República Bed & Breakfast & Arts richly deserves all the 5-star ratings it receives on numerous travel sites. I cannot say enough good things about Manuel, Anna and Ruth, who run the place with efficiency, care and - dare I say - love. They each suggested several places for me to visit on this, my first trip to Lisbon. I followed up on each recommendation and was delighted with each.
My room was spacious, private and quiet, with my own balcony and a table and chair. The bed was plenty big enough for me (I'm tall.) There are electric blinds on the outside of the window that shut out *all* the morning light and most of the street sounds below. There are 7 rooms here, and 3 shared bathrooms (don't worry - only one person per bathroom at a time.) I had been a bit concerned about the shared bathroom, but it never presented any problem at all. The breakfast is set out in the kitchen each morning: various breads, croissants, sliced ham and cheese, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, tea, coffee, milk, juice and often a variety of fruit. There is a sizable table in the living/dining room plus another smaller table where one can take their breakfast. Or one can go out onto the balcony off the living room or take one's plate back to your own room.
It was nice to have the hosts to talk with in the mornings, as well as other guests - but the interactions were never forced. I will definitely be coming back here when I return to Lisbon. Thank you, Anna, Manuel and Ruth!