When I got to this beautiful home and my cosy room on the ground floor next to the lovely kitchen, I couldn't have been happier having made the prefect choice. Everything was clean, tidy and welcoming. Rafael's parents treated me so well - I almost felt like they were my own! incredibly hospitable and very accommodating. My laundry was taken care of and I got to know Tobias the cat and Kira the dog - though Kira wouldn't let me out of the kitchen sometimes to hang my stuff on the line! she just needed to get used to me :-) the bathroom was a pleasure to use as it was always clean and comfortable.
If you're worried about transport, you have no worries at all. Encarnaçaò metro is literally a 10 minute walk and very easy to get through. If you take the metro there - you can stop two stops away at Oriente and else directly into the Vasco da Gama shopping centre for some great shopping and all your grocery essentials.
If you want to get into the main city centre - you can get the metro at your home stop -Encarnaçaò - this is the yellow line - then get off at a stop called Alameda - then switch to the green line and get off at the stop called Baixa Chiado and you're in the heart of Lisbon :-)
The area is extremely safe and people are super friendly and kind.
Also, it was great to meet Rafael on my last two days at home. He is a great host and while not at the house, always extremely easy to get hold of for any questions.
I couldn't have asked for a better home away from home to spend my 10 days in Lisbon. Hope to go back soon.