Rui is a very welcoming host. He went so far as to meet us at the airport to introduce himself and the city – it was the first time I've ever been greeted from a flight with my name on a sign.

After a nice chat, we headed to the flat. It was almost exactly as pictured. The only differences were an added shelf above the kitchen table, the bedroom ladder had been swapped for a comfortable chair, and there was a plant on the bathroom shelf. (All positives!) Not pictured is the bedroom balcony with a small table and two chairs, though we didn't use this as it faces the interior of the building.

It was stocked with a kettle, pots and pans, and a hair dryer. We could have moved right in with just our suitcases.

The neighbourhood was perfect; the hidden street is quaint and quite quiet during the night, but it's just a few minutes walk from Praça do Comércio and 10 from Castelo de São Jorge. Rui had also provided a Google Maps link with many recommendations for things to do and places to eat, which came in handy during our stay.

Rui's communication throughout the week was excellent, keeping in touch to make sure everything was satisfactory and being accommodating with our checkout times. He even offered to keep our luggage in the apartment before our late evening flight if we needed.