We stayed here for 16 nights, and it felt like our own little apartment. We were able to relax, do work online, and had easy access to restaurants, stores, and bars nearby ( bonus: Niva gelato on the corner!). The purpose of our trip was to explore the city, and get a lease and a bank account for our visa. The central location of the apartment was perfect for those purposes.
Communication: The communication with the host was excellent, proactive, very responsive, answered all of our questions. Also volunteered useful information that was helpful at check-in and departure. We very much appreciated. We were able to check in a couple of hours early after a long flight.
Location: right across the Jardim de Botanico, and half a block down, Rua São Marçal. It’s easy to walk to anywhere. About 10 minutes to Rato metro station, 15 minutes to Largo do Carmo, 5 minutes to the lovely Praça das Flôres for restaurants, 10 minutes to Praça da Alegria.
Transportation: Multiple bus lines, tram lines, all take you anywhere within minutes very inexpensively (hint: get the Viva Viagem card at any metro station for “zapping” at €1.30/ride.). You can also use Bolt app to summon rides, also inexpensive.
Comfort: the furnishings were very comfortable for sitting and reading, and the bed was also quite comfortable to sleep in. The master bedroom had good lighting, bedside tables, and a wardrobe for unpacking. Plenty of extra towels, sheets, and blankets. The apartment is a bit cool in the evening, so bring your fleece and slippers, and there are several space heaters which we only used occasionally. There is no air conditioning, but very good air flow through the apartment.
Decor: while not a designer apartment, furnishings were attractive, functional, and did not make the apartment feel too cluttered.
Kitchen: although small, the kitchen had everything we needed, and the host provided some coffee capsules for the Nespresso machine. (Note, two blocks down the hill is a Mini Preço grocery store to purchase all your needs.)
Internet: very reliable and high speed. Easy to connect to.
Quiet: in the evening, the apartment is very quiet. When you close the windows, which are double glazed, you hear no street noise.
Bath: very good hot water, excellent water pressure. Be careful where are you aim the shower nozzle so as not to get water on the floor. Good ventilation. We appreciated that the bathroom was fully stocked with toilet paper, soap, towels and shampoo.
Laundry: the machine was a little tricky to use, recommend looking up the owners manual online. Also, the laundry machine is at the top of the ladder going up to the deck.
Deck: the views are stunning, and it’s very nice to sit up there on a sunny day. But be aware you do have to climb a steep vertical ladder to get up there, which makes it very difficult to bring any refreshments with you.
Access: you will climb four flights of stairs in a narrow stairwell. The neighborhood is also very hilly. Not advised for those who are mobility impaired.
Highly recommended for location and convenience.