasteoflisboa.com By chance, we were the only ones who booked that afternoon, so we had the owner and one of her new guides all to ourselves. It was an informative and pleasant four hours, exposing us to dishes — and locations — we would otherwise have missed. I heartily recommend them, but should add that it involves quite a bit of walking. And in Lisbon, that does mean up and down hill.

Look for Denisea's TR. Excellent account of their Lisbon trip.

We stayed at Lapa Palace a number of years ago. It's a lovely hotel with truly exceptional service, but you do have to take a taxi to go anywhere which we didn't feel was ideal. We're returning in September and staying at Hotel Britania. If you do consider it note that it's very small so no gym and although there's room service I don't think there's a restaurant for dinner in the hotel.

I have now booked Bairro Alto for 5 nights.

But I can change to Lapa Palace or Avenida Palace and would be so grateful if those of you are familliar with these properties and their locations would offer advice. The slippery steps near the Bairro Alto are concerning to me….but I do like being near stores and interesting streets in which to wander. Taking taxi to meals should not be an issue……

I've yet to book the TAP flights; Iberia looks like only slights with connection are available on my date of 4/11/ At this point lookingn for convenience, not bargain...

I understood this trip includes a relaxation purpose. With that in mind, BA can't be beaten since you'll be in the center of action.
Belcanto is one block away. The bar in the roof top of BAH has a incredible view for sun sets. Bairro Alto proper has a large number of bars and fado houses. Miradouro sao pedro de alcantara offers photo opps over Lisbon old city and castle. Tram way #28 crosses the street in front of BAH (nice to take the 28 till the end with no specific purpose, beware of pick pockets). 2 blocks to west is Bica elevador (funicular) in the most photographed street of Lx. The funicular takes passengers to a area where is pink street and mercado da ribeira (old market converted in a restaurant row). In the same area there is Cais do Sodre railways station to/from Cascais.
From BAH, the escalators of metro station lead directly to Baixa (flat area) with pedestrian streets and more coffee shops and restaurants.
Other points of interest are Rossio station (trains to Sintra), Instituto Vinho do Porto (for port wine sampling), Pavilhão Chinês.
For short, in BAH, it's neighbourood of places easily accessible from there you may easily fulfil 5 days.
Direct me for other suggestions, depending on your preferences.

I don't think you can avoid slippery streets and hills. The beautiful stone streets of Lisbon are everywhere in the historic neighborhoods. With proper "grippy" soles and being mindful, you will be sure-footed.

If you want a density of shops/cafes, Bairro Alto gives you that Lapa is more residential (think Chelsea instead of GW, but without Chelsea art scene). Avenida is more like area around the Plaza/Sherry-N.

Ok, so will stick on your informed advice with the Bairro Alto Hotel.


I have booked 5 nights in early November after two weeks in Castille/Basque region of Spain (have been to French Pays Basque but not planning to do this at this time)


SO: Am I foolish to not include one overnight trip from Lisbon as kong as we are gong so far?

If we did so would like hotel primed for relaxation and hopefully, heated pool early November.

Where we could relax during day and venture out at night and maybe for lunch to plan seafood restaurants (between now and then will teach partner to eat shellfish!!!)

Maybe some fancy/upscale.splurgy (trip cincides with sick persons big birthday)_ (not gaudy) place but not only focused on golf, that we can get to be taxi or easy public transport from Lisbon and from there go to airport in Lisbon to fly back to US/JFK. And from where I can wander around alone walking from hotel if partner needs to rest…..

Possible feeling that I may have to go this alone unless I can drag willing girlfriend…….but time will tell……so grateful for all the help here!!!!! I a, just not in my normal condition for planning but feel normal enough to want to get this done!!!!!!! Takes my mind off my nursing duties!!!!!!

Can't help you with what you want outside Lisbon, but wanted to wish you well and a recovery for your patient.

For what it's worth, I spent 5 nights in Lisbon and didn't take any day trips and still didn't see all I wanted to see in Lisbon.

don't miss SINTRA.. and Belem, of course. You'll love Lisbon!

I was in Lisbon for four nights.... made it to Belem ( easy half day trip) , but had no time for other out of town trips.

Lisbon's slippery side walks are dangerous and beautiful, a combination always common.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clIJ9aFcX6...Portuguesa.jpg

Comprehensive info about Bairro Alto district http://www.lisbonlux.com/lisbon/bairro-alto.html

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to mention that I am planning to take this trip, with the same itinerary, more or less, that I had planned last year and then had to cancel.

Hoping to spend 5 nights in Lisbon in early November, at the Bairro Alto Hotel (just sent off inquiry for my dates).

So if anyone has recent information or tips on hotels and/or restaurants and markets, please let me know. Thanks!!

Eks, following this trip with interest as it is high on my radar!!! Really looking forward to your views as always on point for me....
( still think of you every time we go to Costa Brava, planning trip 7 in just 4 years thanks to that article you sent me!!)

Eksrunchy,
We spent a week in an apartment right across the square from the Hotel Bairro Alto, also in November. It's a very handy location within an easy walk down to the new Time Out Mercado da Ribeira and to catch the train to Cascais.
http://www.timeout.com/city-guides/t...ibeira-lisbon/

For dining, we highly recommend anything (really!) by José Avillez.
His signature restaurant, Belcanto, sports a Michelin star and is widely considered one of the best, if not the best, in Lisboa. He's a rock star. But his informal restaurant, O Cantinho de Avillez is also atmospheric and with great food.
http://www.joseavillez.pt/fr/

In that same area you have Largo, which we really enjoyed, at Rua Serpa Pinto 10, around the corner from the Opera House.
http://www.largo.pt

Also in the area, Tagide Wine and Tapas, at 18 Largo da Academia Nacional de Belas Artes in the Chiado. For small plates or for a bargain priced lunch. The Four Seasons and Michelin recommended.

And don't forget an evening (aperitif or digestif) at the Solar do Vino de Oporto, the Port Wine Institute, just above the hotel, next to the Elevador at Rua São Pedro de Alcântara 45.

Of all the Lisbon hotels, we think the Lapa Palace is the most Old World elegant and relaxing (think Madrid's Ritz) and with the best service and nicest pool and gardens, but the Bairro Alto (hip and trendy) has a more convenient location, although taxis is Lisbon are extremely reasonable.

Will return with more dining recommendations.

http://www.idesignhotel.com/

International Design Hotel. I stayed there last October and was very pleased. Location is terrific, staff very accommodating and a nice breakfast :)