Loureiro Villas

I stayed here a couple of years back and forgot to leave a review. I’m about to return to Porto and hope we can get the apartment again. It was central and clean, and we enjoyed the stay.

The staff were amazing and let us leave our luggage while the room was being cleaned, since we arrived early. There’s a lot to like in the apartment too, including the kitchenette and appliances. But after a cold, rainy day in Porto, the rock-hard bed and hot water that lasted no more than five minutes were a real disappointment. The area has plenty to see, though it felt rough and it’s right by the train station, so there can be noise. I’d choose a hotel if I booked again. Staff aren’t always around outside their limited daytime hours, and if you plan to sleep in the living room, its glass door has no window coverings.

The location is the best part, and the rooms were clean and well equipped. Still, I spent four days in Porto barely sleeping because the bed was so hard, like plywood might’ve been more comfortable. City noise comes with a central hotel, but the air conditioning compressors above the fourth-floor units ran all night. There’s a kitchenette if you want to cook, though with hundreds of restaurants nearby, I’m not sure why you would. The fit-out quality was appalling: laminate peeling off the timber, no toilet paper holder, and a shower head so clogged that a decent shower was questionable. Watch out if you shower first, too, because the water can be dangerously hot and scald you. There are better options despite the ideal location.

The staff made us feel really welcome and looked after. They let us check in early and kept our luggage safe in the office until our train left. A damaged bathroom door didn’t take away from an otherwise perfect stay. The location is incredible, just a one-minute walk from são bento station, with everything within walking distance. We’ll definitely come back.