With the exception of one problem, our stay in the apartment was highly enjoyable. Situated on the lower slopes of the Alfama district (but with a street elevator to sea level just opposite the building), close to the central sights and within easy walking distance of trams, metro and railway stations, it is ideally located for anyone planning to visit Lisbon. There are bars and restaurants nearby, and a large supermarket in the next street. The apartment itself is located in a quiet street, on the third floor with an elevator, and we had no problem with noise from outside or inside the building. The two bedrooms and living room are of adequate size, and the bathroom and kitchen are spacious. The apartment is clean, well equipped and quite stylishly renovated, and though we noted that certain faults mentioned by previous guests had not been rectified (shutter and bathroom door not closing properly, overhead shower holder broken), these did not trouble us. We did not meet the host, but his instructions for entering the property and obtaining the keys were perfectly clear. Visiting in November, the weather was cold, and though there is no central heating or air conditioning the radiator provided by the owner was sufficient to give an acceptable temperature, if not great warmth. In short this is a recommendable apartment where we would happily choose to stay again.
Having said all this, I have to mention that we had great problems in communication with the owner. With an estimated arrival in Lisbon at midday and check-in time at the apartment of 4pm, and no knowledge of left-luggage possibilities in Lisbon, I wrote to the owner on booking (8 days before arrival) to ask if we could leave our cases at the flat before that time, or if he had any alternative suggestions if this could not be done. In spite of several reminders, SMS messages and telephone calls over the next days, I received no response. Eventually, on the day before arrival, I was forced to ask Airbnb for assistance, and within an hour I received a reply from the owner, agreeing to our request. I was grateful for this, but the situation should never have arisen.