Maria definitely is a super host!!! We realised that even before we arrived to Porto and met Maria in person. Let me tell you what happened..
My now husband Pritam and I chose Porto-Lisbon-Faro route as part of our honeymoon. And Maria’s apartment was supposed to be our first stop. Maria’s communication skills and willingness to help were seen from her first messages - we told her we are landing very late on the 17th May and will be arriving to her flat extremely late (around 1AM), but she didn’t complain not even once (don’t forget she had to go to work the next day!!) and agreed to wait for us as long as she needs to so she can let us in the flat, but what has happened later was a real pleasant surprise to both of us.
Usual scenario has happened / nothing went as we planned – we missed our flight to Porto (due to car accident / traffic on the road on the way to the airport) and had to make decision here and there (we had everything booked – flat in Porto, flat in Lisbon, had car booked etc.). First things first – we had to let Maria know that we are not coming as she was waiting for us. And guess what – Maria amended dates of our arrival so WE can get some money back from Airbnb. Who does that?? SUPER HOST I THINK SOOO!!!
It didn’t even cross our mind to ask for it, but when Maria has suggested that, we both were really touched! Good people do exist out there!! And Maria is one of them!!!
The following day we flew to Faro instead, collected our car and just drove to Porto and acted like we have never missed our flight, hahah.
Maria was constantly following it up with us and asking how we are doing and what time we will be arriving. She even offered to leave work earlier so we don’t have to wait for her and so she can let us in to the flat straight away. We had to say no to this, because it would be just taking the piss out of good people! Maria, you are so good, you know that??
When we finally met Maria, all we wanted to do – to hug her, because it felt like she is an old friend of ours! We were just so amazed by Maria – so considerate, so understanding and kind. The flat itself was equally amazing – just like in pictures and description. Very spacious, super clean (!!), newly refurbished, in a very good location and just soooo cosy! You almost don’t want to leave the flat for sightseeing, that’s how cosy it is!!! We are definitely coming back and recommending Maria’s flat to everyone we know!!
Maria, thank you very much – you were amazing!! Really look forward to seeing you again soon!
Ema & Pritam.