Perfect location and a beautiful apartment, not ideal for families with kids probably.
This review is from a family point of view.
The apartment is beautiful and beautifully located in a neighbourhood that is within walking distance from the main attractions, but not in the tourist area (which is an added value to me). This is an authentic neighbourhood with the charm of the old city: small quiet streets only accessible by feet and lived by locals.
THE APARTMENT
It is not big but conveniently refurbished (as you can see from the pictures).
We expected a bit more in terms of accessories. There's a washing machine, a dishwashing machine, a vacuum cleaner (not particularly efficient though), a fridge, a freezer, dishes, cutlery and cookware. But you are expected to buy everything else: salt, sugar, oil, paper napkins, rags for basic cleaning, shower gel. It is probably meant for longer stays.
Hand soap, dishcloth and dish soap were available instead. We could have used a few more hangers in the house. Stoves, oven and in general the furniture in the kitchen is modern and of good quality.
There are many steps inside the apartment, that make it even more charming, if possible, but that also gave us some anxiety for our kid (who instead loved them).
Towels and bed linen are provided in abundance.
CHECK-IN
You have to pick up the keys from a different location at about 15 mins walk from the apartment.
ACCESSIBILITY and NEIGHBOURHOOD.
Well, the neighbourhood is exactly what we were looking for. At walking distance of the main attractions but not shaped around tourists. It is near the river and you have a beautiful view over the neighbourhood and river from the window. This is an authentic part of the city with all the magic atmosphere you may expect from an old town (go check the nearby school if you have a chance).
Be aware though that steps are involved. The area stretches along the side of a hill.
The apartment is not easily accessible by car and taxi drivers will not be happy, so we understood it is more convenient to give them alternative pick-up points (like the nearby church).
An escalator is available nearby the apartment, but with a stroller, you'll have to carry it across about 30 steps every time you head out. After this, on the way to the local church, there is a street with wheelchair access though.
CLEANLINESS
The apartment was generally clean, but the cleaning was probably made a bit in a hurry. You could notice it in some corners and in general in the amount of dust covering the surfaces (especially in the bathroom) after a few days. We didn't use shoes in the apartment and we only had 2 meals in it (we never cooked).
On a good note, we can only complain about some dust. Everything seemed appropriately disinfected (which is the most important thing).
FAMILIES
Again, we loved the neighbourhood, but I must say it might result in being a bit tricky if you have a stroller.
We had a medical emergency with our baby. There are no words to describe how supportive the whole neighbourhood was. It moved us.
You have groceries, cafes, small restaurants (please try REFUGIO 122... it is all about comfort homemade food) and a small shop around the corner. LOVED IT!
The double bed is not particularly big. We managed to sleep with the baby between us, but not ideal for that.
WORTH?
The apartment itself is more suitable for longer stays, you will have to buy the basics for cooking and for cleaning.
Not ideal for families with small kids, but we kind of got used to it. The small street with wheelchair access is of vital importance.
The house is a modernly furnished apartment in a traditional neighbourhood. It could use some more attention to a few details, but in general terms, the value for money ratio is very good.