To begin, Finding the key box was very difficult because the box is concealed behind a bush ( a local resident had to guide us)-never try this in the dark as it would be impossible to find it, many yards from the building where the unit is located.
Then, once one makes it to the 8 th floor of building “ C” ( buildings are not clearly marked by the way) the key does not open the door. It’s unfortunately that simple: an impossible task for a paid guest to use the premises advertised & paid for. The neighbor across complained to us ( after we tried to open his door w/ the key provided) that this is a common occurrence ( & past guests have tried to open his door after failing to open the unit, just like us).
At this point we contacted Vrbo support & they got us alternative accommodations.
Epic fail as an accommodation-we’ve stayed in many vrbo’s for the past 15 years & this was a first. The area surrounding the building ( which is used by locals as cheaper residences is so far from old Coimbra, that it’s a total waste of time since one would be unable to walk this beautiful old city!
Traveler beware, no one needs our past mistake-just choose a different place & enjoy what old Coimbra has to offer!