For more than 60 years, the Marto family has been in the hotel business in Portugal, and they now own and manage four 4-star properties: two in the capital city of Lisbon and two in the pilgrimage city of Fátima, 80 miles to the north. Each hotel has defining features, and all of them provide Portuguese hospitality and the best possible comfort and value for guests.
José Miguel Marto, managing director, is the grandson of the hotels’ founders. “My grandparents first started the business in the ’50s with the Hotel Santa Maria in Fátima,” explains Marto. “They bought the land right after they married, and the first version of the hotel was a small house with just a few rooms.”
Now the Hotel Santa Maria is a beautiful, modern property that has 173 large rooms with contemporary décor, many offering stunning views of the Sanctuary of Fátima. The hotel has a large restaurant with a buffet breakfast, a chapel available for religious services or meditation, and an expansive lobby and gift shop. For guests wanting to participate in the nightly candlelight procession at the sanctuary, it’s just a two-minute walk from the hotel.
The nearby Hotel São José, owned by the family since the ’80s, is a smaller boutique-style hotel that’s just 300 meters from the sanctuary. Completely renovated in 2018, the São José has 76 rooms with more traditional décor, along with a cozy ambience and warm colors. Two sitting rooms with fireplaces, a game room, and a garden area provide special spots to relax, while the on-site gym and Turkish bath add wellness options.
For travelers visiting Lisbon, the Marto family has two hotel options. Acquired by the family in the ’80s, Hotel Roma offers large, renovated rooms and an impressive breakfast buffet. A dinner buffet is also available, and guests will soon enjoy a new wine bar and a small lobby bar as well. Groups are easily accommodated, bus parking is available on-site, and taxis are always available just outside the front door. One of the best perks of this hotel is its convenient location, just 8–10 minutes from the airport.
The other Lisbon option is the Hotel Marquês de Pombal, a beautiful property located in the city center, close to the historical district. The hotel has 123 soundproofed rooms of simple and elegant décor that offer views of one of the main streets of the city, Avenida da Liberdade. Food options include a gourmet restaurant, Blu, with both Portuguese and international cuisine, as well as a daily breakfast buffet. Says Marto, “This hotel was built by my father and grandfather in 2000, and it was fully renovated in 2010. Additional renovations will begin this November.”
Marto invites travelers visiting Fátima and Lisbon to stay at the properties, where three generations of his family work every day to provide the perfect hotel experience for your group.
For more information, contact Sara Baptista or visit hotelroma.pt.
Top photo: Hotel Roma Lisbon
Photo by Hotel Roma
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