Casa das Tias

We booked Casa das tias in Manteigas three months ahead, and when we called a week before to check whether payment was needed, we were told everything was fine. Our group of three couples has rented houses all over Portugal, but nothing like this had happened to us before. We drove 600 km from the Algarve on Saturday, February 12, and arrived exhausted, ready to relax, only to find the house had been rented to someone else. The man, João, was in Porto and wouldn’t show up. After some discussion, a friendly woman came to show us another house, but it was so disgusting that no one would stay there. She herself said that nobody stays in it and that he often pulls this trick. They also blamed Booking, saying it had rented the house and he didn’t know, just one lame excuse after another. We ended up going to Porto, where everything went well, but only got there at 11 at night. Be careful about renting that Casa das tias from that João.

I liked it. It’s nothing fancy, but it was enough for a weekend with friends and kids. I can’t remember the last time I slept somewhere with bedding that looked so bright and smelled so nice! The caretaker was lovely. I’d only suggest investing in a new TV.

The staff were friendly, and the house was very spacious, with three floors. But the kitchen and dining area on the second floor were tiny. With all those stairs, carrying groceries around and managing young children was a chore.

An unpleasant stay. This three-floor place was totally unsuitable for couples with small children. The TV and Wi-Fi were switched off because the bill hadn’t been paid, and we couldn’t use the oven or heating because the electrical panel couldn’t handle them. The bath towels had holes in them.