The Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Luxury Hotel & Apartments was our family’s perfect home base in Lisbon, offering a stylish, family-friendly haven in the heart of the city that made traveling with kids a breeze! Located in the trendy Chiado district, just a 6-minute walk from Cais do Sodré metro and train station, this hotel is ideally positioned for exploring Lisbon’s top attractions like the Time Out Market (a 5-minute stroll), Santa Justa Lift, and the Tagus River waterfront. What sets Martinhal Chiado apart is its design with families in mind—37 spacious apartments, ranging from studios to 2-bedroom suites, sleep 2 to 6 people and come with fully equipped kitchenettes (stove, dishwasher, fridge, washer-dryer), making it easy to whip up snacks or do laundry mid-trip. Our apartment had a bright, modern vibe with colorful touches, a comfy double bed, bunk beds for the kids, and a bathroom with thoughtful extras like non-slip mats, a step stool, and a child-friendly toilet seat. The hotel’s Kids’ Club, free for ages 6 months to early teens, was a game-changer—our kids loved the imaginative play areas (think climbing walls and toys galore), while the Pyjama Club (open until 10 PM) gave us parents a chance to enjoy a dinner out in nearby Bairro Alto. This is a low-to-moderate activity stay, mostly involving relaxing and short walks to nearby sights, though the hilly streets of Chiado mean a sturdy stroller or backpack carrier is best for little ones. Rates start around €178 per night for a studio, with larger apartments costing more depending on the season (as of my last update in 2023).

For parents planning a stay, Martinhal Chiado’s Baby Concierge service is a lifesaver—you can pre-book baby gear like cots, high chairs, strollers, or bottle sterilizers, so you don’t have to pack everything from home. The hotel also offers babysitting for a fee if you need extra help. Arrive early to check in (Lisbon Portela Airport is a 25-minute drive), as the hotel can get busy, especially during summer. Request a river-view room to avoid street noise, as Chiado’s cobblestone streets can be lively at night. The M Bar Café serves a delicious breakfast (included in your stay) with kid-friendly options like fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries, plus a Kids’ Corner during breakfast to keep little ones entertained while you sip your coffee. For lunch or dinner, the café offers crowd-pleasers like pizza and hummus, or you can explore nearby family-friendly eateries in Chiado. To make it educational, take the kids on a short tram ride (Tram 28 is a 10-minute walk) and let them spot landmarks like the São Jorge Castle—it’s a fun way to learn about Lisbon’s history! Pack sunscreen for sunny days, as you’ll want to explore nearby parks like Monsanto (a 15-minute drive) with its giant playground. After a day out, the unsupervised playroom off the lobby is perfect for winding down—our kids loved the Tintin artwork and toys while we relaxed nearby. Martinhal Chiado combines luxury, convenience, and family fun, making it the ultimate choice for parents who want to explore Lisbon without sacrificing comfort or kid-friendly amenities—it’s a stay your family will cherish!