I had a lovely time in Lisbon on my first trip to Portugal and will definitely return! First of all the apartment – it’s in a good location close to amenities and metro stations (Lisbon is a hilly city so make use of the metro to get down to the centre). It has been newly renovated and is kept very clean and is nicely decorated. I stayed in the Estrela room and usually go for ensuite facilities but 3 toilets and 2 shower rooms (one with a bath) seemed more than adequate. Hot water was plentiful and the use of a kitchen was a great bonus. Although Andre and Joana don’t live on site they made sure guests had their contact numbers and I know would have helped had there been a problem especially as I was a lone female traveller. They were keen to make sure my stay was enjoyable and had lots of recommendations. I explored this wonderful city and went to Sintra and Belem – I probably tried to do too much so next time I will go at a more relaxed pace. The area around the apartment is interesting with a choice of bistros and a very reasonable bakery. The major shopping centre of El Cortes Ingles has a supermarket underground by the Sao Sebastiao metro entrance with a few eating places, cinema and moving on upstairs through home and garden and ladieswear (yes I know the Brits will say this sounds a bit ‘Are you being Served)!. There are lovely gardens and galleries nearby and the metro system is impressive and very reasonable.