The Fortaleza da Barra was one of the fortresses built in the 17th century by the Portuguese to defend Macau against hostile neighbours and local pirates. One hundred years later a chapel was built within its walls and dedicated to Saint James, the patron saint of the Portuguese garrison. Today, much of the fortress and the chapel have been preserved as part of the hotel, which now offers guests a choice of 20 guestrooms and 4 suites. The lobby is large in size, has a dome-shaped ceiling and a large chandelier.

The hotel is situated in Macau's prestigious residential area, at the tip of the Macau peninsula along the scenic tree-lined Praia Grande Bay. It is 5 minutes from the historic A-Ma Temple, the Maritime Museum, the Gate of Understanding and the city's entertainment and shopping districts. Barra Gill is a 5-minute walk away, while Santa Sandra is just 10 minutes away by foot.

Os Gatos (Portuguese for ""The Cats"") presents a menu of exquisite specialities from Macau, Portugal, Spain, Provence, Italy and Greece, in a setting that is unparalleled in the entire territory. Guests can dine in the Café da Barra and sit back to sample a tempting mixture of Portuguese and continental dishes.