This is a tastefully modernised apartment which the photographs reflect accurately. Clean and well maintained, it's in a quaint neighbourhood only a few minutes' walk from Placa Rossio (now renamed Placa Dom Pedro IV). Amenities are good, and the bathroom is excellent. We made extensive and continuous use of the internet, listening to UK stations, and found the wifi performance more than adequate. Travellers who stay longer than our five days might find the external clothes lines convenient.
The owners provided good customer service, sending us reassuring documentation in advance and meeting us promptly when we arrived. They also booked a taxi for our departure at 5 a.m. and confirmed that they had made the booking.
We dined at two restaurants in the immediate area, both of which we would recommend. Floresta de Santana is a family run business, and Solar 31 is larger and better known. Reservations are advisable in both cases.
Attractions which we particularly enjoyed were:
- the castle (if you don't want to walk up, don't bother with the overcrowded tram number 28 for which there were long queues. Use bus 737 which leaves from Placa Figueira). Splendid views, and a green and tranquil ambience. Surprisingly, it was easy to get a seat outside the coffe shop.
- the Culture Centre in Belem. After a hot and crowded tram ride from Cais de Sodre Metro station, the restaurant here was an air conditioned delight. Terrific modern art gallery too.
- Sintra, of course. We had lunch at Dona Maria on a terrace with a view over towards the Atlantic. This restaurant is a little away from the maoin centre, and so was not crowded. And don't miss the Moorish castle. Use tourist bus 434 which joins the sights on a circular tour.
- a stroll down the Avenida da Liberdade, a wide tree lined boulevard.
- the highly professional bands in the Praca do Comercio.
In sum , we loved both the apartment and the location, and will certainly be returning. We would have no hesitation in recommending this property.