Baixa House

"You would be forgiven for walking straight past this 18th-century block of self-catered apartments on a bustling street in Baixa: there’s no reception desk or sign above the door, just a discreet doorbell. Once inside, a sweeping staircase leads to 13 airy apartments, each of which is individually styled and and inspired by a famous Lisbon garden: you’ll note the references in the floral Josef Frank wallpapers, framed photographs and cut flowers. Eclectic vintage furniture completes the homely look. Owner and landscape architect Jesús Moraime was keen to ensure that the rooms were furnished with regional products: cabinets are stacked with Bordallo Pinheiro crockery, blankets are sourced from the Serra da Estrela region and rugs come from Alentejo. Every day, staff restock the fridge with fresh breakfast items such as yoghurt, fruit and cake."

Baixa House, Lisbon, Portugal - Explore & Book

"You wouldn’t spot Baixa House without knowing it was there: tucked away on one of Lisbon’s cobbled streets, there’s no sign to give away its location. My taxi driver hadn’t even heard of it, but that's sure to change as word gets out - this place is a real gem. A stunning 18th-century building, its grand staircase is lined with traditional Portuguese tiles and its hallways are cool, white havens. Owner Jesus spent years meticulously restoring the building's original features, and scouring vintage shops in Portugal and Spain for quirky furnishings for the 13 apartments. The result is a fantastic mismatch of old and new - each high-ceilinged room is flooded with light and beautifully, quirkily decorated, with everything you could need for a short or long stay.It is a perfect base for exploring Lisbon. 'Baixa' means downtown and there are buzzy restaurants, bars and boutiques all around - and the classic Number 28 tram rattles right past your doorstep. It's a 5-minute walk to the Alfama (with some of the city's only remaining buildings dating from before the earthquake of 1755), and close to Rossio Square, Castelo São Jorge and the trendy Chiado and Bairro Alto districts. Friendly staff, on-hand if you need them, are the icing on the cake. Highs Light, airy and spacious apartments, each uniquely decorated. Most have French windows so you can let the breeze flow throughBreakfast, a homemade cake and daily cleaning are included in the price, which is unusual for city self-catering. Fresh bread is delivered to your door every morning; everything else waits in your fridgeGreat for solo travellers, couples, friends and families (particularly with slightly older, well-behaved kids)A small helpful team who make you feel instantly welcome and provide recommendations for things to do. There is a small office, manned most of the timeExcellent kitchens with all the kit plus basic ingredients Lows The street-facing apartments are next to a busy road and it can get noisy late at night with street cleaning /recycling, but the lower floor apartments have double-glazingNoise can travel between apartments as they are not sound-proofed, but we hardly heard the neighbours during our stay This is the flattest part of Lisbon so it’s a climb to most other areas of the city unless you jump on a tram/bus; local transport links are excellentFans but no air con - not ideal in high summer You'll need to request a TV if you want one; they don't come as standard, though they are free to borrow" - Daisy Gell