COVID-19 SPECIAL: As long as there are international travel restrictions in Portugal for booked dates, guests that now make their reservation, are allowed to change their booking dates without any penalty. With direct views over the Tagus and a fabulous terrace where you can wind down at the end of the day, this apartment is close to one of Alfama’s main streets. Yet it is quiet as it is located between a street with no traffic and pedestrian alleys leading down to the riverfront. With colorful interiors and close to all that matters in this fascinating quarter, you could not pick a better apartment for your short (or long) break in Lisbon.DESCRIPTIONThe apartment’s main feature is its privileged terrace overlooking the never-ending changes in the colors of the Tagus – from dawn to sunset -, and the misty, thin line of houses, backed by the Serra da Arrábida mountains, far across the river, on the south bank. The terrace is equipped with chairs and a table for meals and a patio umbrella to protect guests from what can sometimes be a blazing sun. All around the terrace are lovely rooftops and colorful façades. The apartment has 3 bedrooms (one of them windowless) and multicolored, modern interiors with lovely lace curtains in the bedrooms. The kitchen is fully equipped and the sun-drenched living room is connected to the terrace. The perfect accommodation for those who enjoy tradition, scenic views and proximity to cultural attractions.NEIGHBORHOODThe apartment’s location is perfect, not only as it is next to some national “jewels”, but also because it’s close to streets where the locals greet each other from balcony to balcony and buy food from nearby shops, many of which haven’t changed for decades! This is the true soul of Lisbon, a lively, fascinating quarter with layer upon layer of history.This fascinating quarter is a unique combination of centuries-old monuments, craft workshops, hidden palaces, lovely corners, old-time cafés and hanging bougainvillea that bring color to white-washed walls and lively squares where you can have a lovely meal for a very reasonable price - sardines are typical, so don’t forget to eat some with the usual baked potatoes, grilled peppers, maybe a crème brûlée for dessert, accompanied by plenty of sangria (or wine). Fado restaurants and taverns are also numerous here, because Alfama is the true heart of Lisbon’s Fado, a song whose influences go back to the time of Arab occupation (8th – 12th century AD). Yet, it only became Portugal’s national song in the early 19th century, when the Portuguese royalty fell in love with it (as did everybody else). Since 2011, Fado has been considered part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage.This is a neighborhood of people who chat from balcony to balcony, where they sometimes hang out their clothes to dry. Typical and traditional, Alfama is a soulful quarter where locals are intense, monuments are beautiful and the many streets and corners wonderful to photograph. This is probably Lisbon’s most romantic quarter. From here you can reach most of old, historic Lisbon on foot. On your way, you’ll also come across grocers, shoemakers and other artisans who have been selling their products for over 40 years! This is real, genuine Lisbon, the one most visitors fall in love with at first sight.The apartment is within walking distance of some of Lisbon’s highlights: 5 min from the Fado Museum, the National Pantheon (where the Portuguese royal family and prestigious Portuguese are buried) and the convent of São Vicente de Fora; São Jorge Castle and the Sé Cathedral are about 10 min away; Praça do Comércio and downtown Rossio square no more than 20 min; aristocratic Chiado and alternative Bairro Alto quarters – about 25 min. Of course, you’ll also have to explore Belém – the museum quarter. So please take a bus or a tram and spend some time there. There’s loads to see in Belém!Nearby, less than a 5 min walk away, runs the ultra-famous 28 tram line which passes through some of the city’s best historical areas, as well as Santa Apolónia metro and train station, which links Lisbon to all the major cities. The metro network reaches a good part of Lisbon. Metro and buses can also take you to Cais do Sodré train station, which serves the beautiful Cascais and Estoril summer resorts, or to Rossio train station, from where you can reach Lord Byron’s beloved town of Sintra. FACTSHEET- accommodates 7- 1 terrace with fantastic river view- living/dining room opening to the terrace- 3 bedrooms (one with no windows) they all have the option of 1 double or 2 singles; there is an extra bed in one of the bedrooms.- 2 bathrooms with showers- fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washer/dryer, coffee machine, juicer, kettle, microwave and others)- Area: 70 square meters- Officially registered as local accommodation : 12808/ALApartment includesTowels and linenFree wi-fiFlat screen TV with multi international channelsHairdryer1 baby cot and 1 baby chair (if required)Welcome amenities (coffee, tea, sugar, salt, olive oil, vinegar, toilet paper and hand soap). Kindly note this is a self-catering apartment. These items will not be replaced during your stay.We have prepared a booklet with general information about Lisbon. Apart from some of its main highlights, it includes suggestions regarding restaurants, bars, shopping, transport and special neighborhoods, as well as some unique recommendations that will make all the difference to your time with us. INTERACTION WITH GUESTSWe are your “friends in town” and will be delighted to help you enjoy a real and authentic Lisbon experience. We hold our guests’ needs and comfort in high esteem and are always available to provide you with information and tips about the city and its surroundings. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION-1st floor with no lift- area restricted to cars. Private vehicles can go as far as the street starts (about 100 meters from the apartment). Taxis, however, can leave you outside the apartment. There is a public car park nearby (350 m next to the river and Santa Apolónia Station for € 8 / 24h)- there is a refundable security deposit of 350€ (payable with credit card through the Paypal system - no need to have a Paypal account)- check-in: from 4 pm / check-out: from 8 to 11 am. There is no problem in arriving late; however please note that after 10 pm there will be a late check-in fee*. If you need a different check-in / check-out time, please let us know. We’ll try to make it as flexible as possible as we want our guests to feel relaxed and happy (it depends mainly on whether it interferes with other reservations or not). - Additionally, upon check-in or departure, we are happy to keep your luggage in our office for a few hours if possible.*late check-in fee: 30€ (from 10pm); 40€ (from midnight). The key can be collected from a safe box at our office and check-in can be done the next morning at no extra cost. There is also a delay fee of 20€ should you arrive more than 2 hours after the scheduled arrival time. In this case, you might have to wait as it will be necessary to reschedule the day’s check-ins.HOUSE RULESWe thank you in advance for respecting our house rules. They are very important to us.Please find them below:- note that you’ll be staying in a residential building. We kindly ask you to respect your neighbors’ rest and privacy- quiet hours from 10 pm to 8 am (loud noise is not permitted during this period)- strictly no parties- no smoking in the apartment and in the building’s common areas- no pets- upon check-out, please do not leave any garbage, dirty dishes or food in the fridge.If house rules are not respected the refundable deposit will have to be activated.- please note that if you are visiting us on a stag or hen break, we can only accept your group provided all house rules are strictly accepted and followed. Please notify us in advance and we’ll try to make an exception.
