We really enjoyed our stay at Joao's & Rita's place, which is very close to the old center of Alfama.
We met both of the hosts during our stay and they were simply great. The check-in (with Joao) and check-out (with Rita) was very easy and comfortable, we felt very welcome. Thank you again for all the patience and the tips before, during and even after our time with you!
The apartment itself is as we had expected it to be: not really that big, but big enough for two or even three, very efficiently planned, very clean, providing everything we needed, even for a longer stay ... ah yes, the stairs to the apartment are really steep and old, but that is how it is in Alfama. No problem for us.
There are mini markets (which are open until late) and some nice bars and restaurants (with and without Fado experience) right around the corner ... a lot to choose from.
The apartment has been a great place to start our trips around the city every day. And it is also easy to get back to after the day was done (Santa Apolonia station is close to walk to or from). Quite a lot of the most important sightseeing places take just 15-30 minutes of walking, if you can.
To top up our first visit to Lisbon, the weather was just incredible: 26-32°C for early October(!) ...