Travelers looking for a no-frills, budget stay in Lisbon would do well to look to Real Residencias. However, both the units and what the property offers are bare-bones -- expect simple, traditional furnishings that are showing some wear. Given the lack of communal space -- there's a restaurant downstairs, but that's it -- guests shouldn't expect much mingling with other visitors. Spacious, apartment-style rooms draw a largely even mix of couples and families who choose the value rate over a central setting.

On a tree-lined street north of Eduardo II Park, the Real Residencias is a bit removed from the main action of Lisbon, which is centered south of the hotel near the water and Avenida da Liberdade. It's in a quaint area with several restaurants. The park and the Center of Modern Art are within walking distance, but many sights are easily accessible (and not far away) via public transportation.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a beautiful, colorful city overlooking the Atlantic. Like Rome and San Francisco, Lisbon is a city built on seven hills. Though many buildings were destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1755, Lisbon still has a rich history (including historic buildings and cobblestone streets).

Originally referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world," Lisbon was a major importer of exotic goods from Europe and Asia. Nowadays, Lisbon can be overlooked due to its proximity to quaint, seaside beach towns. But those who love the city can tell visitors the many things they miss when skipping over Lisbon; it is a city of iconic historic buildings (such as St. George's Castle), extensive museums, and fabulous shopping -- particularly for gold, silver, and antiques.

• 14-minute drive to Lisbon Portela Airport, or 25 minutes via public transportation
• Three-minute walk to the Sao Sebastiao metro station
• Five-minute walk to the Center of Modern Art
• 12-minute walk to Eduardo VII Park
• Five-minute drive to Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon's main artery lined by high-end shops, or an 11-minute subway ride
• Seven-minute drive to Amoreiras Shopping Center, or 11 minutes via public transportation
• Nine-minute drive to Rossio, a main square, or 13 minutes via public transportation
• 10-minute drive to Santa Justa historic elevator with great views, or 17 minutes via public transportation
• 10-minute drive to to Barrio Alto, or 16 minutes via public transportation
• 10-minute drive to Chiado, the main shopping district, or 10 minutes via public transportation
• 11-minute drive to Baxia, the financial district, or 12 minutes via public transportation
• 12-minute drive to the Museum of Ancient Art, or 14 minutes via public transportation
• 12-minute drive to Casa dos Bicos, or 15 minutes via public transportation
• 12-minute drive to Alfama, or 20 minutes via public transportation
• 12-minute drive to St. George's Castle, or 29 minutes via public transportation
• 13-minute drive to the Coach Museum, the largest museum of royal vehicles in the world, or 31 minutes via public transportation
• 15-minute drive to Jeronimos Monastery, or 34 minutes via public transportation
• 16-minute drive to Belem Tower, or 36 minutes via public transportation

The property's 22 527-square-foot one-bedroom apartments and two 387-square-foot studios are done in a simple, light design. Expect blue pops of color on throw blankets and striped curtains, against white furniture, bed linens, and furniture. Furniture, from the nightstands to kitchen cabinetry, is traditional and often showing wear. Armchairs and multi-hued drapes, however, are dated. One-bedroom units have two flat-screenTVs; in studios, the TV is conveniently on a wheeled cart to face either the bed or living area. Kitchenettes in all apartments are large and come fully stocked with plenty of cutlery, crockery, and cooking supplies.

Bathrooms have ample counter space and shower/tub combos, though they're on the small side. Old hose-style hairdryers, bulk soap dispensers, and bidets are also provided. Views from the windows are of the city, and from some rooms, of Lisbon's pretty pastel-colored buildings and wide, tree-lined streets. 

Because the property is made up of apartments versus being an actual hotel, it's overall pretty low on features, barring, somewhat randomly, an excellent Indian restaurant that's adjacent. But what it does offer is certainly convenient: free parking on-site and free Wi-Fi. Guests also get a discount at two restaurants owned by the parent company at its sister hotels, both 10 minutes away on foot from the apartments. One of the hotels, Real Palacio, also gives guests here access to its health club, Turkish bath, sauna, and treatment room.