Rui and Ana's place is as advertised ... and as reviewed by others. It is located in the heart of Alfama on probably the busiest (pedestrian) "street" of that area. Based on our apartments in other parts of Portugal, I would say this place is larger and roomier. The kitchen had everything we needed. The shower was a little cozy but the water was warm with nice pressure. What caught my eye about this place from other reviewers was the local "texture" of opening the windows and listening to the sounds of the neighborhood. And we were not disappointed! It seems the older ladies in Portugal have primarily one volume (loud) and they sit by their windows and doors and and chat off-and-on throughout the day. It definitely had its old-world charms.
The place is on the second and third floors (above ground and first floors). Just know there is no elevator and the stairs are rather steep. Probably not the best place for younger children or someone who is mobility challenged. But given the stone streets and stairs and climbs throughout Alfama if you are mobility challenged you may want to avoid this entire neighborhood. This place has no AC which did not concern me for an October visit. Yet the day we arrived it was 88 F and the place was pretty toasty. Fortunately by opening the windows there was always a breeze and we used the fan provided in the room every night. Be prepared for some heat during the hotter summer months. We definitely made use of the washing machine which was very handy! Finally, there is definitely some street noise -- which is the charm of this place -- until it is time to sleep. There are two small side-by-side restaurants just down the street and one night there were a group of men who sang their hearts out for hours. We used the fan to provide some background (white) noise and my iPhone helped further so we covered up most of the noise. I tend to be a light sleeper so many probably would not even notice it.
Ana was incredibly responsive to all communications and very helpful for some custom requests we had. She is such a great host/hostess!! We really enjoyed Lisbon and Alfama and staying in the heart of things!