Alfama Guest House

It was an adequate stay for me as a solo traveler for a couple of nights. It’s cheap, clean enough, well located, and I didn’t get bedbug bites. I even slept 8 hours straight on the low-quality mattress, though I could feel the springs. The room was reasonably clean, the towels seemed new and were decently white, though thin, and it was mostly quiet apart from pigeons cooing out back. The room at the back could use a mirror, some shelves, and a luggage rack. The only mirror is in the bathroom, and it’s too low for me to use without bending awkwardly to shave or do my hair. The bathroom was surprisingly clean, except for the shower curtain, which had black mold spots. The toilet seat wasn’t attached either. They’re making at least 600€ a day in profit, so surely they can spend 10€ once a month on a new curtain, or get a fabric one that resists mold. They should fix or replace the toilet seat too. A little upkeep would make the guest experience better, and they’re making excellent profit here. There’s no elevator, and it’s 67 stairs to the place. I treated it as exercise, but older people or anyone weak with heavy bags could have a hard time. There is a kitchen, but I didn’t use it. The African guy in another room cooked and ate for three hours, then came back to cook just before midnight while I was trying to sleep. That’s the kind of annoying thing you have to put up with in a hostel, and it didn’t help that my room was right beside the kitchen. It’s not as bad as some people have said, and a few improvements could make it better. It’ll never be The Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons, but it doesn’t pretend to be. At this low price, you can’t expect a fantastic place. You have to judge it on its price scale. I wanted something cheap, clean, in a good location, and without bedbugs. That’s what I got.

The location is really good, close to everything, but sadly the place wasn’t very clean. We had to use the shared bathroom, and the bathtub was dirty. The shower curtain was dirty and moldy, and the kitchen was useful but dirty too. The beds were okay, though the big one was tilted and not very comfortable. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend staying here. You can find cheaper options with better quality.

The room was barely 1.5-2 meters across, with just a bed, and the shared bathroom and kitchen were both awful. The smell was unbearable. For three nights, the price was €167, but the photos bore no resemblance to reality, and I had to cancel because the accommodation was so bad. They charge a 50% commission for cancellations or no-shows, so they make money when people cancel, which seems like a clever business for them. The apartment has five or six rooms, with two Indian or Pakistani workers in each. The surrounding area is mostly an Indian and Pakistani community. Avoid this place. It’s horrible. I suspect the positive reviews were written by the owner’s friends.

There was no running water for days, and the windowless room was on the fifth floor with no lift. The kitchen was just one sink, and a horrible smell lingered throughout the place. The only things in its favor were the location and decent cleanliness. This was the worst experience ever, and even one star feels too generous. I’d strongly recommend staying somewhere else.