A friend and I were in Belem and stayed at the Pensao. I found it clean, quiet and having a friendly staff. My friend wished there were more lighting and a telephone in the room but the lack of these did not bother me.There are many restaurants to chose from in the area. and we found a great place for breakfast across the street. Many places of interest were withing walking distance as was the train one could take to Casais or Estoril. We looked forward every day to walking a short way up the street to the sinfully delicious pastry shop. I wasn't too enamoured having to walk up the three flightsof circular stair but got use to them and they helped to prepare me for all the hills and stairs we encountered in Belem and other areas of Portugal. The staff was helped us with our luggage on our arrival and our departure Would I recommend this place, of course.

If you're not super eager to be in Belem or near a train to Cascais, I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to stay here. The night life and restaurant choices are a little slim, and it takes a long time to get into Lisbon or to any of the train or bus stations. I did, however, like that it gave us an excuse to visit the most famous of the Pasteis bakeries and try them fresh from the source, as the Setubalense is right down the street. And one added bonus is that there is a Coke machine right in the hotel... perfect for Coke Light addicts like myself!

We were given a choice of rooms: 45 euros for a small twin room with not much of a view or 60 euros for a larger room with a queen-sized bed and a twin-sized bed and an amazing view from the terrace (see photos). The decision was easy.

The small hotel is located in Belem, which is about a 20-minute tram ride from the center of Lisbon. Breakfast is not available at Pensao Setubalense, but the world-famous cafe, Confeitaria de Belem, is just a few doors away. Belem is home to a number of excellent sites and is a pleasant neighborhood to stroll during the day or evening. Among the sites are the Tower of Belem, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Jeronimos monastery, and the Maritime Museum.

The room was sufficient in space, and the bathroom was large by European standards. The shower was strong and hot water was immediate. Unfortunately, a mildly bad odor was evident at times (not of our making!--we dealt with it by buying a 1-euro room freshener). Also, one of us suffered bed bug bites.

The staff was friendly and helpful in answering any question or concern.

A few yards/meters away is a quiet pedestrian street--Rua Veira Portuense--with several restaurants. We tried two of them: Floresta (excellent pork and grilled squid dishes) and Montenegro (superb seafood rice).

All things considered, Pensao Setubalense is an excellent value.

Me and my boyfriend stayed three nights here. The building is very old, the staff is very nice, but the rooms were not the cleanest I've seen! Do not get me wrong, you can stay here for a few nights, it is bearable, but do not expect 5-star conditions!! On the other hand, the location is the best in Lisbon (in my opinion, at least) - many of the greatest attractions of Lisbon are just a few minutes away, the neighborhood is very peaceful and lovely (not as noisy and crowded as Alfama or Baixa), and... let's not forget the delicious Pastéis de Belém (found on the same street as the Pensão). Of course, you can even catch a train to Estoril from the train station in Belém! It's really worth it - I already miss the ocean.