Our habit is to visit a city somewhere in Spain or elsewhere in Europe for a few days before we catch our final flight back to Canada. This year we decided to spend four nights in Lisbon. I made a hotel booking but then went in search of something a little more interesting. What I came up with was Lisbon Serviced Apartments. They operate several in Lisbon like the one pictured above where we stayed (Baixa Castelo). All of them have been purposefully re-fitted with compact studio, one-bedroom, and a few two-bedroom apartments. They function somewhat like a hotel, offering responsive staff, daily cleaning service, an in-room safe for security, along with all the comforts of a small apartment, including a well-equipped kitchen. The building we stayed in, had an elevator.
What is truly unique about these apartment buildings is that everything is done electronically and remotely… fully automated! You use a voice box to gain access to the lobby and then check in at their “virtual reception” kiosk. Much of the check-in can be simplified if you follow their online process up to three days before you arrive (e.g.scanning of passport). No keys are issued. At check-in you receive keypad codes to get ongoing access to the building and your apartment. They do have people who will respond quickly to 24-hour phone requests. There is a free phone in the lobby if you arrive without one. We had to have someone come and assist us with a problem with the safe. It might all sound a little too difficult, but it went very well for us. Our apartment cost was €153.72 per night. The hotel room I had booked prior to finding this apartment, and subsequently cancelled, cost more than this. Have a look.
“In the Camera’s Eye” presents fast and furious snippets of things that have grabbed my attention… for whatever reason. I will be attempting to capture the essence of what I am sharing in no more than two paragraphs and 10 or fewer photos with captions.
*Note – Although I think people should know about this accommodation option in Lisbon, I do not explicitly endorse it. Although it worked quite nicely for us, it may or may not work for you. You are best suited to judge that.”
* Bonus Photo
