João’s place is a great option for a couple or family with small children. The apartment is small but space is very well utilized and amenities are well thought out. It was nice to have separate sleeping, lounging, and eating spaces.
We appreciated regular check-ins from João and our welcome by Sylvia. Having a kitchen and a nearby market allowed us to save on breakfasts. The bottle of wine upon arrival is a nice touch and you must try João’s homemade Ginja. It was the best we tasted while in Lisbon!
The location is great to access Alfama, Baxia, Rossio and easy access to trains and trams to get anywhere around Lisbon and beyond. Be ready for the accent to return to the apartment (it is at the top of the hill with the castle) but worth it and helpful to use two of Lisbon's elevators to get up and down.
We highly recommend the two restaurants Sylvia suggested upon our arrival - operated by the same family. Taberna Salmoura and Taberna Sal Grosso. Both are in the Alfama neighborhood within 10-15 minute walk and food was excellent. We ended up eating at one of the two for three of our nights in Lisbon. Best to make a reservation as seating is limited (we lucked out the first visit and knew better for the others). For cheap eats, grab a bifana sandwich and sopa del dia at the stand-up diner on the corner between the two elevators.
Overall, our stay was excellent and we would recommend João’s apartment and seek it out if our travels bring us back to Lisbon!