Frequently Asked Questions

SILENT LIVING FAQ’s

General Information
Please make sure that you also read the FAQs of each individual house below.

Why choose a Silent Living Home instead of a traditional Hotel? What will make my experience different?
All our houses started as our family’s homes, and they are now open to whoever wants to experience them. They are part of our story and echoe the importance of feeling at home. For this reason, the experience we offer is different from the traditional hotels, because we never intended to be one. In each of our homes - as we like to call them - we receive every guest as a longtime friend, rather than just another client passing through. If you wish to know more about our story and concept, click here.

Will we share the houses with other guests?

Santa Clara 1728 is the only house that is not booked out exclusively. Containing 6 big beautiful rooms, you share the freedom of the house with a small number of other guests, who you can tell your stories to, over a cup of tea in the morning, or in the garden with a glass of our vinho da casa in hand.

Casa na Terra, Casa no Tempo, Casas na Areia and Cabanas no Rio must be booked out exclusively, regardless of the number of guests.

Are the houses close to one another?

All the houses are no more than a two hour and fifteen minute drive from each other, making it very easy for our guests to experience more than one of them in the same holiday. Each location is very different from the other and the houses are special in their own individual ways, which is why we encourage you to experience as many of them as you can.

How do I choose the right house for me?
We understand that it is not always possible to visit more than one place, and that people’s preferences are different. Therefore, it is important to understand the exact concept of each individual house, so that you can maximize the enjoyment of your holiday time. Our team is readily available to help you find what you are looking for.

I do not want to make a reservation yet, but I would like to visit the house. Is this possible?
We are always happy to welcome you, but we are very mindful of our in-house guest’s privacy, so we avoid having people arriving unexpectedly, during our guest's stay. Santa Clara 1728 is easily accessible, but not possible to visit when guests are around. We kindly ask that you contact our team to find out if the houses are available before trying to visit any of them.

Are all houses child-friendly?
Cabanas no Rio can accommodate a maximum of 2 people, so it is not possible to fit a crib or an extra bed for children.
In the other houses, we welcome all babies and children. However, please note that both the swimming pools at Casa no Tempo and Casas na Areia, have no protective barrier or surveillance. Please be aware that it is the guest’s responsibility to ensure the safety of those who do not know how to swim, especially children.

Do you have disability accessible rooms?
None of the rooms were originally designed to accommodate guests with any type of disability, but fortunately, the design of the homes allows everyone to easily access and enjoy most of them. All the houses have one floor only - except for Santa Clara 1728, which has more, as well as an elevator - and all the bathrooms and showers are primarily open plan.
Due to its size and space distribution, Cabanas no Rio can be challenging for guests with physical disabilities.

Do I need a car to go to the houses?
Yes, we strongly advise renting a car to reach all the houses, except Santa Clara 1728 - our Lisbon house. Due to the properties remote locations, renting a car is the best way to not only get to them, but also, explore the different regions, since taxis are not as accessible as in the city.

What is included in the price?
Breakfast is included in the cost of each house, as well as daily cleaning. In the case of Santa Clara 1728, we offer transfer from and to the airport. Please check the individual properties for more specific information.

Do you accommodate special breakfast requests?
Unlike traditional hotels, breakfast offers a carefully thought out, fresh and daily menu. Therefore, we do not have an “A la carte” menu.
Because we have a small-scale kitchen team, we usually don’t accommodate any special requests, except if they are related to specific food restrictions. Please inform our team in advance, if you have any food restriction or allergies, so we can adjust our menu to your needs.

Do you have wi-fi service in the house?

The houses are equipped with basic Wi-Fi service that you can use free of charge. Please keep in mind that the Wi-Fi of each property might fail to stream videos and/or download large files.

Do you have television?
At Silent Living we cherish the present time, the presence of our loved ones, our inner nature and the one that surrounds us. For this reason, we decided to not install televisions, so our guests get to spend more time experiencing a silent way of living.

Do you accept animals?
We do not accept animals in any of our houses.

Are there any services we must pay extra for?
Extra Services may be charged, but you will be informed of this beforehand. Please confirm with our team the possibilities and prices.
 
Can I have outside guests or host a party?
The usage of the houses is limited to the number of guests specified in the booking conditions, which means other people from the outside, are not allowed in the properties. If during your stay, you wish to invite anyone from outside, please ask us about that possibility, so we can discuss all further details with you and avoid any disappointment or miscommunication. Please be aware that additional guests are subject to extra charges.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is only permitted outside the houses, with exclusive use of an ashtray. Otherwise, there is a substantial risk of creating a fire, specially at Casa na Terra, Casa no Tempo, Cabanas no Rio and Casas na Areia.

What is the easiest way to contact a team member?
All contacts are available on our website. If the phone line is not available due to out of office hours, for example, feel free to leave us an e-mail in the designated e-mail addresses listed on our website. Kindly note that because we don't have a 24-hour reception, we may take a little while to answer you.


Reservations & Cancelations

What is the process when booking a house?
Bookings are made exclusively online. To proceed with your reservation, you must follow the steps shown on our website.

Is there a minimum night stay?
Yes, there is. You can find our booking policy here. To make reservations any shorter than our booking requirements, please send your request to booking@silentliving.pt, and our team will check if it is possible.

Do I need to pay a damage deposit for any potential damage to the houses?
There is no required damage deposit, but it is guest’s responsibility to make sure everything is in the exact same condition as upon their arrival.

Can we pay upon arrival?
The full payment is made only at the time of booking. We want to avoid payment procedures during your stay.

How do I know that my payment is secure?
We use Stripe as our payment gateway. Stripe is certified at the highest industry standards and has obtained regulatory licenses around the world. You can find more information on the booking form.

Can I change the details on my invoice once it has been issued?

No. Once the invoice is issued, it is not possible to change the details. Please make sure you provide the right information before the payment is made, since the invoices are generated automatically.

What is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
To check our Cancellation and Refund Policy, click here.

Why do you need the passport data at the time of reservation?
Passport Data has to be collected as required by local laws (SEF – Portuguese Immigration and Border Service). To provide a more casual and relaxing check-in at the time of arrival to the hotel, we prefer to ask for all necessary bureaucratic items at the time of reservation.


Check in & Check out

Since you are not a hotel, how do I check in?
In every house, a member of our team will be there to welcome you and introduce you to the house. We will show you around, let you know the house’s routines and will help you with everything you may need to know, to make the most out of your stay with us. For this reason, and since we are not a 24-hour hotel, it is very important for us to know the time of your arrival, so please inform our team in advance, to ensure someone will be there to welcome you.

Can we check-in earlier/later?
Check-out time is at 12pm, and check-in time is at 4pm. Late check-outs and early check-ins are subject to availability. Please contact our team to confirm this.

EACH HOUSE FAQ’s

Santa Clara 1728
Make sure to also read the General FAQs listed above

Which facilities do I have access to as a guest?
All the spaces in the house are available, except for the Chef’s main kitchen and storage, which are designated to our staff only. 

Does Santa Clara 1728 have Air Conditioning?
We have a floor heating system that warms up the suites and the house, during the colder months. Unfortunately, during the construction we were not allowed to change the building facade, by installing air conditioning units, so we lack the cooling system. Even so, the natural ventilation and thick walls prevent the heat from coming in.

There is a sofa bed in every Santa Clara Suite - therefore, can 4 adults stay in one room?

The Suite Santa Clara can host a maximum of 3 adult guests, or 2 adults and 2 children, under the age of 12.

What is the breakfast schedule?
Breakfast is between 7H45 am and 11H30 am. If you wish to enjoy breakfast outside of this timeframe, please ask us in advance, as this request is subject to the availability of our kitchen team.

Is there room service available?
We view every meal as a moment of sharing, and so it is very important for us that guests sit together around the same table, to share their meals just like if they were at home. Moreover, because our team is small-scalled, room service is not available.

Is there a bar or a restaurant inside Santa Clara?
Ceia is our in-house fine dining experience. Bookings must be made in advance. To learn more about Ceia, click here.

Can we cook in the house?
We have a small kitchen available for basic use, such as warming up food or eating the food our Chefs have prepared. If guests need to cook something, please ask our Chefs in advance, and they will let you know the kitchen’s availability. Please be aware that from Wednesdays to Saturdays, due to our fine dining experience being open, accessing the kitchen might be difficult.

Can the complimentary transfer be to anywhere we choose?
The complimentary transfer service is normally to and from the airport. Anything else may be considered as an extra cost and is subject to availability - depending on the location you request. If you would like to be transferred somewhere else, kindly let us know so we can give you more information.

Can my group or family reserve the entire house?
It is possible to book the entire house just for one group or family. This is is subject to availability and we advise to book well in advance. We also suggest guests to contact our team through booking@silentliving.pt to check availability first hand.
 
Do you provide laundry service?
Santa Clara 1728 does not provide laundry service. If you wish to wash a specific item of clothing, we will send it to our outsourced laundry service as an extra charge. Please expect a full day (minimum) for the garments to be ready and returned to you.

Where can we park our car?
Santa Clara 1728 is located in a very calm area of Lisbon, so it won't be difficult for you to find parking near the hotel. On Tuesdays and Saturdays however, traffic is cut off due to the famous flea market - Feira da Ladra - so our best advice is to park close by, in Emel Graça, the day before the flea market, but please be aware that you need to purchase a parking ticket.

Can you store my luggage?
If you arrive before check-in time, or if you still want to go for a walk after check-out time, feel free to leave your bags at the office - we will safely keep them until your return.

Can we have a babysitter?
Santa Clara 1728 can arrange a babysitter. Please let our team know in advance.

What is your office schedule?
Our house is not a typical hotel and therefore, we do not have a traditional 24-hour reception. Our office is open from 8am to 8pm, so feel free to pass by and ask for any help you may need.

What is the best way to move around Lisbon?
Besides the classical electric tram 28, which stops close to Santa Clara 1728, we are very close to both train and underground station of Santa Apolónia. Uber and taxis are also very practical, if you don’t have a car of your own.

Can you arrange a day trip to Sintra or somewhere else?
Day trips can be organized at an extra cost, but should be booked well in advance, as they are subject to availability. Please let our team know if you wish to go somewhere and we will do our best to arrange it.

Can I stay for a shorter amount of time than the minimum requirement?
Every request is handled individually, as we always try to accommodate your needs whenever possible. The experience we aim to provide to our guests is more than just a place to sleep. Our hope is that they bond with the routine and environment of each house and we believe that the minimum stay policy is designed to suit this purpose. Please contact us through booking@silentliving.pt to confirm availability.



Casas na Areia
Make sure to also read the General FAQs listed above

What are the directions to the house?
To respect in-house guests’ privacy, we only provide directions the day before arrival, and exclusively to guests who will be staying in the house.

Is food included in the rental?
Rental includes breakfast only.

What is included in breakfast?
Served every day, it includes: fresh orange juice, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, butter, cheese, ham, jam, milk, coffee and tea. If there is any other product you would like to have for breakfast, please let us know and we will confirm it.

Is there somewhere available for me to cook my own meals and store food?

Yes. There is a fully functional kitchen available with some small fridges.

Can I have a Chef cooking in the house for me?

Our service includes breakfast only, so all the other meals are guests’ responsibility. Please let us know in advance if you wish to have someone cooking for you during your stay, so our team can find the best solution for you.

Is the pool heated?
The pool is not heated.

Do you have sun umbrellas for the swimming pool?
The pool is equipped with sun umbrellas and pool beds for your protection and comfort.

Are mosquitos an issue?
Mosquitos in Comporta are not dangerous and do not carry any diseases, such as malaria. They are just a little bit annoying and mostly prevalent at sunrise and sunset. If you want some tips to try to avoid them, let us know.

Can I stay for a shorter amount of time than the minimum requirement?

Every request is handled individually, as we always try to accommodate your needs whenever possible. The experience we aim to provide to our guests is more than just a place to sleep. Our hope is that they bond with the routine and environment of each house and we believe that the minimum stay policy is designed to suit this purpose. Please contact us through booking@silentliving.pt to confirm availability.
Cabanas no Rio
Make sure to also read the General FAQs listed above

What are the directions to the house?
To respect guests’ privacy, we provide directions one day before arrival, to guests exclusively.

Can I stay in Cabanas no Rio with my child?

Cabanas no Rio can accommodate a maximum of 2 people. It is not possible to have a crib or an extra bed for children. Children that do not know how to swim, are not allowed to stay in the cabins, due to the proximity of the river.

Is food included in the rental?
Rental includes breakfast only.

What is included in the breakfast?
Served every day, it includes: fresh orange juice, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, butter, cheese, ham, jam, milk, coffee and tea. If there is any other product you would like to have for breakfast, please let us know and we will confirm it.

Is there somewhere available for me to cook my own meals and store food?
Yes. There is a fully functional kitchen available with a small fridge.

Can I have a Chef cooking in the house for me?
Our service includes breakfast only, so all the other meals are guests’ responsibility. Please let us know in advance if you wish to have someone cooking for you during your stay, so our team can find the best solution for you.

Are the mosquitos an issue?

Mosquitos in Comporta are not dangerous and do not carry any diseases, such as malaria. They are just a little bit annoying and mostly prevalent at sunrise and sunset. If you want some tips to try to avoid them, let us know.

Can I stay for a shorter amount of time than the minimum requirement?
Every request is handled individually, as we always try to accommodate your needs whenever possible. The experience we aim to provide to our guests is more than just a place to sleep. Our hope is that they bond with the routine and environment of each house and we believe that the minimum stay policy is designed to suit this purpose. Please contact us through booking@silentliving.pt to confirm availability.


Casa no Tempo
Make sure to also read the General FAQs listed above

What facilities can we use?
The property is fully available to guests, including the farm, the horse fields and the lakes. If you wish to do some horse riding, fishing in the lakes or explore the farm with a guide, please let our local team know and they will help you with everything.

What are the directions to get to the house?
To respect in-house guests’ privacy, we only provide directions the day before arrival, and exclusively to guests who will be staying in the house.

Is food included in the rental?
Rental includes breakfast only.

What is included in breakfast?
Served every day, it includes: fresh orange juice, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, butter, cheese, ham, jam, milk, coffee and tea. If there is any other product you would like to have for breakfast, please let us know and we will confirm it.

Is there somewhere available for me to cook my own meals and store food?
Yes. There is a fully functional kitchen available.

Can I have a Chef cooking in the house for me?
Our service includes breakfast only, so all other meals are guests’ responsibility. As the house is in a remote location, the kitchen in the house is ideal for cooking your own meals at home. If you would like someone to cook for you, there is the possibility to have our in-house team assist. Please note this subject to availability, so kindly let us know in advance, if this is something you would like.

Is the pool heated?
The pool is not heated.

Do you have sun umbrellas for the swimming pool?
The pool is equipped with sun umbrellas and pool beds for your protection and comfort.

Can I stay for a shorter amount of time than the minimum requirement?
Every request is handled individually, as we always try to accommodate your needs whenever possible. The experience we aim to provide to our guests is more than just a place to sleep. Our hope is that they bond with the routine and environment of each house and we believe that the minimum stay policy is designed to suit this purpose. Please contact us through booking@silentliving.pt to confirm availability.


Casa na Terra
Make sure to also read the General FAQs listed above

What facilities can we use?
The property is fully available to guests.

What are the directions to get to the house?
To respect in-house guests’ privacy, we only provide directions the day before arrival, and exclusively to guests who will be staying in the house.

Is food included in the rental?
Rental includes breakfast only.

What is included in breakfast?
Served every day, it includes: fresh orange juice, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, butter, cheese, ham, jam, milk, coffee and tea. If there is any other product you would like to have for breakfast, please let us know and we will confirm it.

Is there somewhere available for me to cook my own meals and store food?
Yes. There is a fully functional kitchen available.

Can I have a Chef cooking in the house for me?
Our service includes breakfast only, so all other meals are guests’ responsibility. As the house is in a remote location, the kitchen in the house is ideal for cooking your own meals at home. If you would like someone to cook for you, there is the possibility to have our in-house team assist. Please note this subject to availability, so kindly let us know in advance, if this is something you would like.

Can I stay for a shorter amount of time than the minimum requirement?
Every request is handled individually, as we always try to accommodate your needs whenever possible. The experience we aim to provide to our guests is more than just a place to sleep. Our hope is that they bond with the routine and environment of each house and we believe that the minimum stay policy is designed to suit this purpose. Please contact us through booking@silentliving.pt to confirm availability.
CEIA FAQ’s

Can I go to Ceia without a reservation?
At Ceia, we work with reservations only.

How can I make a reservation?
You can make your reservation at ceia.superbexperience.com

How long can I reserve in advance?
We currently allow reservations with 3 months in advance.

Do I need a credit card to reserve?
Yes, a credit card is mandatory, since you are booking a prepaid service.

I do not wish to pay in advance. Is there other option available?
At Ceia, we believe our guests will have a better experience, if they do not have to worry about payment throughout the dinner. For this reason, we only have a prepayment system available.

Why can I only make a reservation for 19H30? What if I can't arrive on time?
Our aim at Ceia is to provide a shared experience for the whole table, so all the guests start the experience at the same time. For this reason, it is important that guests are punctual and arrive at 19H30, or earlier. Please note that 15min past 19H30, the experience will start, so if you arrive late, you will miss the dishes that were served prior to your arrival and start from the one that is being served, at the moment of your arrival, onwards.

How many people can I reserve for?
Reservations can be made for 1 to 14 people.

Can I get a refund after my reservation is confirmed?
Bookings can only be cancelled via email to ceiatable@silentliving.pt according to the following cancellation policy:
  • Until 15 days prior to the reservation, guests can choose between having a refund or reschedule according to availability;
  • From 15 days to 48h (Lisbon time) prior to the reservation, guests can choose another date to reschedule, according to availability. Reservations are non-refundable.
  • 48h or less (Lisbon time) prior to the reservation, reservations are non-refundable.
If your booking is related to a full table reservation, the following cancellation policy applies:
  • Until 1 month prior to the reservation, guests can choose between having a refund or reschedule, according to availability.
  • From 30 days to 7 days (Lisbon time) prior to the reservation, guests can choose another date to reschedule, according to availability. Reservations are non-refundable.
  • 7 days or less (Lisbon time) prior to the reservation, reservations are non-refundable. Please note that the full table option is a booking for the exclusive use of Ceia, regardless the the number of guests. Therefore, we will charge a total amount for at least 14 seats, despite of the actual number of attending guests.
I would like to offer my reservation to someone. How do I transfer my ticket?
If a reduction in party size takes place, we are unable to issue a refund for the deducted guests, unless the guest contacts us prior to 48h before the reservation. Reductions on the day or the day before of reservation will not be refunded. Regarding a full table reservation, changes on the party size, either reduction or increasing, are just possible when informed 48h before your booking. Since the minimum charge covers at least 14 seats, we are not able to refund a reduction below that number. Any change on the day or the day before the reservation, the request will not be considered.

I would like to offer my reservation to someone. How do I transfer my ticket?
Transfer of bookings are only possible, if the person who made the original reservation is the same person who requests its transfer. The details of the new party must be registered to complete a transfer and the transfer of the payment, must be handled between guests directly, as appropriate. To transfer your booking, contact us at ceiatable@silentliving.pt

How does the waiting list work?
If we are fully booked for the night you aim to reserve, your request will be added to our waiting list. Please note that if this occurs, your reservation will not be confirmed and will therefore, be considered a request. Is changes occur and we become available to accomodate your request, you will be removed from the waiting list and contacted by our team.

What is the shared table?
The shared table is a communal table, offering a different but shared experience, where you will be seated with other guests, just like if you were at home. The purpose of a single table if that guests can share the experience and exchange interactions with one another. If you aim to enjoy a more private and intimate experience, we recommend you book the full table just for yourself and your guests.

What are the opening days of Ceia?
Ceia is closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It is therefore open, from Wednesday to Saturday for dinner.

Do you require a dress code?
There is no dress code. A smart casual choice will fit your visit perfectly.

How long is the experience?
3 hours approximately.

Is the experience suitable for children?
We consider Ceia to not be suitable for babies or children under 12 years old. For children above 13 years old, please be aware that we only have one tasting menu available, so they will be included in the overall party size, as we do not provide any special courses.

Where is Ceia located?
Ceia is located in Santa Clara 1728, in Lisbon's historical neighborhood of Graça. Kindly note we do not provide valet parking.

I want an invoice with my personal/company VAT number. How can I ask for it?
If you need an invoice with a VAT number, or any particular detail/name, please contact us at ceiatable@silentliving.pt and share with us, the details you wish to be included in the invoice. Please be aware that an invoice can not be changed.

Can I choose "À La Carte"?
Only one tasting menu is available.

What happens if I do not like a dish?
Part of a tasting menu experience, is being able to try new and different flavours. It is common that a guest does not like a particular ingredient, but when inserted in a different context or subjected to a new approach, this may change. So, we strongly advise you to come to Ceia with an open mind and give a try to all the courses, even if there are ingredients you think you may not enjoy.

Can you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?
Once communicated in advance, until 48 hours before the date of your reservation, we can consider the main following allergies and/or dietary restrictions: shellfish, gluten, lactose, nuts and pregnancy. Please guarantee that either you or your guests do not have any allergy or restriction, in order to have a pleasant experience. If no restrictions or allergies are communicated, we may not be able to accommodate your request.

I am vegetarian/pescatarian, can I eat at Ceia?
We are able to adapt the menu to a pescatarian diet. However, we do not provide vegetarian or vegan menus.

Since it is a prepaid dinner, how can I choose the beverages?
We provide two pairing options that are carefully harmonized with our tasting menu, by our sommelier and Chef. Please note that it is mandatory to choose one of the offered drink pairings, since they are part of the shared experience and we do not offer drinks "À La Carte".
  • Non Alcoholic Pairing (additional 30€ per person) - an original drink pairing, comprising home-brewed infusions and light fermented beverages.
  • Symbiosis Pairing (additional 60€ per person) - a curated selection of local and low intervention produced wines, using only native grapes. Focused on terroir and character, this selection brings to the table, the best pairing for each moment of the menu, mixed with homemade brewed beverages.
What if I want to celebrate a birthday?
Please let us know in advance, so our Chef and team can prepare a small treat for the birthday person. Since our experience is focused around a single shared table, we do not allow cakes or other birthday eatable treats from outside. However, if you decide to book the table exclusively for your celebration, adjustments can be discussed in advance.
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