Alfama Design Suites Guesthouse

Disappointing
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : Property was central to all of the attractions that I was interested in.
  : I arrived and my room door was open. Once I walked in I noticed that it had not bee cleaned. There seemed to have been a mixed up in communication b/t the cleaning staff and the owner. I wasnt upset as these things do happen, but after having been on a flight for 9 1/2 hours, I was tired and wanted to relax. I ended up leaving my bags and went out to grab dinner. Once I returned, my room was clean but something felt a bit off. Later that night; after having gone out to meet up with friends; I returned and noticed that I couldnt gain access the building - the code wasnt working. I called Jo and was informed that their may have been some kind of malfunction and that I needed to access the lockbox to get a spare. This did annoy me because it was quite late and while the area was relatively safe; anything couldve happen while I was attempting and re-attempting the code to the lockbox to acquire the key. And, the issue wasnt resolved right away as I had the same issue the next day. Not to mention, the WiFi was substandard & didnt work most days. I probably wouldnt recommend this place regardless of its location.

Very Good
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler

Disappointing
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : Good location and comfortable bed. Quiet at night ( I was there in November..)
  : Disapointed due to the discrepancy between the photos on booking portal ( look very nice) and the reality. Romm felt claustrofobic with windows facing the walls of other buildings (there is a very small patio below but it does not improve the feeling) It felt like being more in a cave . Small room, looks like was being partly renowated few years ago, but poorly mainted (only 1 light was working out of several lamps in the room and cieling). if you move the lamp, even that one stopped working. All that electric power setting did not look safe to me. Very dirty ventilation ( dust , mold) in the bathroom .. ) I complained about this but did not see any staff, nobody came during 2 days stay. Spoke with manager on the phone immediatelly when arrived to the room as felt claustrophobic, he was polite and offered 50% reinbursment if I find other accomodation. I was too tired ( coming in the evening) and did eventually dif not change accommodation therefore cannot say if this would happen or not.

Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple

Very Good
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler

Pleasant
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : The location was convenient to take the tram to the centre, the lounge and kitchen seemed nice but we didn't use them. The door system with pin codes was simple and better than carrying round keys.
  : There was a dampness in our room and no windows, the bathroom was very squashed and you can hear everything. The room wasn't cleaned once in the 4 nights we stayed - they told us it was scheduled for the Thursday but the cleaner turned up at 6pm when we were resting. The staff were helpful and friendly via the app, but stopped replying after I reported the room hadn't been cleaned.

Pleasant
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : The property is well located. We had room 23 which had the perfect view of passing trams. However if you are sensitive to noise, it may not be suitable for you. We didnt mind it. It was also a good size and we appreciated the communal kitchen. Also the table fan was appreciated.
  : I can imagine that when this property first opened, it looked stunning. But it needs better maintenance and attention from the operators. The bathroom smelled of mildew and it is something that can only be rectified by proper ventilation. The room didnt feel clean. The sheets and towels were clean and Im sure the floors were mopped but the bed frame and headboard are made of fabric and it was stained throughout as was the chair. There was water damage to the ceiling and walls with peeling plaster. I appreciate that these things happen what with the bad weather, we didnt notice any smells from it but a warning would have been appreciated that there was damage and it has been rectified and they needed time for it to dry. Also, as a female traveller, I would have preferred an additional interior thumb turn lock for the door so I felt I had control with security. Also the door wasnt sealed, when closed there is a clear gap. Thankfully all the other guests were quiet and considerate. All in all, I didnt enjoy the stay as much as I hoped. I appreciated the consideration that went into the design, I love a raw plaster finish but when its not maintained and its blown with water damage, it left me feeling more like I was on a low budget backpacking trip rather than a city getaway. Note that I did not complain to the operator when there, I checked the websites and there werent any other rooms available so for ease we just carried on. This is meant to be constructive feedback, with some measures it would really bring the offering up several notches to feel like simple luxury.