Varandas De Lisboa - Tejo River Apartments & Rooms

This accommodation offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its spacious apartments often featuring beautiful river views, set within a historic building that blends original charm with modern comfort. Its signature feature is its exceptional central location, placing guests directly amidst Lisbon's vibrant heart. This makes it an ideal choice for families and groups seeking ample space and self-catering options, as well as sightseers and explorers who wish to navigate the city's attractions on foot. While the lively surroundings contribute to its appeal, guests should be prepared for potential noise, particularly from neighboring units or the street. To ensure a smoother arrival, it is advisable to clarify the best entrance for luggage, as some access points involve stairs before reaching the elevator.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently praise the well-appointed kitchens within the apartments, which are often described as spacious and fully fitted, including amenities like a dishwasher and a large fridge. While some found the kitchen equipment rudimentary for extensive cooking, it was generally sufficient for preparing coffee, warming food, or storing beverages. For rooms without private facilities, the shared bathrooms are noted for being impeccably clean, modern, and plentiful, ensuring convenience. The building provides an elevator for access to rooms, though guests with heavy luggage should be aware that the main front entrance may require carrying bags up a flight of stairs to reach it, with a more accessible back entrance sometimes available. Luggage storage before check-in and after check-out is a highly appreciated service.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The accommodation consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness, with guests frequently describing rooms as "spotless," "immaculately clean," and "very well maintained," often benefiting from daily housekeeping and towel changes. The spaciousness of the apartments, particularly the two-bedroom units, is a significant highlight, providing ample room for families and groups. However, feedback on bed comfort is mixed; while many found the beds comfortable, a notable number of guests reported them as too firm or feeling the metal frame beneath thin cushions. Noise levels are a recurring theme, with some guests experiencing disturbance from street activity late into the night, early morning noises from adjacent units, or sound carrying through thin walls or wooden floors from upstairs neighbors. Despite this, many rooms are described as quiet and comfortable, with some featuring air conditioning and coffee makers.

Location & Accessibility
The central location is overwhelmingly cited as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, including Alfama, the main plaza, and the waterfront. Proximity to public transport, including metro and train stations, is also highly valued, facilitating exploration of the wider city. While the area is vibrant and convenient for walking, parking can be challenging, with some guests noting the need to drag luggage from distant parking spots, making it less ideal for those traveling by car. Accessibility for rideshare services like Uber is frequently mentioned as problematic, with drivers sometimes struggling to locate the exact pick-up point directly in front of the building, requiring guests to walk to a nearby street corner.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism, knowledge of the local area, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is described as smooth and accommodating, with staff often facilitating early arrivals or late departures. A particularly appreciated service is the convenient luggage storage offered both before check-in and after check-out, allowing guests to explore the city unencumbered. The housekeeping team is also commended for their efficiency and for maintaining the rooms in pristine condition throughout guests' stays.

Additional Information
The accommodation is housed within a beautifully renovated historic building, preserving much of its original charm while incorporating modern amenities. Guests should be aware of the unique entrance configuration, as the primary front entrance may require navigating stairs before reaching the elevator, which can be challenging with heavy luggage. While the location is highly convenient for exploring on foot, guests relying on rideshare services should anticipate potential difficulties with direct pick-ups and drop-offs due to the street layout. The presence of a coffee shop and numerous restaurants immediately adjacent to the building's entrance provides convenient dining options without needing to venture far.