5 Minutes with Graziela Rocha

Unveiling the Human Profiles Behind Tourism Icons

On our second chapter, we have the privilege to find the Brazilian charm of Graziela Rocha who has recently joined Bairro Alto Hotel as General Manager last April, after 5 years with Minor Hotels as General Manager of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts “Palácio de Seteais” and Executive Assistant Manager at “Tivoli Avenida Liberdade” in Lisbon.

Before coming to Portugal, Graziela spent 10 years at the landmark Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Graziela tell us about your favourite spot at Bairro Alto Hotel

My favourite spot at Bairro Alto Hotel is the Pastelaria, on the ground floor. The smell of freshly brewed coffee beans and oven-baked pastries is inviting to a cosy and comforting moment of contemplation while overlooking Camões Square, right in the heart of the hustle of this vibrant city.

Favourite Suite?

I would say my favourite room is the Chiado suite. A classic, elegant, timeless room where Lisbon can be felt in its different forms. Whether in the hand-painted birds on the walls, the carefully chosen materials or the charming clawfoot bathtub. Everything takes us to a contemporary but distant era.

Favourite Restaurant abroad

Travelling is a great part of my life as a hotelier and that comes with the opportunity to explore and discover new cultures and places.

“Casa Lucio”, once home to the hundred-year-old Mesón El Segoviano, in Madrid, is a must-stop whenever I have a chance to sit back and enjoy the best of the Spanish traditional cuisine.

Are you a cocktail or a wine soul?

I believe I’m a cocktail soul and my go-to has equal parts of gin, vermouth, campari, a slice of orange, it tastes like a Tuscan getaway and goes by the name Negroni.

Favourite short-break destination

Madrid is definitely my favourite “rincón” for a short-break destination. It’s a city full of life, stunning architecture, historical heritage, culture, and art. But it is also, and above all, a place for those who like to enjoy life at its own pace.

What can’t you travel without?

A well-thought-out outfit for a special occasion, as we never know what might be expecting us when we pack! Also, sneakers are a must.

Favourite song

The Girl From Ipanema, preferably the beautifully arranged version featuring Frank Sinatra and Tom Jobim. It takes me back to my hometown and to my cultural heritage.

If Bairro Alto Hotel was a song, what would it be?

Bairro Alto Hotel has such a unique essence that it couldn’t be just a song. It’s a hotel full of such different people and it tells so many stories that I would say it would make a wonderful jazzy tune with some bossa nova undertones. It would be a jam.

Valeu” Graziela! Thank you so much for spending some time with us, always a great pleasure to revisit the cozy Bairro Alto Hotel.