Overview: We are a family of 4 with a 5yr old and a 2yr old. House worked well for us, but seemed more like a money maker for them than a "Home away from Home" Airbnb.
Pros: Hands down, you can not get a better location in Lisbon. With the windows open, you can hear the busy pedestrian street below, with lots of shops and cafes, we could not have asked for more.
Cons: 1) Communication: Communication before our trip was good. Answers from Isabel were short, but she did answer my questions in a timely manner. What really got to me was when we arrived in Lisbon at 11pm. First off, after finding the apartment, Isabel gives us the wrong code to get in the door, so I have 2 little children who are extremely tired and we could not get in the building. Then, "she" provides us a phone number to call at 11pm!?! Luckily I bought an international phone plan before we left. I was thrown off guard when a man answered the phone. I told him we could not get into the building, and he responds "Ya, I gave you the wrong code". First off, where is Isabel, and why would you send me the wrong code for my 11pm check-in? After entering the building, we could not find the second floor lock box, he then tells me to "Proceed with Calm and call me back" and then he hangs up on me! NOT COOL!!! Does Isabel even exist?
2) Check-in: This place HAS to get a new check-in system!!! We were given the wrong code, then the right code, then a phone number, then you have to find a lock box, then enter the code for the lock box, then you get the key. It was such a hassle and with poor communication at this moment, it was NOT a smooth process.
3) TV: There is a TV in the apartment, but no remote control, so that was a façade. Heads up!
4) Amenities: If the CEO of Airbnb saw this place, he would likely be disappointed. There was literally nothing in the kitchen, no salt, pepper, sugar, or anything you would call a basic amenity. The refrigerator was literally empty and warm, and since you are right in the city center, there are no supermarkets around. It was a serious struggle just to find a bottle of water that night. I have stayed at numerous Airbnb's over the years and most owners will provide you with water in the fridge, basic spices and oils, some even leave wine and snacks, but not this place. Nothing.
5) Safety: There is a giant nail that sticks up out of the hard wood floor. My son stepped on it, he cried, I was pissed, FIX IT!!!
I sometimes wonder how owners of rentals like this one would feel if they stayed in their own place. Would Isabel be 100% satisfied with her own apartment? I doubt it. Apparently they don't drink water or use the kitchen ever.
This is not a "Home away from Home"