A Layover in Lisbon

When looking at flights home from Europe over Christmas Break, we found that our cheapest option included a layover in Lisbon.  Having never been before, we figured, sure why not.  And knowing that it would only be for one full day (two nights), we splurged on the Martinhal Hotel in Chiado, a family first hotel.  It was definitely not the cheapest of options (especially when compared to other hotels and airbnbs in the area), but it was completely worth it.

From the moment we were greeted by our driver at the airport I knew it was going to be a different experience. The hotel isn’t just a kid friendly hotel, they are kid centered. Our driver joked with the kids on the walk to the car (asking Oskar to pick out the car he wanted and asking Oskar drive from him). And the little touches continued through the two night stay. They have thought of everything: training potties, stepping stools, a toilet low enough for Oskar to pee on his own, high chairs, an in-suite washing machine with detergent, a fridge stocked with milk, orange juice and snacks, a play area downstairs with free, in-house babysitting and organized activities, stroller parking, and a kid focused cafe with real car to play in. The experience was unreal and a nice way to enjoy our two night layover in Lisbon. It also doesn’t hurt that we got upgraded to a one bedroom apartment larger than our home in San Francisco.

Unfortunately with such a kid friendly hotel, coaxing Oskar out of the building to go see the city was a bit challenge, however we did manage to see and try a few things including the Praca do Comercio, the Time Out Market, shopping in Chiado, and Lisbon’s famous egg custards at Alcoa in Chiado. And thanks to the organized activities and Oskar’s desire to check out the parent free room (we weren’t allowed to stay) Martin and I were able to get in a 45 minute wine date at By the Wine across the street from the hotel (never mind that we came back to both kids screaming... I would say it was still worth the moment alone and price of the hotel room).

Checking in to our flight... TAP Air has a separate counter for families.

Waiting for our flight...

Dinner at the hotel the first night.  Oskar met a new friend Sofia.  He told her "I drive fast and then crash".  

Off exploring... looking for a "snack"

The Time Out Market... Alva slept through the whole affair

An impromptu wine tasting... 

...45 minutes of adult time