Those who have basked in the beach-side luxuries of Martinhal Sagres Family Resort in the Algarve can enjoy a more urban travel experience without losing the warmth and family-centric ambiance of Martinhal’s brand of hospitality. In the heart of Lisbon, Martihal Lisbon Chiado Luxury Hotel & Apartments is a haven of luxury with amenities designed to welcome guests of all ages, a full-service family resort in the middle of the city.

We had barely stepped from the cab when we were welcomed at the door, our luggage whisked from the driver’s hands, and we were seated in upholstered chairs at the reception desk. The formalities were quick and genial as the receptionist told us about some of the hotel’s facilities before showing us to our room, ready several hours before the usual check-in time.

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Our three-room suite was on the top floor with a view across rooftops to a church tower. Opening off one side of the large sitting room was an equally large bedroom dramatically decorated with a cherry red wall behind the bed. Setting the room further apart from cookie-cutter hotels was the steeply sloping ceiling, reflecting the suite’s location just under the roof.

Large black-and-white checked throw pillows provided splashes of accent to the duvet-covered king bed, covering comfortable sleep pillows in varying thickness (a touch my travel-weary neck appreciated). An upholstered chair, bedside tables with lamps (additional reading lamps were over the bed) and a full-sized bureau were the only other furnishings, creating an uncluttered and restful sleeping environment.

At the other side of the sitting room was the kitchen, large enough to fit a table seating six and a cooking area with a four-burner stove, dishwasher and a full-sized refrigerator with a freezer. The refrigerator was stocked with milk and orange juice; these and bottled water were replaced daily if used. Big windows made the kitchen a bright, attractive area for dining.

The large central room was furnished with a long sofa and an armchair, and two Murphy-style bunk beds folded into one wall. We noted the sides of the bunks were nicely padded. The suite was easy to live in, its sophisticated but minimalist décor enlivened by artwork. Our only complaint with the main room was the lighting above the sofa and chair was too dim for reading.

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We visited the hotel as a couple, but when we saw the bright Kids Club playrooms and red BMW Isetta in the restaurant, we wished we had brought the kids so we could get the full experience. Martinhal really does pull out all the stops to make families feel at home.

The inviting Kids Club is right off the lobby, a bright cheery space with Crayola-colored furniture, lots of comfy pillows, hopscotch chalked on the floor, a mini climbing wall, games, a LEGO station, play tent and tables for crafts. Separate sections are designed for different age groups and filled with age-appropriate things for kids to do. Each is fully staffed, and all are included in a stay.

The Pajama Club is designed so parents can dine out in Lisbon while kids play games, have dinner in the hotel café and watch movies until as late as 10 p.m. For families who prefer to have dinner together, Bar 1895 café (where the included full breakfast is served) serves meals throughout the day, as well as cocktails and non-alcoholic mixed drinks. Breakfast focuses on fresh, wholesome ingredients, including wholegrain breads, fresh fruit and daily juice blends, with the choice of a full cold buffet, hot foods and a menu of cooked-to-order dishes.

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The location in the center of Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood is a short walk from Cais do Sodre train station and the popular Time Out Market. This old city market is now a modern gourmet food court showcasing some of Portugal’s top chefs and has turned this neighborhood into one of Lisbon’s trendiest.

Martinhal Lisbon Chiado

Rua das Flores 44
Lisbon, Portugal
tel 351 218 507 788