Check-in at Hotel do Norte, which is 2 mins walk from the apartments. Receptionist was very helpful and provided a tourist map, marked with nearby shops to buy essentials during the stay. Enquired about room cleaning and towel changes and told it should be done every 2 days {more on this later}.
The apartment is adjacent to Via Catarina shopping complex. The ground floor of the apartment building is used as a rent-a-car service.
The street is busy from dawn until late evening, felt very safe but there's lots of beggars.
We stayed four nights in Apartment 3A. You will need to carry luggage to the first floor for the elevator.
If you view the photo slides, the 1st and 9th shows Apt-3A, but in reality the bedding and fixtures are well used. The single bed is well overdue a new mattress and pillow set!
The wardrobe has a few manky hangers that should had been thrown out long ago.
The kitchenette area is OK with working fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave.
The bathroom is a huge let down. Very small and the sink is no larger than one found on a airplane.
Be prepared for 2 minute showers or make sure you shower before the people in your group. If you're the third person to shower, good luck!
We had bath towel changes on the 3rd night. Bedding was not changed and no toiletries. Would prefer towel swap on 2nd night!
Overall not a great apartment! If you do book avoid Apt-3A. In hindsight I would pay more to get a better room in this great city.