Madragoa - PLUS

Nothing

HORRIBLE. Scam. Total lack of professionalism. Communication was unpleasant and stressful. Extremely noisy, no aircon (just a noisy, dusty fan). Very cheap equipment. Beds are broken wooden planks with filthy thin mattresses, stained sheets. At 6am the room floods with light, impossible to sleep. Fake “kitchen” with plastic cups. Strange request of €150 cash deposit + €24 city tax, even though the tax had already been paid through Booking. One of the worst stays of my life — avoid at all costs. Horrible. Arnaque totale. Manque total de professionnalisme. Communication désagréable et stressante. Très bruyant, pas de clim (juste un ventilateur poussiéreux et bruyant). Équipement très bas de gamme. Lits sur une planche en bois avec matelas fins, draps tachés. À 6h du matin, lumière en plein visage, impossible de dormir. “Cuisine” bidon avec seulement deux verres à vin et des gobelets en plastique. Demande étrange de 150 € de caution en cash et 24 € de taxe de séjour, alors que cette taxe avait déjà été payée via Booking. Un des pires séjours de ma vie — à fuir absolument.

I really didn’t want to leave a negative review, but the host did a lot to make it happen and I believe it’s necessary to help maintain service standards. The apartment ± matches the description, and overall there were no major issues, apart from not functioning toilet (fixed by the host next evening).

Our whole impression was ruined by the host’s behavior. 1. Right after the free cancellation period ended, the host contacted us via WhatsApp asking for a €150 deposit, additional €24 city tax for 3 nights, and passport details. The city tax made our stay about 10% more expensive, and we had no choice but to pay. 2. At check-in, we paid the €150 deposit in cash, it was stated in the conditions on booking, so we didn't had problems with that, though we really don't understand for what in this flat could be taken deposit. We asked if it would be returned in cash at checkout and the host confirmed. On Friday check-out he did not show up and promised a deposit transfer instead. We contacted him on sunday, we didn't answer anything, we've tried to reach him via WA and phone during monday, — no answer. The refund only arrived the following Tuesday, forcing us to waste two days of our holiday stressing about it and trying to think where to find money that we were counting on. This too expensive experience for accomodation. 3. Later I found a Booking.com invoice confirming that the €24 city tax had already been included in our payment. After I contacted the host and demanded money back, he admitted he had “misunderstood” something and refunded the money the next day. Summary: If this was carelessness, it is unprofessional. If intentional, it is fraud. Our experience really had nothing in common with hospitality and care about your guest. Seems that this apartment is only for taking cash from dumb tourists. Not to spoil your vacation: be very cautious with deposits and extra fees; avoid communicating before check-in via WhatsApp and keep all messages in the Booking.com system, to have proofs. note that the service level does not match the price, especially compared to the wonderful hospitality you can experienced elsewhere in Portugal.

Está céntrico y bien conectado, con un paseo cómodo llegas a la estación de metro y al centro. Luis nos indicó muy bien y nos ayudó con preguntas, nos dijo como movernos por la ciudad y qué lugares visitar.

Las paredes son finas y se escucha cualquier ruido de la calle, sobre todo por la noche. Aunque es una zona normalmente tranquila, si hay ruido, se escucha bastante

A cama é confortável

Cozinha não é funcional. Utensílios velhos. Não há espaço para fazer uma refeição simples

Die Lage der Wohnung ist optimal, um zu Fuß die Stadt zu erkunden, in einer ruhigeren Wohngegend gelegen, eine sehr gute Anbindung alle Bus, Bahn, Metro etwas entfernt.

The host, Luis , was amazingly helpful. We could call him at night and he patiently answered our questions. The location of the apartment is good: 5 minutes to bus/tramp stop and 25 minutes walking to the city center. The apartment was very clean. It is very good for a solo traveler for the short stay.

The place is very small: something like 2x5 meters. When the sofa is opened it covers almost all width of the room. The kitchen is just a sink and window sill. It is so small that, although all amenities are provided, one cannot really use them.

The location was perfect - in a quiet, yet happening and gorgeous part of town. The apartment had everything that might be needed and the host was very friendly and accommodating. We even received a bottle of wine and water!