With over 1,860 hotel establishments, Portugal is undoubtedly a top destination for global travellers. In 2024 alone, the country welcomed more than 31 million tourists, accounting for over 80 million overnight stays (Portuguese Chamber). With such high visitor numbers comes a growing responsibility, especially for hotels, to manage waste sustainably.
Did you know a 200-room, four-star hotel can generate up to 300,000 pieces of single-use plastic annually? (source)
Partner Spotlight: Bairro Alto Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal
This month, we shine the spotlight on a standout property in the heart of Lisbon: Bairro Alto Hotel. A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a pioneer of luxury boutique hospitality in Portugal, the hotel is nestled between two of Lisbon’s most iconic neighbourhoods, the bohemian Bairro Alto and the elegant Chiado
“Sustainability is not a short-term project”
A Cultural and Culinary Landmark
Set within Lisbon’s historic center, Bairro Alto Hotel offers guests an authentic experience surrounded by the city’s rich spirit and cultural landmarks.
- On the fifth floor, the celebrated BAHR & Terrace restaurant and bar pays tribute to Lisbon’s bohemian artists of the 19th century. It welcomes both guests and locals into a modern, sophisticated but relaxed, space where culinary creativity takes center stage.
- The Terrace boasts panoramic views of the Tagus River and the city’s rooftops, the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a sunset cocktail.
- On the ground floor, the Pastelaria offers a fresh daily selection of Portuguese pastries, sweets, and savory delights.
- The intimate Mezzanine space serves as both a meeting point and a cozy escape, perfect for indulging in Portuguese flavors or hosting casual business catchups.
Everyday Impact: Simple and Measurable
Bairro Alto Hotel joined Clean the World’s FULL – BULK amenity program in late 2023, committing to properly managing their in-room plastic amenity waste. Through Clean the World’s impact dashboard, they can track the impact they have made on the program, as well as order and send collections to the Clean the World operation centers.
Impact in Action
In just over one full-year, the 87-room boutique hotel has already made an impressive impact:
- Collecting 217kg of plastic amenity waste (as of Jan 2025)
This sustainability effort aligns with the hotel’s broader ESG strategy, which is deeply embedded in its operations.
Leadership Perspective at Bairro Alto Hotel
“At Bairro Alto Hotel, sustainability is not a short-term project but a long-term journey embedded in our DNA. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, promoting social responsibility, and ensuring robust governance practices. Our initiatives span energy efficiency, waste reduction, carbon emission cuts, local community support, diversity and inclusion, and ethical operations. We believe that luxury and responsibility go hand in hand.”
Says Graziela Vieira da Rocha, General Manager of Bairro Alto Hotel.
She adds, “The Global Hospitality Recycling Program aligns perfectly with our deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. By partnering with Clean the World, we ensure that our luxury experience not only delights guests but also makes a meaningful impact on the environment and the communities we serve. It’s a vital part of our long-term ESG journey and reinforces our role as responsible leaders in the Portuguese boutique hotel landscape.”
Conclusion
Bairro Alto Hotel is a shining example of a property that has embedded sustainability into the core of their operations across all departments. The luxurious hotel symbolizes the next generation of hospitality-one which fully encompasses sustainability.
We are delighted to have Bairro Alto Hotel on the journey with us and look forward to making an even greater impact together.
If you are a hotel in Portugal interested in joining Clean the World’s Global Hospitality Recycling Program, reach out to our team today by clicking here.
