O Sardinhas

Check-in and checkout were easy. The place was central, clean, and cozy.

I had a confirmed reservation, but ended up outside at 10 pm with my suitcase, trying to find somewhere to sleep. I’m sharing what happened so other travelers know this can happen. The website said check-in was available until 10:30 pm. Even so, I got three calls asking me to arrive earlier, around 9:30 to 10, because that suited them better. I had to take a taxi and pay extra, which matters when you’re a student carefully planning expenses. When I arrived, the room was nothing like the photos. It was extremely stuffy, the air conditioner barely worked, and the window wouldn’t open. At first they said they would refund me, then they simply told me to leave and find somewhere else. By then it was around 10 pm. Finding a place that late is very hard, since many accommodations stop check-in after that. I’m not local. I’d come from another city after work for my studies and had planned the trip in advance. Instead, I was left standing outside with my luggage, looking for a bed. They did return my money, but that didn’t make up for the stress, the extra taxi cost, or having to book another place urgently at a much higher price. This was highly unprofessional treatment. Even with a confirmed booking, you may still be left without accommodation late in the evening.

The room had a mini fridge and hair dryer, and there are bakeries nearby for breakfast. The house entrance has stairs. At night, you could hear the metro, but it stopped around midnight and wasn’t constant. We were welcomed with a bottle of water, a personal mug, Maria biscuits, and chocolates, a lovely surprise. The landlord showed us the bedroom, bathroom, and shared area. Everything was clean and pleasant. We made good use of the kettle and the tea the host had left in the common area.

We enjoyed our two nights at Sardinhas and would definitely recommend it. Paulo was a great host. Our room, Sanduíche de Sardinha, was adorable, comfortable, and cozy, right next to a very comfortable living room. The place was clean and nicely decorated. There was liquid soap by the shower and sink, plus shampoo, face and bath towels, a heater, and extra blankets. No breakfast is served, but the bakery downstairs is delicious and well priced. The location is great, with a market, fruit shop, and pharmacy close by, plus plenty of restaurants and bars.