APOSENTUS - The light house at Miragaia

Miragaia House made a lovely start to our time in Portugal. It’s close to the river and many important Porto sights, and we had such a nice four-day stay before our Douro cruise. Carla made our mornings special with wonderful breakfasts, and she also took care of our room and answered all our questions. We got to know her and really grew fond of her. She’s a schoolteacher who works at Miragaia House on her days off, and she’s a very special person. Marta, the owner, was delightful too, though we only met her one morning. She was always quick to respond to emails and calls, and very helpful.

The owners were so nice and helpful, and breakfast had that warm, home-at-someone’s-house feel. It was delicious, too. Our room was huge, with a really interesting design, and the whole house has a lift. The neighborhood was pleasant, and it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the city center. I’d happily choose Miragaia House again when I’m back in Porto.

A note for anyone considering this place: staff aren’t around much, including in the late afternoon and evening, so it’s not a good fit if you need to arrive at an unusual hour. It helps to have a smartphone and be able to communicate with the property in Portuguese, using a translation app like Deepl if needed. Plan to arrive by late morning or mid-afternoon. If that works for you, it’s a lovely stay. Our room was quiet and very spacious, had air conditioning, and the breakfasts were superb.

We found this spacious room a good fit for a longer visit: the beds were comfortable, and there’s a little kitchenette with a microwave. The set breakfast was generous, and it was nice to have a proper breakfast served here. Getting around was easy. There’s a bus stop a short walk away, and the boulevard around Ribeira and the center, as well as sights such as Bolsa Polace, are close enough to walk to. The apartment is in a quiet part of Miragaia, and we felt fine walking back at night. There are also small restaurants nearby. There’s no reception staff, but entering with the door code worked perfectly for us.