A cocktail lounge ambiance characterizes early evening on the club's dance floor — Photo courtesy of Paul Bernhardt
Clubbers sounding out Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife scene should check in to Radio Hotel, a funky bar-lounge located in the city’s Alcântara district.
Accommodating a predominantly local crowd, the neighborly 20-something vibe underline’s the club’s accessible, mainstream playlist and frivolous party atmosphere.
Cheers! Enjoying wine by candlelight in the chill zone at Radio Hotel nightclub — Photo courtesy of Paul Bernhardt
Radio Hotel is only open on Friday and Saturday nights, so the weekend spirit kicks in immediately.
Before midnight, the club lures with a cool cocktail ambiance. Moody spotlight – all fuchsia and sapphire hues – illuminates a chill zone, a modular interior furnished with plump sofas and glass-top coffee tables. An eye-catching design feature is the dimpled, semi opaque screen overlooking a candlelit alcove – the backdrop for many a photograph!
This is the place to relax over an iced long drink or glass of wine and hushed conversation. The soundtrack is mellow, the night young.
After hours sees more revellers tuning in to Radio Hotel.
The club’s door policy can be a tad selective, and you’ve more chance of waltzing through the doors if you’re a couple or part of a smallish, well presented group.
Meanwhile, the music will have been laced with a little more urgency, as the venue morphs into dance club mode. Radio Hotel is on air!
After midnight, it's the turn of the DJs, as Radio Hotel goes live — Photo courtesy of Paul Bernhardt
Homeboy DJ Kamala “Brown Sugar” is the club’s resident spin-doctor, with regulars André Henriques and Filipe Gonçalves deepening the groove. DJ Nokin is another turntable maestro.
The textured commercial bent is lent an edge by jazzy hip-hop and, usually on Saturdays, earthy R&B. Guest DJs also bring to the table their own brand of mix.
Radio Hotel occasionally hosts live music, an intriguing blend of DJ and pianist. The result is a clever combination of keyboard and electronica, and the sets are performed to an appreciative audience.
The club’s party nights are organized by promoter Pure Lisbon, a savvy outfit that takes advantage of Portugal’s long, hot summers by literally decamping Radio Hotel to the country’s sunny Algarve throughout the holiday season. It’s why Radio Hotel is only tuned in to Lisbon during the winter months.
Clubbers pack the dance floor and throng the bar as the music spins — Photo courtesy of Paul Bernhardt
After midnight, the place is packed with clubbers. The turntables are working overtime, and the dance floor is heaving. It should be noted that, unusually, smoking is permitted, a policy that non-smokers may be uncomfortable with.
But even at its zenith, there are still pockets of calm to be found in Radio Hotel. And there’s a roped off VIP area which can be booked in advance for parties of four and over.
Otherwise, to get yourself on the coveted Radio Hotel guest list, send your name and those of your friends to Pure Lisbon via the club’s Facebook page. They all speak English and will be happy to accommodate you!
