Modern one bedroom in the heart of trendy Principe Real
First floor, newly renovated one bedroom with private terrace in a small building in the heart of Lisbon’s famous Principe Real neighborhood, next to the Praca das Flores. Top quality queen size bed, modern bathroom, new kitchen, wifi and cable tv. You will be right at home for your next trip to Lisbon.
Sleeps 2. Minimum rental – 3 nights – 40-60€/night.
The apartment is located next to the Praca das Flores in the heart of Principe Real, the most central spot in Lisbon, with great restaurants, cafes, nightlife, shopping and access to everything.
Our stay at the Secret Garden I was our very first Airbnb experience and if this one was any indication, it will not be our last.
The apartment was exactly as posted, a small but very well designed modern space. As the bedroom is situated at the back of the apartment it was very quiet.
Located in the Barrio Alto – a typical older residential neighborhood in Lisbon – the apartment had all the amenities to make us feel right at home. With cafes, restaurants, wine merchant and a small grocery store within a short 2 or 3 minute walk made it an ideal location.
The location of this apartment is ideal as it provides easy access to most of the top attactions in Lisbon. We were easily able to walk to all the historic districts such as Chiato, Baixa and the Alfama and from there easy access to the Underground Metro, train stations, trams and buses for destinations outside the core area.
As our host, Glenn was awesome to deal with and extremely helpful, from his first welcome email to his helpful suggestions to get from the airport. For his guests, Glenn has prepared a very useful binder full of tips about the apartment, very good suggestions for restaurants, day trips and how to use public transportation to get around Lisbon.
Glenn was also very responsive to our questions and even made arrangements for an early taxi to meet us at the apartment to bring us to the train station.
We will certainly be recommending this apartment (and its host Glenn) to our friends and family for their own trip to Lisbon.
Jean and Della
New Brunswick, Canada
Mon épouse et moi-même avons séjourné du 15 au 22 mars 2016 dans l’appartement « Secret Garden I – Principe Real ». Suite à la réservation de l’appartement par mon épouse, tout s’est déroulé comme prévu pour notre séjour touristique à Lisbonne. Envoi, peu avant notre départ de France, d’un courriel par Glenn Cooper rappelant ses coordonnées téléphoniques pour lui confirmer notre arrivée à Lisbonne. Réponse téléphonique immédiate de Glenn Cooper (ce dernier parle un excellent français) à notre appel lors de notre arrivée à l’aéroport de Lisbonne. Transfert très facile par le métro de l’aéroport jusqu’à la station de métro Rato. De Rato vers l’appartement (1 km et ça descend !) compter environ 12-15 min à pied (même en tirant les valises) pour arriver à l’appartement. Au pied de l’appartement, une personne nous attendait pour nous donner les clefs et nous faire une description rapide des lieux (personne très aimable, échanges en Anglais, bien que la personne comprenne un peu le français).
Le quartier est très calme, typiquement lisboète, juste à côté d’une petite place très sympathique, la Praça das Flores. L’appartement est très confortable pour 2 personnes et entièrement conforme à la description donnée sur le site Web du loueur. Grand lit avec excellent matelas de 160 dans la chambre, salle d’eau complète, pièce séjour-repas-cuisine (plaques cuisson, 2 fours dont 1 micro-onde, etc.) aménagée avec télévision câblée (4 chaines francophones internationales + chaines anglophones internationales + chaines portugaises). Le Wifi inclus est à un très bon débit (15 Mbit). Un petit balconnet adjacent à l’appartement et donnant vers une petite cour intérieure est bien pratique pour les fumeurs (sachant qu’il est interdit de fumer dans l’appartement lui-même). Présence de nombreux documents touristiques et de recommandations du loueur (circuits, restaurants, etc.) dans l’appartement.
L’appartement est effectivement bien placé pour accéder au vieux Lisbonne. A pied (500 m, environ à 10 min) de la ligne mythique du tramway n°28 ; 1.2 km (environ 20 min, ça descend !) pour atteindre la gare de Cais do Sodré (pour aller à Belém) et (1.5 km, environ 20 min, ça descend pratiquement tout le temps) pour atteindre la station de métro Baixa-Chiado point de départ du Lisbonne « touristes ». A 5 min de l’appartement, nombreux restaurants et petits commerces dont un mini-market ouvert 7/7 jusqu’à 21h.
Au total, nous avons été enchantés par notre séjour à Lisbonne et notre location de l’appartement. La seule chose à prendre en compte est que Lisbonne est très vallonné, (c’est un euphémisme). Pensez (avis tout personnel) à étudier les courbes de niveau de la ville avant de planifier un parcourt dans la ville et privilégiez un retour à l’appartement en passant par la station de métro Rato, ça descend presque tout le temps ensuite pour rejoindre l’appartement à pied !
Notre semaine à Lisbonne s’est bien déroulée, l’appartement était agréable et conforme à l’annonce, peut être un peu étroit dans la salle de bain, mais l’endroit était calme pour dormir, et la situation géographique facile pour accéder au centre ou prendre le métro, même descendre rapidement pour prendre un train vers Bélem ou aller à la mer à Caxia. Lisbonne est une ville superbe mais très vallonnée, il faut être bien chaussé et prévoir ses visites suivant les quartiers à voir. Le vieux tramway est à faire une fois pour s’imprégner de l’esprit de Lisbonne et il ne faut pas hésiter à se balader simplement pour découvrir les ruelles et quelquefois de petits restaurants très savoureux.
We were very, very pleased with our experience in the Secret Garden apartment. Glenn, Guillaume and Shana are exceptional hosts—attentive and responsive, yet unobtrusive. It was easy to arrange a booking, payment and communication with Glenn. The apartment was well maintained, very clean and had lovely decorative touches. The bed was comfortable, large and well-lit for reading. There was plenty of storage space in the bedroom closet. We really enjoyed the shower—plenty of warm water and pressure, a most adjustable shower head and sprayer, and quite spacious. The bathroom was small, but was clean and functional. The terrace attached to the bedroom was charming and had plenty of clothesline for hanging stuff. The Internet connection was fast and efficient. The guidebook was very interesting and helpful. The kitchen, though small, was well supplied with dishware, cutlery and utensils. The fridge was spacious. The entire apartment has very modern windows, which open, close and lock nicely. We really enjoyed listening to the sounds of the charming small street outside our kitchen window. The laundry facility was conveniently located around the corner—it had both washing machines and dryers (which were most appreciated) as were the bathroom and comfortable couch in the waiting area. There are so many great places to eat within short walking distance of the apartment that you wouldn’t need to wander far, unless you wished to. Lisbon itself is a gem of a city—friendly people, wonderful architecture, great public transportation, and a terrific range of shopping and dining. One very small thing we would have liked— more substantial, fluffier pillows on our bed! When we return to Lisbon, which we unquestionably will, Glenn will be our “go-to-guy” for accommodation. Thanks so much!
Nous avons passé une merveilleuse semaine dans ce petit appartement idéalement situé, dans un quartier animé de petits commerces, de bars et pâtisseries sympathiques autour d’un parc ( parça da Flores ) mais très calme la nuit. Le petit balcon était un vrai plus en ce début de printemps.
Un conseil pour éviter de se perdre dans le dédale des rues le premier jour: en sortant du mètro Rato, prendre le petit bus 773 qui s’arrête au bas de la Travessa Sao Jose ( arrêt Praça da Flores). Le fameux tram 28 est à 5 mn à pied ( attention, de bonnes chaussures de marches sont indispensables dans toute la ville car les trottoirs sont tous pavés et pas très réguliers ).
On retournera avec plaisir dans cette ville et dans cet appartement. Merci à Glenn Cooper pour son accueil…et son excellent français!
Notre séjour à Lisbonne en avril s’est déroulé sous un soleil splendide. L’appartement, coquet, est idéal pour un couple, et la petite terrasse donnant sur une cour plantée est idéale pour le petit déjeuner et le souper. Glen Cooper est extrêmement serviable et son français impeccable. Le quartier est pourvu de cafés, restaurants et épicerie (même une petite poissonerie !). Tout ceci sur la Place das Flores, à 2 pas de l’appartement. Nous avons arpenté Lisbonne à pieds pour mieux en profiter, mais le métro Rato n’est vraiment pas loin, et le système de bus très développé. Merci à Glen. NB : n’hésitez pas à prendre un taxi depuis l’aéroport, au niveau des départs, nous n’avons payé que 10€ !
Glenn and Shanna are superb hosts. Both were very responsive to every question we had and we really appreciated the help in arranging taxis and a much-needed health clinic referral.
We loved the location for its small, quiet neighborhood, local market, and authentic restaurants. The metro and tram stops were an easy walk. We love exploring on foot so we found ourselves walking to the city center, Barrio Alto and more.
The apartment suited us well. Be aware the living space is small, but it functions fine. Bedroom is generous, with a large closet. Bathroom has been remodeled so, it’s very nice. The back deck was a fun place to sip sangria and listen to the birds.
We have been renting accommodation from Glenn for the last 9 years. All have been in Paris until this year in Lisbon. Again, as always, the service is great, the accommodation and area are as described. There are no unpleasant surprises – just great experiences. The immediate area has everything that one could want – grocery stores, a pharmacy, restaurants, public transit …
It is easy walking distance to the train stations and metro for destinations further afield.
We thoroughly enjoyed Lisbon and this accommodation was a good part of that.
Finally, we cannot thank Glenn enough for his attention to service. We had an early flight out of Lisbon and asked Shana to book us a cab for 4:30 am. We awoke at 3:30 and there was a text from Glenn at 2:30 informing us that there was a taxi strike and the taxi company had called him to tell him that all bookings were cancelled and other arrangements would have to be made. He had tried a number of options but nothing was available. Because, in the middle of the night, he sent this message, I was able to make alternative arrangements. I also received a call from Glenn at 4:30 apologizing for the situation which was beyond his control. And this is why we deal with Glenn and his associates.
We are now off to one of his units in Paris.
Denis and Monique
Notre séjour à Lisbonne a été très agréable, sous un beau soleil (un peu chaud…). C’est une très belle ville à découvrir, bénéficiant de moyens de transport en commun développés.
En ce qui concerne la location, l’appartement correspondait à l’annonce, bien équipé. Nous avons apprécié la petite terrasse pour nos différents repas (exposition à l’ombre).
Cet appartement est très bien situé (Commerces, restaurants…).
Félicitations à Glenn pour son français impeccable, sa disponibilité et son sens de l’organisation.
Tous nos remerciements à Paulo qui nous a très bien accueilli et donné de bons conseils pour notre séjour.
Size Does Not Matter that Much, if at All
This was the 5th time we have stayed in the Hidden Garden over the past 4 years or so. That should be the first clue as to how fond we are of this place and its proprietor, Glenn Cooper. Another point worth mentioning is that our impressions have remained quite consistent over time. We aren’t jumping to conclusions, here, on the “basis of a limited sample.”
So, what impressions have stood the test of time? First, this apartment is a terrific value, right in the heart of one of the “hottest tourist destinations” in Europe. Second, Glenn is a great host and really knows what he’s doing. Third, you can easily adapt to the small size (at least by the standard in parts of North America) of this apartment and appreciate the wonderful features it offers.
Located in the Principe Real area of Lisbon, this apartment has such a cool location. Within easy walking distance, there’s a growing number of great places in which to eat and drink seemingly, “right around the corner.” There’s a well-appointed grocery store, laundromat and ATM almost literally right outside the door. And, this is only if you don’t want to venture forth a short walking distance onto Rua do Polytech into the Rato, or downtown parts of Lisbon. Within a 1-minute walk, you can catch a bus that will link you to the entire Lisbon public transportation system. But you really miss a great experience by not walking because the whole darned city, it seems, is filled with fascinating architecture, lovely folk, and cool large and small businesses.
The apartment itself is really clean, has a superb shower with multiple settings, and offers a very comfortable space. The kitchen and dining area are quite small but have good appliances and utensils; offer a wide selection of television channels; and provide an interesting glimpse of the neighbourhood when you open the window to take in the sights and sounds of the street. The small porch overlooking the backyard is a really charming spot, that is amazingly peaceful with nice greenery and the sound of birds singing away.
Glenn has got his entire act together. The process of booking and paying for the rental online is as easy as pie. He always asks that you call him once you have left the airport enroute to the apartment; he wants to make sure the cabby knows exactly how to get there efficiently, and he notifies one of his colleagues to be there waiting. You never have the unpleasant, and not uncommon elsewhere, experience of arriving at your destination and no one is there. After you’ve arrived, he touches base with you to make sure that everything is OK and then he gets out of your hair to allow you to do your thing in Lisbon. Paulo and his colleague, who are Glenn’s guys on the ground, are terrific. If you need anything, a quick message to Glenn is responded to quickly and effectively. It’s great service.
So, we will we definitely being booking with “our guy in Lisbon” when we return and intend to book Glenn’s apartment in Sevilla in the not-too-distant futures. Kudos to Glenn, Paulo and colleagues for another great stay in Lisbon.
Charmant petit appartement très bien situé , dans un quartier avec pleins de bars restaurants et petits commerces . Très bonne communication avec Glenn , ainsi que Paul qui vous accueil pour le Check in et Check out et qui ne manquera pas de vous conseiller un bon petit restau dans le quartier .?? Une très bonne location au près d’une bonne équipe qui est tjrs là pour vous rendre service , je recommande les yeux fermés
The apartment was clean, well arranged, and perfect for our needs. We felt very much at home. Paulo was helpful, giving suggestions when we asked, which were always good. We’ll definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Lisbon. Art
Lisbon is lovely. The apartment is surrounded by great restaurants, bakery, coffee, wine and beer. There’s a little store on the corner with most basics and great cheese and bread. We walked miles everyday and found market stalls, interesting shops, amazing museums and parks. Charming city and the apartment is conveniently located and comfortable. Alison
The apartment offers everything you need for a short or longer stay in Lisbon. There are lots of amenities close by and most of the tourist areas are within walking distance provided you are fit enough for the hills of Lisbon which are unavoidable no matter where you go. We walked everywhere about the city exploring all the different charming narrow streets as well as the large Boulevards.
Glenn and Paulo who greeted us are both splendid hosts who kept in touch throughout providing us with useful knowledge about Lisbon.
I would happily recommend this well located, well furnished apartment to anyone considering visiting Lisbon.
James