Lisbon is the kind of city that pulls you in immediately — sunlight bouncing off tiled facades, the hum of trams climbing impossibly steep streets, the quiet ritual of a morning pastel de nata and coffee at a corner café. It’s romantic in a way that feels almost cinematic. And when you visit, there’s an unspoken expectation that you stay in the middle of it all.
But on my recent trip, I didn’t.
Instead, I checked into Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, a design-led residence-style hotel set along the Tagus River in Parque das Nações — Lisbon’s sleek, modern district just outside the historic center. At first, I thought it might feel like a departure from the version of Lisbon you imagine. But quickly after I arrived, it completely redefined it.
A Different Side of Lisbon — and Why It Works
Parque das Nações offers a version of Lisbon that feels almost meditative in contrast to the city’s vibrant chaos. It’s Lisbon’s contemporary counterpart to its centuries-old core. Built for the 1998 World Expo, the area is defined by open space, waterfront promenades, striking architecture, and a sense of calm that’s nearly impossible to find in the city center. Wide, walkable promenades stretch along the river, the air feels lighter, and the architecture — clean, modern, intentional — creates a sense of openness that’s rare in most European capitals.
From Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, the old town is still within easy reach — about 20 minutes by car or train, with seamless connections from the nearby Oriente station. But what you gain in return is the ability to step in and out of Lisbon on your own terms — immersing yourself fully, then retreating somewhere that feels calm, spacious, and distinctly your own.
It’s the kind of balance you don’t realize you need until you have it. And isn’t that how you aim to feel on vacation anyway?
A Residence That Actually Feels Like One
Martinhal Lisbon Oriente isn’t a traditional hotel; it’s a hybrid between a luxury residence and a five-star stay. Opened in 2023 as the brand’s first hotel-branded residences concept, the property features 82 fully serviced apartments, ranging from studios to sprawling three-bedroom layouts.
From the moment you step inside, Martinhal Lisbon Oriente immediately feels less like a hotel and more like a carefully composed living space.
There’s a quietness to the design — soft, neutral palettes layered with warm wood tones, sculptural lighting that casts a gentle glow in the evenings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light during the day. The apartments are expansive, with open-plan living areas that invite you to slow down, settle in, and actually live in the space rather than simply pass through it.
In my residence, the kitchen was fully equipped with sleek Smeg appliances, polished countertops, and elegant Portuguese porcelain that made even the idea of a simple breakfast feel elevated. Mornings started slowly — coffee in hand, sunlight pouring in, the kind of stillness that’s nearly impossible to find in the center of Lisbon.
And then there’s the art. Throughout the property, contemporary Portuguese works — from bold, graphic pieces to playful installations by artists like Bordalo II — add moments of surprise and personality, giving the space a sense of place that goes beyond design.
Luxury That Doesn’t Compromise on Lifestyle
What makes Martinhal Lisbon Oriente particularly compelling is how seamlessly it integrates different ways of traveling.
Founded by Chitra Stern, a mother of four, the concept was built around creating a space where luxury and family life don’t have to exist separately. At Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, that vision is everywhere — but in a way that feels intentional rather than overwhelming.
Yes, it’s family-friendly — intentionally so — with a thoughtfully designed kids’ club, a play space filled with everything from board games to PS5s, and even a baby concierge service for those traveling with little ones. Outdoors, a sunlit pool area is paired with a splash zone and playful touches like an in-ground trampoline, creating a space that feels just as considered as the interiors.
But the experience extends far beyond that.
There’s a calm, beautifully designed indoor pool for quieter moments, a Technogym-equipped fitness space, and co-working areas that feel more like a private workplace, complete with call pods and an atmosphere that encourages focus without feeling corporate.
This is a place for travelers who want space — real space — to unwind, longer stays where a traditional hotel room just doesn’t cut it, remote workers or creatives who want a seamless live-work setup, groups or girls’ trips looking for something elevated but comfortable, and, yes, families who value luxury as much as comfort.
It’s this duality — family-oriented yet design-conscious, functional yet indulgent — that makes the property feel relevant for a much wider audience. It’s rare to find a property that manages to feel both family-friendly and aesthetically elevated — but Martinhal strikes that balance effortlessly.
Evenings at Terrace, Where the Energy Shifts
If the residences are about calm and space, Terrace is where the energy of the property comes alive — the property’s restaurant, café, and bar concept that evolves throughout the day.
The first thing you notice is the scale. High ceilings framed by cascading greenery create an almost greenhouse-like atmosphere, while warm lighting softens the space as the day transitions into evening. At its center, a striking illuminated koala installation by Bordalo II anchors the room — playful, unexpected, and impossible to ignore.
What starts as a relaxed coffee and breakfast spot in the morning transforms into a lively, design-forward dining space by evening, with a menu that blends Mediterranean and Oriental influences in a way that feels both modern and approachable.
During my stay, dinner here unfolded slowly, almost effortlessly. There’s a rhythm to the space: the gentle clink of glasses, the low hum of conversation, live music weaving subtly through the background. It feels lively, but never overwhelming. The menu reflects that same balance — Mediterranean at its core, with Oriental influences that add depth and intrigue. Think delicately plated dishes built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients: fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and flavors that feel both clean and layered (be sure not to miss their black miso cod!).
On certain evenings, the energy shifts again — sushi nights, curated menus, small moments of programming that make staying in feel just as compelling as going out. It’s the kind of place where you plan to have a quick dinner and end up lingering over wine far longer than expected. And in a city like Lisbon, that’s saying something.
The Lisbon You’ll Still Fall in Love With
Of course, Lisbon itself remains the main character — and Martinhal makes it easy to experience it fully, just a short distance away from the city’s center.
Most days began in neighborhoods like Príncipe Real, which quickly became a personal favorite. There’s an ease to it — equal parts refined and relaxed — with leafy streets, independent boutiques, and a kind of understated cool that feels distinctly Lisbon. Praça das Flores, in particular, became a go-to, the kind of street you pass through once and immediately want to return to (which I definitely did).
Then there are the quintessential Lisbon moments: stopping for pastel de nata (Castro and Manteigaria easily took my top spots), wandering through flea markets and food halls, and lingering at the city’s iconic quiosques — ordering a glass of wine and letting the afternoon stretch on in the park.
Meals became their own map of the city. Magnolia for something exceptionally delish and stylish, Prado for a more refined, ingredient-driven experience, Augusto for standout coffee and their famous banana bread, and places like Imprensa and Wel Well that felt like true local finds.
And yet, no matter how full the day felt, there was something unexpectedly satisfying about stepping away from the chaos and returning to a quieter, more considered version of the city, to a space that felt calm, considered, and entirely your own.
The Verdict
There’s no denying the allure of staying in central Lisbon. It’s vibrant, historic, and endlessly inspiring.
But if you’re looking for a more balanced way to experience the city — one that combines Lisbon’s energy with a sense of calm, space, and modern luxury — Martinhal Lisbon Oriente offers something entirely different.
And after staying there, it’s hard not to wonder if that different approach might actually be the better one.
