Martinhal Lisbon Oriente — Hotel in Lisbon

We chose the Martinhal Lisbon Oriente based on its fabulous Trip Advisor reviews and it did not disappoint. ||On arrival we were greeted with the friendliest of welcomes by Thiago and Naverino offering drinks and advice when viewing our itinerary for the next two weeks. ||We were then escorted to our room by Naverino where we were shown around and clear explanations of the modern amenities were given. The spacious room was of a very high standard, all singing all dancing, complete with dishwasher, washing machine, cooking facilities and tea/coffee making provisions. The Nespresso machine etc was topped up daily and it was great to be able to wash a few clothes, another nice touch for a family holiday.||The breakfast buffet was a daily highlight. With the choice to eat either inside or outside looking out onto the green and luscious planting, full of happy children mixing and mingling playing with the provided activities. Once the children had enjoyed their breakfast my husband and I would enjoy another coffee whilst they played we could relax even more. The breakfasts didn’t feel rushed at all and even when we arrived later the choice was still just as equally full right up to the end of service. ||With a huge choice of fresh, high-quality ingredients there was never a lack of variety. My son loved the sausages etc and my daughter often ordered omelettes and scrambled eggs. I loved the salmon on fresh sourdough and a large choice of fruits with chai seed puddings and pastries. My husband loved the musli and pancakes. There really was something for everyone to enjoy. From cereals and pancakes to salmon and champagne coupled with the famous Pastéis de Nata on offer, simply yummy!||This in itself would have been enough but the amazing staff made breakfast a pure delight! Really attentive to our needs, clearing away really efficiently and discreetly. Such a genuinely attentive team that I will really miss seeing each morning. The staff were all genuinely friendly operating very efficiently, anticipating our needs and offering great suggestions. Seema, the managing director of staff, runs a tight ship, she glides through the restaurant like a majestic swan making sure everything is running smoothly, that everything is topped up and presented beautifully. I loved speaking with her and her genuine care for her staff and guests was a privilege to witness. What a wonderful lady Martinhal is lucky to have her. Special mentions must go to Ines, Sharlene (Jellyfish Queen) and Samita (Iced Latte Goddess) who welcomed us every morning with smiles and conversations, no request was ever too much and we really did grow fond of them. Both our children were completely smitten. ||The Hotels Ethos of prioritising children and families made for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday for both us as parents and our children. Our children loved visiting the kids club to colour and paint, play table tennis, table football and pool. Although we didn’t do it, there was also the facility to drop the children off. Making the children a priority and providing facilities for children to have fun is such a wonderful principle. I only wish Martinhal would start up some more of their hotels in other city break destinations around the world, I think there is one along the Algarve coast but please I’d love some more to pop up across the globe!||The pools were fantastic, immaculately clean and some lovely extras to add to the enjoyment - an outside trampoline which the children loved, a little pool for smaller ones and the main pool was large enough to accommodate lots of guests. The large pool was great - perfect temperature, we went in August, there were steps leading down which made it safe for our 5 year old that leant how to swim whilst on her stay. Great opening times, outdoor pool closed at 8pm then the indoor pool closed at 9pm. All areas were super clean and well attended with drinks and meals being served by the pool. ||We had the most amazing holiday in Lisbon, the hotel was really well situated a short 10 minute walk to the metro station which we used all the time to get into Lisbon. The supermarket and mall with lots of places to shop and eat was also really handy. We spent the two hottest days at the aquarium and the science/knowledge museum which was a short 5 minute walk from the hotel, we also enjoyed the cable car in Orient. Some lovely restaurants by the hotel which were again a short walk away. Without a doubt a huge part of the enjoyment of our holiday was the hotel and we felt a little emotional leaving as our whole family were made to feel so welcome. We never go back to the same place twice but it is very tempting as it was an outstanding...

Masked Opulence: The Facade of Luxury and the Harsh Reality of Discrimination at Martinhal Lisbon Oriente

It appears that the quality of service one receives is directly correlated with their skin color. The service we experienced was abysmal, unworthy of even the faintest hint of a five-star rating. Portugal, once a bastion of safety, now seems fraught with peril, particularly for foreigners of substantial means, who become prime targets for deceitful practices. The establishment in question exhibits conduct akin to that of swindlers, obscuring pricing details and enforcing discriminatory policies. Our attempt to inquire about long-term stays was met with tiresome resistance. Yet, the disparity in treatment between ourselves and our Caucasian counterparts was glaring. How did they discern that we are Black? It became apparent after our initial visit to the apartment, as they had the audacity to scour our LinkedIn profiles.

They project an image of grandeur, feigning a five-star experience, but flagrantly disregard EU regulations, such as the obligation to provide comprehensive terms concerning payments and cancellations. Rather than adhering to their stated conditions, they impose racially prejudiced practices. For instance, a white client requesting a stay of more than 179 nights would be asked for a two-month advance payment and a minimum two-month stay. However, for us, the same request inexplicably demanded a six-month commitment, tantamount to several years' worth of the average local wage. When confronted with this blatant inequity, they reduced the requirement to three months without any explanation, further exposing their lack of transparency.

When we pressed for complete terms, their response mirrored that of a nefarious organization—they abruptly ceased all communication. Is this what they call five-star service? Our choice of this accommodation was motivated largely by the well-being of our children, a decision that, in retrospect, we deeply regret. We usually reside at the Tivoli Avenida, but for an extended stay, we believed this place might be more suitable for a family, as they purport to be "family-oriented." However, a more accurate description would be "white family-oriented," a detail they conveniently omit.

If fairness, professionalism, and genuine five-star service are what you seek, I implore you to avoid this establishment. Their behavior reeks of racism, and their staff are far from the caliber of individuals one expects at such a purportedly luxurious accommodation. If you are willing to invest upwards of 5,000-6,000 euros for accommodation and expect the corresponding level of service, Martinhal Lisbon Oriente should be the last place...

We have had the pleasure of staying at Martinhal Lisbon Oriente on numerous occasions, and each visit only deepens our appreciation for this truly exceptional hotel. From the moment we arrive, we are greeted with a warm welcome and gracious hospitality that always makes us feel instantly at home.

A special mention must go to Maria, who is almost always at the Reception desk and is the very embodiment of professionalism and kindness. Her superb service sets the tone for every stay. Likewise, Rita Santos consistently goes above and beyond, always with a big smile and a genuine desire to make our experience memorable. Their dedication, along with the phenomenal efforts of the entire Martinhal team, is what keeps us coming back.

The rooms are consistently stellar… beautifully appointed, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully designed for both comfort and style. Whether we’re here for a short visit or an extended stay, everything from the ambiance to the service is five-star.

Another highlight of our stays is the delicious breakfast served at the Terrace Café. The quality and variety are excellent, and the attentive team members ensure that each morning starts with a warm smile and wonderful service.

On top of all this, the location simply can’t be beat. With Lisbon Oriente train station a 10-minute walk away, the airport conveniently close, and countless fabulous restaurants and attractions within easy reach, Martinhal offers the perfect base for both leisure and business travelers.

Martinhal Lisbon Oriente is truly our home away from home when we are in Lisbon, and we are grateful for the consistently outstanding experiences we’ve had. Highly,...