Nine O Clock San Agustin by Valcambre

The location is handy for seeing the city, about halfway between Santa Justa train station and the cathedral. Inside, the apartment is spacious, with high ceilings, modern practical decor, and two air-conditioning units that work very well. But there’s a strong sewer smell in the entrance and bathroom. The shower and sink drain slowly, leaving standing water that adds to the odor, and there are damp patches on the exterior walls. Being on the ground floor also means a lot of traffic noise, and the windows have no blinds, so the rooms don’t get fully dark for sleeping. The kitchen doesn’t have enough utensils or good control over supplies. There were only three teaspoons for four of us. There’s no dishwasher or washing machine, although an iron and ironing board are provided. The fridge is small and has no freezer. Check-in means meeting a staff member to get the keys. A code system would be useful these days, so guests wouldn’t have to work around set schedules.

I booked six nights, and on day one found small worms in the shower. I hoped it was a one-off, but by the fourth day cockroaches were appearing around the accommodation, including in the hallways, rooms, and bathroom. There was also a persistent unpleasant sewage smell throughout the building, especially in the shared areas and bathroom. The poor hygiene made the stay stressful and uncomfortable. This place doesn’t meet basic cleanliness standards, and based on my experience I can’t recommend it.