Lost Lisbon - Cais do Sodré

Breakfast is part of the experience here. You help yourself, so just enjoy it. The owner was always helpful, and the place was clean and hygienic. Most tourist spots, good places to eat and pubs are within walking distance. If you want to stay in an old building in Lisbon's most vibrant neighborhood, come here. At Lost Lisbon Cais House, little pieces of the past have been preserved, and staying there feels like a bit of time travel.

There's no reception, but whenever we saw a staff member, like the cleaning lady, they were really kind and welcoming. The location is perfect. Breakfast tastes good and feels like eating at home since you get things from the fridge and make it yourself. There's a stovetop for eggs or warming milk. Our room was big and very clean, with a large private bathroom just across from the sleeping area. There's also a chill-out space called the living room where you can relax all day.

It feels like a mix of a hotel and a bed and breakfast, rather than an upgraded hostel. There's a shared sitting and breakfast area, and people are more welcoming and talk to each other. Artists decorated the place, and the rooms have a minimalist look. The pillows were good, and the rooms and bathrooms were large and very clean. I found it perfect. If it cost a bit less, I'd stay somewhere like this for a couple of weeks. The host or manager is nice and easy to reach, and the location is great. A few things that may bother some people, though not me: it's up two flights of stairs, with quite a lot of steps, there's no A/C, only a fan, and there's no TV.

The entrance alley smelled strongly of urine when we checked in and again late at night. The smell reached through the entrance and up to the second floor. The area also has some rundown buildings and graffiti. There was construction next door, but closing the windows reduced the noise. Such a shame, since I loved staying here and thought it was a great place. The smell is unacceptable, even though it's not the hostel's fault. I'd hose down the entrance at least twice a day! The location is excellent, across from the sea, and the staff were lovely and helpful. The rooms and bathrooms were spotless. Breakfast is self-serve, with a full fridge and fresh fruit, and the hostel is cute and nicely decorated.