Lisbon Apartment Review
We’ve rented our share of apartments in Europe for our travels, and none of them has this place beat. Owner Olivier knows what he’s doing here.
COMMUNICATION: Olivier does a great job touching base at booking and beyond. We did have some problems, however, communicating with our airport driver pick-up initially; fortunately Olivier had given us a back-up phone number and we got everything resolved. Our driver, Dee, was friendly, helpful and informative in getting us settled in the apartment.
LOCATION: Couldn’t be better! You are very close to all the action while being just a street or two away enough to avoid the bulk of the city noise. You can easily walk to most central tourist destinations, especially if you take time to figure out all the cool elevator/escalator/funicular options (which you should because they’re fun!)
TRANSPORTATION: There’s a taxi rank nearby in front the Placa do Comercio and a tuk tuk rank just a block down the street from the apartment--especially helpful when needing to avoid dragging your rolled suitcases across bumping roads to Rossio train station.
APARTMENT: Roomy, clean, comfortable, tastefully outfitted. The kitchen is beautifully equipped with dishes, utensils and cookery. While there’s a microwave and a good stovetop, be aware that there’s no oven. We appreciated having a dishwasher and an easy-to-use washing machine. (There is no dryer, but our clothing seemed to dry easily when placed on a towel on the bed.) Both machines come supplied with the necessary soaps.
Though perhaps firmer than my personal taste, the beds are fine. The heaters/air conditioners are simple to use, effective, and adjustable in each room. The nearest larger grocery, Pingo Doce, is just off the closest cross-street, Rue Da Madelena; just walk about 1/4 mile up the hill-- no problem if you’re in any kind of shape at all. We learned to kick off our mornings with visits to the small cafe on our corner almost directly below us with their variety of fresh squeezed juices (try the strawberry juice, yum!)
The elevator initially looks a bit old and scary, but it worked great and we grew to love it for its style and function. We also found the use of codes for building and apartment entrances an efficient contrast to carrying and using actual keys.
The wi-fi is strong. The showers/bath have plenty of hot water with excellent water pressure.
OVERALL: I wouldn’t hesitate to book at this place again, and neither should you!