Weekend 42 offers as close to an authentic experience of Alfama, without being a resident. Located on the top floor, the apartment offers views of the river & Alfama rooftops.
We found the apartment to be well equipped: microwave, hob, fridge, freezer- there's even a Nespresso coffee machine. There's also a comprehensive first aid kit. Pedro even delivered a hair dryer to the apartment! Red wine and beer provided for our arrival, but the coffee was the best touch!
The flat is small, light, airy & most importantly, clean! There is a proper double bed in the bedroom, which we have found to be rare in Airbnb. Although it doesn't have air conditioning, we found opening the window was cooling enough. We loved the decor of the apartment & enjoyed a glass of wine listening to Fado music which drifts up on an evening from nearby bars.
You could consider the outside of the flat noisy, but it is Alfama! It didn't disrupt us at all (we were up early most days) but expect some minor noise from the street.
We agree that the stairs are steep, but again, it is traditional of Alfama! The bathroom does occasionally smell of drains but there is an active air freshener spraying regularly.
We found the flat to be in a great location for us- within walking distance to a train & metro station & fifteen minutes to walk into central Lisbon.