at Rua da Esperança 16? We wondered leerily as the cab dropped us off at our new address in Lisbon a few days ago. A door that could use some love, a couple of guys feeling no pain leaning against the wall of the bathroom-sized bar next door.
We buzz #2 as instructed. A woman shouts olá from above and gestures that we should push open the door. Our host, Paolo, has texted that he is unable to greet us personally as we have asked to check in early. But his cleaning mate (his words), Eduarda will welcome us.
Up two floors of creaky wooden stairs, we find the door to our apartment wide open. Eduarda doesn’t speak English but we understand that she wants us to go through to the bedrooms while she finishes mopping the floor in the bathroom and hallway.
Surprise! A modern, spacious apartment, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a regular kitchen with full sized appliances tastefully hidden behind white cupboard doors, a tiny laundry room, a private elevator.
Sure, we had read the specs and seen the pictures when we booked. But In the moment, I doubted.
Everything is comfortable and there is plenty of room to spread out. What a nice way to finish out our remaining days in Portugal.
Lest you think we are being unduly extravagant, all this is the same cost as a single room in a budget hotel is the U.S.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PPRY4M1UeEUroP8p8
If I could live in that apartment I’d consider moving to Lisbon.