My husband and I spent 3 months at Miguel's place. Kate's is truly a central location to all parts of the city. It seemed that no matter what direction we headed we were 15-20 minutes on foot in an section of town. I will admit that the street noise on weekend was a bit much, but it always muted by closing the wood doors up front and the windows, but would eventually end at least by 1a.m. This is just because this is one of the most popular parts of town and only a few blocks away from the Bairro Alto. The space was clean upon arrival.
The beds were comfortable enough and the kitchen supplies sufficient; although I did bring 2 knives from US and bought a few things that were essential to me to cook and I left them for others.
In regards to the bathroom and previous comments. The shower is a bit odd as to the placement of the shower head, but this is obviously due to the original instillation of the tub and faucet- not Miguel's fault. If the shower curtain is not tucked just right into the corner, then water will spray out the back onto the floor. Hopefully Miguel will find a resolution to this. But we were able to mitigate it quite well during our stay. In reference to the sewer smell. The city is very old as is the system that they have attempted replacement over the years. When the apartment has the scent ever now and then so do the streets. I found this can be mitigated by running water specifically down the bidet thus pushing the airflow back in the other direction. This became a non issue for us during the 3 months. It is best to leave the bathroom door open when showering so as to not completely fill the space with steam and the water is quite hot and there is no venting - see above.
If you are coming from the US - you need the understand that you are in a different country and their customs and way of life are completely different. Our experience is this - as a people, the Portuguese value time spent with family and friends - 'it's your experience, enjoy' . I heard this a lot at meals. Quite often our meal would take 3 hours. They do not push you out the door like it is done here in US - this makes for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable meal. You will have to ask for what you want or need, they will not bug you a lot, especially if you are in conversation. Trust me - they do not forget a request made, it may take a little time, but your needs will be met. They will not give you the check or even ask you if you are ready for the check- you have to ask for it. It's very different and we quite liked it and will be very hard to get used to the rushing again.
The Sacramento Restaurant and the vegetarian cafe next door are both wonderful. As are every restaurant we had during our stay. We only had 1 bad meal the entire adventure into a different culture. The Go Natural Store near by as well as the Celery and Pingo Doce (Sweet Drop) all have great products and just what we needed or wanted. If you are staying prior to the end of July GO TO THE LISBON UNDER THE STARS at Carmeo!! You will not regret!
The flat is very close to the Metro and Uber/Taxi are great!
I could write a book. I cannot say enough good things about Lisbon or its people! We will be back and are considering staying 6 months a year as this city has so much to offer and is quite central to the rest of Europe; although they do need to work on the airport.....and I understand they are going to build a new one on the other side of the Vasco de Gama bridge.
Kate's flats a great spot for an adventure in the city for easy walking - if always going up hill no matter where you go in the city won't scare you away... At least we stayed somewhat fit- kinds heard to do with such great food all around!