Joao's place is a wonderful home away from home. The apartment in reality looks like it does on pictures. Everything is well thought through and we appreciated all the amenities. Because we traveled during the cooler part of the year, we had little chance to enjoy the outside patio/backyard but we enjoyed plenty of light, even on cloudy days and the trees outside. On rare days we did go outside for a cup of coffee and felt jealous of travellers who will have access to this place in the summer/spring months. A two level patio is spacious, so plenty of room to roam around in warmer months, if your company so desires. We a traveling family of three so the space felt more than enough for us. The place has two cosy bedrooms, with comfortable beds and linen, great bathroom with a large tab. Fantastic and spacious walk in closet, with enough coat hangers and shelf space for four. The apartment has its own heating for air and water and that was much appreciated in winter.

The nearby subway/metro/tube station Rato, makes traveling through the city very easy as well as numerous bus routes that are crossing the Rato Square. A short walk to a local grocery chain made our stay-in snacks and meals very manageable and affordable. Of course there are plenty of pastry/coffee shops in the neighbourhood as well.

Having a nice place is very important for one's enjoyment of a hosting city, but it is the people who look after it that make that final great touch for your being in it. Both Joao, who was far away at the time of booking and Laura, who took care of us during our stay, have been most accommodating, friendly, kind, smart, warm, and welcoming. We felt very lucky to deal with both, Joao and Laura. Joao's photography is on display in the apartment (or published as books) so one can get the sense of his work. You can also enjoy the books about Lisbon that Joao has co-authored with other people. We do regret not meeting him though in person, as he was traveling far away (which made his home available to us in the first place).

We would happily come back to Palmeira House in the future again during our next visit to Lisbon.