Bairro Studio Apartment - by LU Holidays

This place should be on Airbnb and not on Hotels.com. Make sure you read the small lines... there are a 35 euros cleaning service that you have to PAY CASH at check in. I called Hotels.com 10 days before arriving and requested for a cancellation as it was not a great deal after all, the landlord refused to refund me stating that I should have read the small lines and it was non-refundable. I arrived for check in at 8:40 pm like agreed with the landlord by whatsapp, they let me the key under the mat and then requested me stay to wait and pay for this cleaning service CASH (even if the room was already paid for and there was no mention whatsoever of the necessity to pay cash and not by credit card) and they could not make it until 10 PM. Needless to say this was far from a seemless experience, I had to run in the street, look for cash and after a long negociation I was allowed to leave the room for my appointment and let the money in my room for which thay had a key. I have been a hotels.com satisfied client for countless years and this is the first time I have had such a bad experience. Paying a cleaning fee on a HOTEL reservation website is not normal.

1. Extra fees: they texted me the day before arrival, saying that there would be an extra $42 cleaning fee which was not disclosed on hotels.com when I booked it; 2: long delay in checking in: even though I informed them that we would arrive around 11pm, nobody came to check us in till almost midnight. 3: bad smell in bathroom: something is probably wrong w one of the bathroom drain. I am amazed that hotels.com listed this as 4-star. I noticed lated booking.com has it as 3-star. Even that is way too generous giving how poor the service is.

Booking increased by 50% on arrival due to a “cleaning fee”. I tried to cancel but the host declined. When I told them the issue they got very rude and claimed it was my fault. While the room and the person who checked me in were great, the owner is rude and tried to scam me. Unfortunately I couldn’t cancel or would have lost my payment.

I had an amazing time staying at this place. The apartment's owners were attentive, responsive and kind. I loved the location! As a single woman traveler, I loved that I was able to be in the middle of all of the action of Bairro Alto, but feel safe and secure. The apartment itself was clean, new and equipped with everything I needed. I stayed for less than a week and indulged in the late night scene so noise was never a factor for me, but you will be given earplugs. I appreciated that because at least you know ahead of time what to expect. The only thing that was a bit off-putting was the bed. I was hoping it would be one full sized bed, but it is two twin-sized beds put together which can be a little uncomfortable. Even so, when I return to Portugal I wouldn't mind staying in this place and I think it's ideal for couples or single travelers wanting a bit more of privacy while still experiencing the bustling nightlife of Lisbon.

Most friendly and helpful hosts ever!!! Lovely apartment in a great spot in Lisbon. Had such a great stay. Thank you for your kindness and for making our stay in Lisbon so comfortable and nice.