Altis Prime Apartments & Altis Suites: An Ideal Lisbon Base

One of the challenges of finding lodging when planning big city getaways, particularly in Europe where space is at a premium, is that families need and want enough room for everyone to sleep and relax comfortably, but without giving up the convenience and amenities that a hotel provides. In the heart of Lisbon, Altis Hotels has created a perfect combination of the two in one city block.

Altis Prime Apartments and the neighboring Altis Suites are set up like private apartments in various sizes, but with all the services you’d expect from a luxury hotel. Indeed, it is the adjacent Altis Hotel that connects the two and is accessible for guests at any Altis property to use at their leisure.

Altis Prime Apartments and Altis Suites Review

Altis Prime Apartments

My family had a wonderful three night stay in these spacious apartments. Our two-bedroom, two-bath apartment felt so large than when I went to bed our first night, I wondered to my husband if I’d even hear our boys if they woke up during the night, as their bedroom seemed so far away. Fortunately, we all slept so well that I didn’t need to worry.

The design is sleek and modern, reminding us of a previous trip to Scandinavia. The lighting and decor is a bit dark, but with floor to ceiling windows, still bright enough during the day.

We fell into such a nice routine during our stay that it really did seem like our second home. We woke each morning to fuel up on the impressive breakfast just off the lobby. We chatted with the breakfast attendant, who put cartoons on the television for my boys and happily made toast for my pickiest eater.

After breakfast, I checked in with the receptionist to go over our sightseeing plans for the day. They always had a helpful suggestion, like which metro or tram line would be easiest with our stroller, and sold us advance tickets to popular attractions so that we could skip the lines.

In the evenings, after exhausting days of exploring the city, we thoroughly enjoyed making dinner in our kitchen or ordering room service, watching the sun set from the rooftop deck, and running the boys a bubble bath in the gigantic tub. And we were so pleased to enjoy the quiet at night, which is often hard to find in big cities. I never heard any street noise or guests in neighboring apartments.

Among the 78 apartments at Altis Prime, there are options ranging from a 3-bedroom penthouse suite ideal for extended stays, to smaller studio apartments. For families of four, I would recommend the 1- or 2-bedroom apartments.

Altis Suites

My family didn’t stay in one of these suites, but I spent an afternoon touring a few of the 42 units. Most are 1-bedroom units, with a sleeper sofa in the separate living area. The kitchenettes are perfect for making meals, and can be supplied with groceries in advance of your stay.

If you need extra space, there are also two penthouse suites available. While the suites don’t offer the modern look of the Altis Prime apartments, they are extremely family-friendly and provide many of the same conveniences, such as a 24-hour reception and room service. And just as you would at the Altis Prime, you get complete access to the Altis Hotel’s amenities. These suites are an exceptionally good value at this price point and for this location in the city.

Use of Altis Hotel’s Amenities

Use of the Altis Hotel’s services was the icing on the cake during our stay. Swimming in the indoor pool was a welcome way to relax, especially in the cooler winter months. The free shuttle to and from the airport meant we avoided hauling all of our bags onto public transport into the city.

A health club, garage parking, and several restaurants add to the convenience. The pool and health club are undergoing a needed renovation, which will soon include a new spa. Both were still open when we visited, but check ahead of your booking to be certain.

All three properties are located within the same city block. They are not connected internally, but are less than a minute’s walk from door to door.

Location in Lisbon

I was completely charmed by Lisbon. There is a great European vibe, from the pedestrian-only streets that are fun for children of all ages to explore, to the huge, historic squares where my kids loved playing games of tag. There are also many family-pleasing attractions like the Oceanario, the second largest aquarium in the world, and numerous beautiful parks.

These Altis properties are well situated to visit all the sights of the city, as it is located within an easy walk of three different metro stations, a 10-minute walk from the main tram lines, and a 15-minute shuttle ride to and from the airport. A fairly well-stocked grocery store is only a block away.

Be advised, though, that like much of Lisbon, the properties are located on a steep hill. The last few blocks until you reach your accommodation might leave you a little out of breath, particularly if you’re pushing a stroller. My husband and I just used it as our excuse to treat ourselves to some of the many Portuguese pastries.

Altis has created an ideal base for families to explore beautiful, colorful Lisbon. Kids and parents will both feel welcome and comfortable, and the conveniences this set up offers is difficult to find but worth indulging in for a relaxing city break.

Want to Check Availability at Altis Prime Apartments?

Our Family Vacation Consultants can help! Use the Check Availability on the Altis Prime kid-friendly hotel review on Ciao Bambino. For more comprehensive trip planning assistance including itinerary development and activities, request assistance on our Connect with a Travel Advisor page.

Editorial Note: Atlis Hotels hosted Ciao Bambino so we could review the property for our readers. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Nicole Wiltrout

Relevant Links:

Complete Altis Prime Apartments review on Ciao Bambino

Portugal family-friendly hotels and kid-friendly tips on Ciao Bambino 

Family paradise in Portugal at Martinhal beach resort