Oporto Invite Flores

They called on my check-in day to say there was an issue with my apartment and they’d found me another, supposedly even better. I was worried, since the original was in a great spot by the river in the historic center. They did what they promised and arranged an Uber for me. The replacement was modern, very tidy and air-conditioned. The service was excellent, and I was comfortable there.

I’m in Portugal often and love it, but this was my first time renting an apartment for a few days. Most of the staff were kind and helpful, and the place is very close to the center. Ribeira is just a five-minute walk away. We also got a bottle of champagne and raisins in our room the evening before New Year’s, a really nice surprise and a Portuguese tradition. The climb was a downside: there’s no elevator and the stairs up to the apartment are very steep. We’d booked a two-bedroom apartment, but there was only one proper bedroom. The second sleeping area was screened off with curtains instead of a door, so you could hear someone talking in the other room.

There are restaurants and little grocery stores nearby, and the place is quiet for Portugal. The accommodation is nicely renovated and furnished, easy to reach, and close to the center. I had an excellent stay in Porto.

The room was lovely, and the staff were too. A good place to stay.