AirBnB Series: Lisbon, Portugal

Overview:

For my 25th birthday I decided to take a trip to Lisbon, Portugal. It was a pretty random decision that was made easy by the fairly affordable plane ticket since it was February, therefore considered low season, then I was attracted to the weather which was much more enticing compared to the 20 degrees I was experiencing in Washington D.C. The decision was a no brainer so I promptly booked my ticket and moved on to the next step of trip planning: figuring out where to stay. Like most people I turned to Airbnb to guide me towards the affordable but authentic stays in Lisbon, Portugal and let me tell you it did not disappoint! A corner unit with floor to ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the city caught my eye. It seemed way too good to be true but without hesitation I booked my stay and obsessed over the pictures of the place for the next few weeks leading up to my trip. I obviously couldn’t keep it a secret so this is my unfiltered breakdown of the my experience including the pros and cons of the apartment.

Location

The apartment is located in Chiado, a culturally rich and historic part of Lisbon with luxury shopping, theatre and museums for your immediate needs . I personally see Chiado as unbeatable due to it being within walking distance to most attractions in the city, including the Praca Do Comerco and Lisbons famous Pink Street (Rua Nova Do Carvalho), tons of shops and restaurants. The apartment was a 2 minute walk from the Baixa-Chiado metro station, the tram passed by the front of the building, and the Cais do Sodre train station provided access to reach places that are further away (e.g. Belem, Sintra). Where ever you go you’ll have a way to reach your destination!

Cleanliness/ Decor/ Functionality

The apartment is extremely clean and decorated with funky art pieces. The host provides you with everything needed to make the stay comfortable: WiFi, fully equipped kitchen with all appliances (toaster, coffee maker, electric kettle, microwave, washer, dishwasher, refrigerator, oven), toiletries, towels, extra pillows, extra blanket for the sofa bed. I personally think this place is perfect for solo travelers or couples because the space isn’t huge but it’s functional. The bathroom is on the smaller side however, the glass window that looks into the bedroom gives the illusion that there’s more space then there is and I think it adds an element of freakiness lol. Of course, there’s the option to pull the blinds down for added privacy.

Amenities:

The LovelyStay manages the apartment and are quick to respond and fullfill any needs you might have. They’re available 24 hours by phone or Airbnb messenger. They were very flexible and allowed me to enter the apartment before the check-in time since I had an early flight. However, they are strict about the checkout time which was promptly at 11am but they’re able to hold your luggage in a nearby office. Obviously the floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views of Lisbon including the Tagus River is the biggest selling point. It’s perfect for catching both the sunsets and sunrise with the added benefit of opening the sliding windows during the hotter months. Imagine sitting on the sofa a glass of green wine in hand watching as the sun sets and the sky changes colors. I can’t think of a better way to end the day!

Cons:

Here are some cons that didn’t bother me nor did it ruin my experience however, I know some people are way picker than me and they might find issue with these concerns.

No toiletries (ie body wash, lotion, toothpaste)
I found it really difficult to open the building doors. The locks are located all the way at the bottom of the door which isn’t safe when coming back to the apartment during the night.

Overall this is one of the most impressive AirBnBs I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing and there’s the added bonus of being affordable. If you’re inclined to book this for the next time you’re in Lisbon, Portugal go here.