Overview
A slick, design-led city stay that magically manages to double as a full-blown family resort, Martinhal Oriente delivers that elusive best-of-both-worlds break. Think effortless sightseeing paired with proper downtime, all wrapped up in a thoroughly family-focused bow, with every last detail carefully considered (down to soft furniture with rounded edges toddlers can’t take their eye out on)
The apartments set the tone: bright, spacious and the epitome of quiet luxury. Indulgent bathrooms, Smeg appliances, huge flatscreen TVs and curtains that open themselves all come as standard, alongside genuinely comfortable sofas (nothing here is ‘just for show’, *everything* is pleasingly practical). Family life is seamlessly catered for without fuss – cots fit easily into master bedrooms, kitchens are stocked with children’s plates and bowls, and appliances include dishwashers and in-apartment laundry facilities. It’s self-catering, but elevated – with hotel robes and an impossibly helpful 24hr reception, so you still feel completely looked after
Treated like mini VIPs from the moment they arrive, tiny travellers are presented with an origami fox at check-in, to be exchanged at the Kids Club for a welcome gift – meaning they’re excited to visit it from the get-go. There’s plenty of whole family fun available too, with an open-all-hours playroom everyone is invited to enjoy (think ping pong, football and pool tables, PS5s, a great Duplo station, arts and crafts, board games, baby toys, bean bags… you name it)
The pools are stand-out. There are four in total – a big indoor and outdoor one, both with a smaller, shallow kids pool right next to them. All are heated year round, surrounded by daybeds – and the outdoor one in particular benefits from attentive food and drinks service and has a huge shallow ledge tots can crawl round on
There’s no shortage of thoughtful details either – Martinhal branded bibs, the comfiest of highchairs, a full purée menu for the tiniest of tots, an in-restaurant play setup at breakfast so you can finish your coffee in peace, warm milk whenever needed… we could continue
While arguably ‘ease’ is at the top of a parents wish list (and that’s more than taken care of), there’s plenty of adult indulgences too. A slick gym, an always open workspace (should you need it), and a gorgeous top floor spa with sweeping river views (you can even enjoy a massage with your mini in interconnecting rooms – they start from around age 5). And a date for your diary – buzzing Sunday brunches (with organised activities and lawn games in the restaurant’s garden) will be loved by all
Step outside the hotel and you’re perfectly placed to explore Lisbon’s more modern side in the heart of the Park of Nations. The renowned Oceanarium (a fab family day out) is no more than a 6 minute walk away, as is a fantastic immersive kids science centre and the cable car. Right by the river, there are lots of flat wide paths, with waterfront restaurants and bars to be found strolling in either direction, not to mention multiple water features and fountains they can run through, and a couple of playgrounds. It just has a lovely buzz about it. When you want a change of pace, the historic Old Town is just a short drive (or metro) away
Real parents. Real children. Real first-hand review. Read our stay at Martinhal Lisbon Oriente here
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
The flight time from the UK to Lisbon airport is around 2 and a half hours
Transfer
Martinhal Oriente is just a 10 minute drive from the airport – music to our ears! And even better? Not only can private transfer be arranged, but age appropriate car seats too
Best time to visit
Lucky Lisbon – it’s a top city break pick year round thanks to long dry summers and lovely mild winters. Temperatures tend to hang above 20°C from the beginning of April all the way through until the end of October, and even in peak festive season, highs of 15°C are a world away from bleak British winters!
Favourite room
If it were up to us, we’d opt for a two bedroom apartment with a balcony, enjoying beautiful river views. With a separate living space and 2 bedrooms (as well as the two bathrooms) the apartment can sleep up to 4 adults and 1 child (or two adults, and up to three children)
Got a bigger brood? No worries at all. Apartments are available with up to four bedrooms (sleeping a maximum of 8 adults and 2 children)
Or, if you’re travelling with just the one tiny traveller, studios and one bedroom apartments are on offer as well
Nearby
Sat in a pretty riverside spot in Lisbon’s most modern, shiniest district, the Park of Nations, a world of family attractions is right on your doorstep. Lisbon Oceanarium, Science Pavillion and Cable Car are all within easy walking distance, just 5 minutes away, as is Lisbon Theatre and Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre
Renowned for its modern architecture and vibrant street art, it’s a great alternative to Lisbon’s Old Town, which is a 15 minute drive away. There are also a wide range of waterfront bars and restaurants in the buzzy area, from national delicacies to international cuisine
Price
From £160 p/night in low season and £253 p/night in high season
Worth waking the baby for
01
Oceanário de Lisboa
Regarded as one of the three best aquariums in the world, Lisbon Oceanarium is definitely one to write home about, with over 8,000 animals (including sea otters and puffins), immersive experiences and family focused tours designed especially for under 4s
02
Lisbon Water Garden
Right by the Oceanarium and cable car, Lisbon Water Garden is a gorgeous little oasis with lots of water features and sculptures to explore, scattered throughout pretty, shaded gardens. Our favourite bit? The snaking stepping stones
03
Pavilion of Knowledge
A hands on, interactive science and technology centre brimming with optical illusions, mind boggling experiments and ever changing exhibitions in a laid back environment the whole family can enjoy
