Oasis Backpackers' Mansion Lisboa

The staff were great and the location is perfect, which are the hostel's saving graces. The room was small, the bathroom dirty, and the website photos gave a misleading impression. On the first floor, the shower has no door, so water runs all over the floor. Someone had left a tube of toothpaste that was turning brown and nobody did anything about it. Loud music and partying went on late into the night. Good for partying, but not a good place to live.

The one thing this hostel needs is more bathrooms. Otherwise, it felt almost magical, with a warm, sociable atmosphere that made it easy to meet people. The bar was good and very reasonably priced. Each evening Mariana, the chef, cooked the meal herself. For 5 euros you got a main dish and dessert, and the food tasted divine. The whole team was welcoming and friendly. Thanks to Lucas for showing us Lisbon at night, it was unforgettable.

The wifi works well and the location is good. I picked this place because it was supposed to be a coworking hostel, but the other guests were loud enough that I couldn't get much work done. I also paid extra for a room with a safe, only to find the safes couldn't be used. If you're checking out before 9am, you need to call someone to come over, so plan ahead if you have an early flight or bus. It wasn't dirty like some other reviews claimed, but there were several downsides.

I liked the tasteful decor and the roominess, and the location was great. The private room still left me a little disappointed. I couldn't work out how to use the AC, and hauling all my luggage up the stairs was a pain. Neither was a deal breaker, but worth knowing before you book.