Casa do Barão — Hotel in Lisbon

I’m not usually the type of traveller to write reviews, but we are checking out and I am frankly so sad to be leaving. Casa do Barão truly blew me away on all fronts. This place was everything I could have asked for and more! First of all, the decor is stunning; contemporary and chic yet still complimentary to the 18th century building. The shared spaces are so beautiful and the attention to detail really pays off. Secondly, all the staff we met were so kind, they always greeted us with a smile (despite my butchered “bom dia”s…) The kitchen staff especially made the place feel so homey and loved with freshly baked goods and quiche for breakfast each morning. Our room on the 4th floor was cleaned everyday with fresh linens and everything would always be organized when we came back for the day. Don’t even get me started on the view from the balcony. It was a quiet and relaxing haven away from the busy streets in Chiado, yet still conveniently located to everywhere we wanted to explore (15 minute walks anywhere, a couple blocks away from the metro and major bus lines, easy for Bolt/Uber pick-ups). I could truly go on and on but there were several moments that I will never forget.

Joana made us feel so welcome after arriving from our 15+ hour travel day, providing us with a list of restaurant recommendations and a map of nearby neighbourhoods while showing us where to eat and what tourist traps to avoid. She even made a last minute accommodation for our day trip to Sintra, having breakfast prepared early by 7:30am so we could make our reservation. As if that wasn’t enough, she even wished my partner a happy birthday when she saw us that morning! I don’t think I mentioned this at all when we checked in but she noted it and it made all the difference. I was surprised enough by this meaningful gesture, but then Madalena came by later in the day to drop off an entire chocolate cake(!?!?!) I could not believe it - I nearly cried. We have stayed at a handful of 4-5 star accommodations across the world and nothing has come close to this. It was like staying at a close relative’s home in the best way possible.

I am already recommending this place to everyone I know, but I also don’t want anyone else to book because I want to come back again so I can’t let it become busy! This was our first time visiting Portugal and I’m eager to come back to Lisbon to enjoy the city all over again because of the hospitality here. As Joana mentioned, if we visit 5 times then I have to move here (but only if I can stay at Casa do Barão forever please ❤️) If it isn’t clear already, thank you again to all of the wonderful staff who made our trip unforgettable! We hope to see you...

I don't know where to begin to describe the incredible stay we had with Joanna and Madalena of Casa do Barao. Being in the business, for me, hospitality is all about warmth - both Joanna and Madalena are incredibly warm with so much heart! Besides being incredibly hospitable and professional, they make you feel as if this is your 2nd home. While traveling through Portugal, we stayed at some nice hotels from an historical mini castle to a chain fine hotel. At each place, we would look at each other and lament missing Casa! We, of course went back there for our last 2 days in Lisbon before heading home. Staying at Casa do Barao reminded me of a film, Local Hero where a corporate guy was sent to this tiny town with quirky people. There was a little red phone booth everyone used in town if they wanted to make a call. When he was back in the big city, he stood outside his penthouse NY apt overlooking the world and he just had visions of the little red phone booth. That is how Paul and I feel whenever we tell each other what a wonderful time we had. We just keep remembering Casa! Sorry - besides the hospitality, the rooms are well appointed with little thoughtful gestures you don't find even in the best hotels. Our room on our return overlooked the city and the water - it was like a postcard and we went out on our patio, played some Faro music and felt as if we were in a film set! A shoutout to the woman that operated breakfast - she was always smiling and put out an AMAZING breakfast! Fresh juices, cakes, pastries, fresh fruit & cheeses and some of the best bread we've ever had! The reading room and the port left out was just delightful! We could come back from a long day out, read our kindles and enjoy a glass of port. There was also a nighttime honor bar - just take what you want and write it down! So nostalgic!! Last thing - when I left my phone in an Uber, Madalena was so empathetic, even took my hands in hers and promised if I wasn't able to get it back in time, they would take such good care of it and send it back to me. (I did get it back :)) Thank you to you both - you are jewels in the world of hospitality as is your place. Paul and I can not wait to go back to Portugal and to...

Beautifully decorated small hotel with really lovely and hospitable staff. It has a romantic feel and is more suited to couples than families, though older children (14+) are welcomed too.

Facilities: Communal areas include a library, workspace with cafe-style tables, and a courtyard with swimming pool. Air-conditioning in the rooms was very welcome, as was the pool - the latter is unheated, so dip a toe in first!

Accessibility: This not very accessible for wheelchair users, not from lack of thought by the owners but because it is an old building. The hotel itself is on a steep street. The entryway is narrow with a step up from street level and the front door is heavy. Once inside, the majority of communal areas are wheelchair-accessible but the lower courtyard (where the pool is) is not as there is another step down to it. Bedrooms are all up at least one flight of stairs and also have narrow doorways. While they were in the process of installing a lift when we visited it will be quite small as it needs to fit in the space of the stairwell.

Location: The hotel is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro is Baixa-Chiado, a 5-min walk away, from which you can get to the airport and mainline train stations. The hotel itself is quiet but it is in the city centre so there will occasionally be noise from outside even in the middle of the night. However, with the window fully closed most noises were fairly well muffled (exceptions: one particularly large, loud group of people walking up the street; an actual marching band). Our room was front-facing and I expect that back-facing rooms would be quite a lot quieter if this is a concern for you.

Other things: We had to leave very early in the morning on our last day and they helpfully ordered a taxi for us and prepared a breakfast tray that was left in our room. Overall, a great place to stay...