Margarida is a very friendly and helpful hostess. She made me beautiful bountiful breakfasts and laundered and folded my clothes. However, she speaks no English at all, which made it difficult for me, though she speaks many other languages. She also got me to speak with her English speaking son, on the phone, just after arrival, to clarify things. The rest of the time we struggled using google translator between English and Portuguese, and gestures, smiles and nods.
The room is very comfortable, bright, clean and fresh. However, the rest of her apartment has the distinct smell of her old dog. She also lives with two cats. They are all very friendly,
The location is perfect, right in the heart of the City. However, do not be surprised then that it is in a very noisy location. Staying during August, when it is hot, and as there is no air conditioning nor fan, the only relief is to keep the bedroom window open day and night. It is on the first floor. Right below are two laneway cafes, with noisy customers and staff all evening till about 1am. Somehow I managed to sleep right through this due to being absolutely exhausted walking around all day. But be prepared to be woken by the occasional mosquito, as there are no fly screens on the window. Also all day, from about 8am till 5pm a building right across the lane is being rebuilt, and there is constant noise of saws, grinders, drills and similar. But I was out exploring most of this time, so it was not an issue for me.