3 things that we rate in airbnb: the owner (ability to facilitate entering the apartment, reply time, cleanliness, ease of exit and arrival, etc.), the value you receive from the rental property (how much bang do you get for your buck? the accuracy of the rental description, amenities, etc.) and Bonus points for going above and beyond.

This place scored perfectly in all three marks.

1. Teresa is amazing, we had an early flight and the apartment was being cleaned so she offered to hold onto our very very heavy bags and transfer them to the flat, mind you she might weigh as much as the bag did. I insisted on taking it, but she refused and lugged the bags there. She was so nice and helpful! We were completely delirious and she gave us a pretty decent run down of the town, places to snag food, coffee before we could access the place. After what was a delightful morning on the water in Lisboa, we met at the place. Teresa was there and gave us a very extensive rundown of the apartment as well as the town. She has a highlight list that begins with a bar on the rooftop of a parking garage, sounds eccentric, right? It was unbelievable, the sun setting over the water with the coolest 20 year olds in the world. Truly every suggestion on her list that we tried was amazing. The Pharmacia, which has a delicious gourmet tasting menu (pricy for Lisbon, but completely reasonable for US/UK$100 Euro for 2 w/ bottle of wine) and another homey place I can’t remember, but was perfect.

Owner: A+

2. The Value of the apartment. This apartment was perfect for our needs and was truly a wonderful value. It’s nicely decorated, simple. It’s got more amenities than we could take advantage of. The apartment is so close to the action, but with none of the noise. It’s quiet and I’m a very light sleeper. The espresso maker, French press, etc were perfect for our jet lagged brains. We haven’t stayed in an AirBnb or VRBO that had a better bang for your buck.

Place: A+

3. Bonus points: Teresa earns so many bonus points:
-She allowed us to leave our bags in her and her husband’s apartment. Then Lugged them over to the place — what that gets it’s own…
-She lugged our bags to the spot!
-Her local recommendations were right up our alley and actually tasted by her. Her newsletter is a perfect guide to Lisbon.
-Helpful insight on our visit to Sintra,
-Less an AirBNB and more like an actual B and B. She offered us the organic vegetables left over from the previous tenants. Coffee pods were available. Washing Machine.
-Maps/travel guides galore.
-More authentic suggestions to see real Fado.

Bonus points: A+

Our overall experience was the best on our trip through Lisbon, Sevilla and Madrid. That’s because of Teresa and the apartment. Couldn’t recommend it more.

Overall: A++++ perfect experience!