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Thursday, 3 May 2018

Martinhal Cascais family hotel review

If you follow me over on my Instagram or watch our videos, you may know that I have recently got back from 5 days in Portugal with Martinhal. I was away on a press trip to review 2 out of 4 hotels and attend their annual blogging conference. I took so many photos so I have split them into two posts; this will be my review of the Martinhal Cascais family hotel.

Martinhal Cascais family hotel review
Martinhal Cascais family hotel review

I had seen a few reviews and photos of this hotel around before I went, but I must say it is definitely even better in the flesh. Every inch of it's decor and design is incredible, from the reception to the pools and bathrooms!

Martinhal Cascais family hotel review

It has a very modern yet luxurious feel and everywhere is light and bright, especially when the sunshine floods in through the glass. Even though it has that relaxing and luxurious vibe, it is also welcoming and extremely child friendly. I didn't take either of my children but on arrival, those that did were given a little bag with a sun hat and ball in, they also had little flip flops on their beds in the room. Children are definitely made to feel included - if not the sole purpose of the hotel! 

Martinhal Cascais family hotel review


Rooms & Suites.

 Our deluxe room was spacious again with that luxurious feel and our bed was enormous, as was our beautiful bathroom with two sinks, a walk-in power shower and the loveliest bath tub. All rooms are complete with it's own Nespresso machine as well which I think most parents will agree is a welcome touch! I also loved our floor to ceiling windows leading out to our little balcony space over looking beautiful views.


We were also shown one of the deluxe superior rooms that were complete with fold down bunk beds for families. These can also have a cot in them on request so can fit a family of five in. Martinhal also offer two interconnecting rooms for those that want to be more separate or four deluxe suite rooms for those that love the addition of a living/dining area and more space. The suites also boast a 32" television in the mirror for the ultimate bath time treat! To read more about the rooms in detail, read their online brochure here.



Hotel/Room facilities.

 The hotels facilities are also great - daily cleaning and turn down service, daily digital newspapers for free, full air conditioning in all rooms and valet service car parking is provided. The family concierge services are also amazing and what really makes this hotel stand out. Toilet seat adapters, potties, bottle sterilisers and heaters, highchairs and everything you could imagine is available to book should you need it for your stay. There are also steps for children to use the sinks in every toilet and potties/toilet seats in most too. There is also the finisterra spa, amazing heated and unheated indoor and outdoor pools, a gym and a bike station.


Restaurants/Food

There are 3 restaurants available, the 'Mbar', the 'Lounge bar' and 'O Terraco' all offering amazing food (and cake!) and catering to everyones needs. I was very impressed they offered soya milk for my iced coffee and non alcoholic mojitos in my pregnant state at the Mbar ;) I also love how they are so incredibly child friendly from dedicated children's areas to a kids menu and even a baby puree menus should you be weaning when you stay. A buffet breakfast is inclusive of all Martinhal stays and is hands down the best 'buffet breakfast' I have had while abroad. From sausages, bacon and eggs anyway you want them, to pancakes, pastries, egg custard tarts and an abundance of fruit, cereal, toast and healthy juices. They also offer some vegan and vegetarian dishes and said they could provide almond, rice, or oat milk if needed too. You also don't see honey served like this anywhere else...


Childcare/babysitting

Martinhal have one of the best kids areas I have seen anywhere, not just for a hotel! They offer over 700 square meters of fun - which can be used from the age of 6 months until early teens with caring and responsible staff looking after them. There are supervised sessions between 9:30am - 12:30noon and 2:30 - 5:30pm that are free of charge within your stay. There is also a separate baby room for ages 6-19 months (charged at €25 per 2 hours in high season).

Martinhal also offer a babysitting service in the evenings if needed in your room or villa, one of the things I liked about this was it was the staff from the kids club so you already know and trust them with your child. Martinhal can also arrange children's birthday parties if you are away at such a special time... Children really are spoilt here!

Teens and tweens are not forgotten either, for them there is the Explorer club or Blast club with active outdoor activities such as surfing, diving experiences, horse riding and other activities such as mocktail workshops. 


The outdoors/play areas.

As you'd expect by now, the outside areas and surroundings of the hotel are just as relaxing and beautiful, being located right in the middle of 2 championship golf courses – Quinta da Marinha and Oitavos Dunes there is lush green grass and beautiful trees everywhere. The play area for children is spread over 2,300 square meters complete with zip wire, sand pit, double seat swing, fairy door trail, giant bouncy pillow and "tree of wisdom" climbing/sliding area. I dare your child to be bored staying here!



We have visited many 'family friendly' resorts and places before but Martinhal Cascais hotel is most definitely an extra step up from anywhere we have been before. We are already considering booking a family stay next year with our new little addition, as I honestly can't think of anywhere else more child friendly, helpful and relaxing to stay after having just had a baby! 

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*Thank you so much to Martinhal for hosting the blogging conference and my 4 night stay at the hotels. I can't wait to come back!

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