The Late Birds — Lisbon, Portugal
A glut of hotel openings has made Lisbon a thriving travel destination, with foreigners flocking to the Portuguese capital in droves. The newest opening, The Late Birds, is an all-male gay guest house faultlessly located on a quiet alley in buzzy Bairro Alto.
The heritage, 18th-century building was reimagined by Portuguese architect Pedro Domingos, who carved out 12 rooms, including three suites and a series of cosy public spaces that all look out to the lush pool courtyard in the back. Using simple, natural materials such as lioz stone, stucco and wood, the intimate guesthouse’s stark, uncluttered foundation come with large windows that not only bring in a ton of light but also frame some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights, including the Tagus River and the city’s dramatic red-roof architecture.
To decorate the space, custom pieces by local designer Marco Sousa Santos were brought in. Sculptural figures including the eye-catching Shell Chair in blonde wood that are found in some private rooms and the bulbous wood chandeliers that hang over the ground-floor bar are at once subtle and striking. To complement these newer items, owners Carlos Ruivo and Sónia Santiago incorporated antiques they’ve collected over the years such as an African totem purchased from an auction in Paris, a World War I propeller from a shop in Brussels, and steampunk-looking lamps crafted from found materials by Lisbon-based manufacturer Salão — giving every room a lovely lived-in feel.
ADDRESS
Travessa André Valente 21
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Tech Editor, Jonathan Bell, selects six new and notable Bluetooth speaker designs, big, small and illuminating
These six wireless speakers signal new creative partnerships and innovative tech approaches in a variety of scales and styles
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
As London’s V&A spotlights Mughal-era design, Santi Jewels tells of its enduring relevance
‘The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence’ is about to open at London’s V&A. Here, Mughal jewellery expert and Santi Jewels founder Krishna Choudhary tells us of the influence the dynasty holds today
By Hannah Silver Published
-
London bar Bauhaus Warehaus is a factory by day, drinking den by night
Mixologist of the moment Remy Savage shakes up the world of cocktail-making with a hardworking sibling to A Bar with Shapes for a Name, his Bauhaus-inspired bar enterprise in east London
By Neil Ridley Published
-
Find serenity at Casa Fortunato, a Portuguese bolthole filled with light
Design-savvy duo Antonio Falcáo Costa Lopes and Filipa Fortunato chose Alcácer do Sal as the perfect setting for the second iteration of their original Casa Fortunato
By Mary Lussiana Published
-
Discover Locke de Santa Joana: a restored convent turned Lisbon hotel catering to ‘creative, Bohemian aficionados’
Born from the restoration of an old convent, Locke de Santa Joana has been redesigned by Post Company and Lázaro Rosa Violán into a design-led city break
By Mary Lussiana Published
-
The Rebello is a chic hotel with an industrial past on Porto’s riverside
Transforming industrial buildings on the Douro river, The Rebello is a new hotel ‘with an old soul’
By Rupert Eden Published
-
Modern, earthy lodges await at Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness
Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness in Portugal boasts off-track luxury cabins by FCC Architectura
By Rupert Eden Published
-
Jam Hotel Lisbon is a showcase of circularity and craft
Jam Hotel in Lisbon by Lionel Jadot and Jean-Paul Pütz offsets the raw aesthetic of its repurposed office building with eclectic art, craft and design with a focus on upcycling
By Rupert Eden Published
-
The Algarve welcomes Austa, an all-day kitchen in touch with its heritage
From breakfast to dinner, Austa embraces honest eating and local community
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Marqí hotel brings a minimalist 1970s feel to Portugal’s Sintra coast
Danish duo Mikkel Kristensen and architect Mikas Emil’s mansion conversion offers dreamy, cinematic escapism at Marqí, a secluded boutique hotel
By Jessica Kelham-Hohler Published
-
The Largo brings craftsmanship and creativity to Porto
The Largo is the latest hospitality offering in Portugal's second city, conceived as an elevated residence with an art programme that connects it to the city’s creative community
By Tom Howells Published