Amenities
We are pleased to provide the following amenities to all of our guests
Please note that some amenities need to be reserved in advance. When in doubt, just ask–we’re always happy to answer questions and help you plan. Also… if there’s something you need that you don’t see on this list, ask anyway. There’s a good chance we can help you find whatever it is.
Getting Started
Orientation Tour at Check-in
From the local grocer to an overview of the Baixa, this introduction quickly became a guest favorite.
Welcome Basket
A bottle of Portuguese wine, coffee, teas, orange juice, local cheese, fresh fruit and freshly-baked breads.
Pre-Arrival Shopping Service
If you wish, we can pick-up a few of your favorite staples from the local grocer. No charge for delivery. Must be confirmed at least 5 days in advance of check-in.
VisitingPortugal Tourist Book
Customized walking tours, suggested itineraries and restaurants, kid-friendly ideas, emergency information including extensive list of English-speaking doctors… and much, much more.
Staying Connected
Free WI-FI & Loaner Laptop / Netbook
Each property has a loaner netbook or laptop, plus free wireless internet access.
Loaner Cellphone & Long-distance Calling
Skype is installed on each laptop/netbook for long distance calling at just 2 cents per minute. Please set up your account beforehand at skype.com
A loaner cellphone is also provided upon request. Guests are responsible for the cost of outgoing calls on the cellphone.
Comfort at Home
Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Microwave, dishwasher, coffeemaker, kettle, utensils, plates, glasses, cookware, staples (oils, vinegars, sugar, flour, rice, pasta, etc), spices and Portuguese cookbooks, in English
Luxury Linens
Truth be told, we love our linens: 300-600 threadcount sheets; soft, fluffy towels. Bliss.
Washer/Dryer & Iron/Ironing Board
Detergents provided, so you don’t have to buy or pack your own.
Complimentary Toiletries & Hairdryer
You’ll find a hairdryer, travel-sized shampoo, and authentic Portuguese bath soap in every bathroom. A good supply of toilet paper, too.
Air-Conditioning
Air conditioners are installed in the living areas. Please note that our hill is refreshed by ocean breezes coming up the Tejo River: average August high is only 28C/82F, low is 17C/63F. Pack a sweater for evenings, even in summer!
Orthopaedic (firm) Mattresses
Our mattresses are custom-made for us, then covered with a pillow-topper. We think they provide a perfect night’s sleep.
Safety
As required by law, all of our houses have fire extinguishers, fire blankets and first aid kits. We also provide ice packs, mini-sewing kits, emergency lighting, night lights and a loaner cellphone (if needed) for making emergency calls. Each house has a contact sheet for world-class English-speaking doctors and dentists (but feel free to call if you’d like us to make an appointment for you). In addition, our cleaning products are stored in overhead cabinets, out of reach of curious little fingers.
Entertainment
Satellite Cable TV
Cable includes English-language stations (e.g., CNN, BBC, Cartoon Network, FOX, TCM Turner Classic Movies).
Lending Library
In addition to the selection of books and CDs at each property, we have a large collection of books about Portugal, its fascinating history and/or novels set in this lovely country. View the book list and reserve in advance.
(Or use the list to order your own copy for some pre-trip “get in the mood” preparations.)
Other Goodies
Beach Equipment
Several beautiful beaches are just 30 minutes away by train or bus. Every property has beach towels, ice packs and portable coolers.
Ask us about surf lessons… Surf’s up!
Gym/Spa
A special treat! Several Gyms in our area offers daily passes, and we are happy to arrange these for you. Reservations must be made in advance.
Especially for our Guests
Look at our Tips & Tours section and Trip Planning Blog for information on Local Restaurant Recommendations, Suggested Itineraries, Private Fado Tours, In-Home Cooking Classes & Volunteer Service Projects.
Child-Friendly Amenities
We’re happy to welcome your children to our Historical Holiday Homes
All of our houses can be set up to welcome children of any age, and there is no extra charge for those under 16!
Visiting Lisbon with kids is wonderful: there are activities for all ages and interests. You can find ideas and links on our our Trip Planning Blog, but we’re also happy to work with you to come up with suggestions for the perfect trip for your family.
For extended families travelling together, you can rent two (or more) houses as a group.
And to make your family travels easier, we are delighted to provide the following child-friendly amenities–free of charge.
Supplies for enjoying Lisbon with kids:
+ Recommendations for accredited, English-speaking babysitters;
+ Plastic spoons, plates and glasses;
+ Child gates on stairs;
+ Child’s bathroom stepstool;
+ Blow-up beach ball for portable entertainment;
+ Maps of zoo, oceanarium and castle;
+ Crayons, paper, tape, glue, coloring books, etc;
+ Board games and playing cards;
+ Details on local parks and water playground, all easy walking distance from the properties;
+ Suggestions for child-friendly day trips, from the world’s longest sauropod tracks to an enchanted castle on a tiny deserted island;
Tools for keeping sane in Lisbon with teens:
+ Loaner laptop with wireless internet;
+ Recommendations for surf lessons and equipment rental;
+ Beach towels, ice cooler and ice packs;
+ Recommendations for shopping, skateboard parks and other sports.
Available for Advance Reservation
+ Football and basketball for use at the local park;
+ Beach toys, air mattresses and body board;
+ High-chair;
+ Booster seat;
+ Port-a-crib with fitted sheets;
+ Bed rail;
+ Baby bath;
+ Baby stroller;
+ Outlet protectors;
+ Infant car seat, under 10 kg (22 pounds);
+ Toddler car seat, under 30kg (65 pounds);
+ Youth car booster, up to age 12 or 1.35m (aprox. 5′), required by Portuguese law;
+ Hand blender for preparing baby food;
+ Children’s music CD, English or Portuguese;
+ Children’s books, English or Portuguese;
+ Candy Land board game (if you dare!)
Books and Videos for Children
Most of the children’s books we have reviewed are guaranteed to numb any child’s enthusiasm for Portuguese history and travel, so we are thrilled to provide, with each confirmed reservation, a list of our recommended children’s books about Portugal including this newbie:
Junior Jetsetters Guide to Lisbon
Each book has been personally selected and reviewed by us, all with the goal of getting your children excited about their upcoming travels to Portugal!
NOTE: Since some of the books are difficult to find and/or expensive, all of them are available for check-out from the VisitingPortugal Lending Library while you are in town.
IMPORTANT: Although we are pleased to provide these complementary items, VisitingPortugal is not liable for the health or safety of children who stay at our properties or the mis-use any of these amenities.
