We enjoyed our stay in Portugal and traveled from Philadelphia. Everything was very walkable and the train/metro station is close by. Our host was very responsive when I would send a message and we felt safe the entire time.
There are some things which did take away from our experience, however.
The back patio as pictured is basically unusable, unfortunately. The pictures are extremely misleading. The back patio backs to an alley that smelled like garbage with giant piles of trash in the back. Multiple air conditioners running at once and not exactly a place anyone would want to eat or drink their morning coffee. Even with the door open in the bedroom, the breeze smelled of garbage so we left the door closed.
There was not enough soap or shampoo in the bathroom for a week long stay for two adults. Just a few small packets of each (2 soap and 2 shampoo). Only one roll of toilet paper. No trash bags even though we were asked to replace them. And no soap for the washing machine. The boxes of detergent available for sale in the stores are gigantic. I would think for the price we paid - $153 per night - that the host would provide enough toilet paper, soap/shampoo for 2 adults staying more than a week. Also, why have a washer and dryer and not provide detergent? Seems cheap to skimp on something so basic as laundry detergent, toilet paper and personal hygiene items when the description says they were provided.
I unfortunately broke my leg while traveling in Portugal. For reference, I am 37 years old and 21 weeks pregnant.
I asked our host if their office could provide a wheelchair, but they could not.
We ended up having to rent one from an orthopedic shop. It's not expensive, like $25 or something, and obviously this was a special circumstance, but I personally feel that the host should have arranged for someone to rent and drop off a wheelchair for us. We needed to return the wheelchair before we left (instead of having the host do this), so getting to the Uber with our luggage was extremely difficult. If I were a host, I would have absolutely rented the chair and dropped it off for my guest.
Before heading home, I had asked about a pharmacy for a Covid test, but our host recommended one that was 20 minutes walking, or I would have had to take the metro which was impossible since I could not walk, or do stairs - I haven't seen an elevator in any metro station we visited. The closest Covid testing facility is actually at the ferry station, 2 minutes from the house, so I am very surprised that it was not recommended.
Upon arrival, we arranged a ride from the airport to the AirBnb, using a concierge service suggested by our host. When our flight landed, the concierge had refunded me because they don't pick up from the Lisbon airport. I told our host and she suggested a different company, but it was too late, so we just took an Uber. I wish I had known sooner.
Beware the door stop in the bathroom right as you step out of the shower, on the floor. We both stepped on this MANY times, right in the middle of our foot, which was extremely painful. It should be removed. It's screwed to the floor with a simple screw.
The street out front was noisy - which was kind of cozy in a way. The back bedroom was very quiet and we slept well - the bed was comfortable with extra pillows available in the closet. As mentioned, I do wish we could have opened the back door to allow a cross breeze, but the smell of trash was too noticeable.
Two bathrooms were nice.
We were able to travel with, and easily hook up our Kangen water machine.
All in all, we LOVED our trip to Portugal! I do wish that the host was more helpful during the broken leg situation since we really needed help and it was barely provided. Sending a link is nice, but actually taking an extra 20 minutes to provide tangible help is something else entirely.
If we go again, we will stay in Alfama, in a quieter, older part of town. If you like being right in the thick of it - this is a great place to stay. Just don't get hurt, remember to bring your own soap and shampoo, know that you might have to buy toilet paper, trash bags, and detergent... there are little stores all around where you can purchase these items and one right across from the AirBnb.
It was very clean as well! A bottle of wine was provided, but we don't drink, so I wish the money was spent on practical items instead.