I visited in early November when the temperatures had already cooled. I drove from Lisbon on the day train workers went on strike which gave me an excuse for driving in Portugal. I was able to find parking by the apartment with help from the host.
The apartment is in a safe neighborhood on the first level (no stairs to climb) in the heart of Porto with easy access to the Metro to visit historic parts of the city and beyond.
Much more important than the apartment is the family behind it. Marilia, Joao Carlos (husband) and Joao Pedro (son) are salt of the earth, friendly, gracious, and very hospitable. They speak perfect English which was much appreciated as I do not speak Portuguese. By the way I didn’t have any problems finding people that spoke English in Porto or elsewhere in Portugal. Travel on!
The apartment is newly renovated and tastefully decorated as shown in photos and all the touches you’d expect from a thoughtful and gracious host. You can tell that a very well organized woman designed everything.
There is everything you need for a short stay. There is heating and air conditioning, and hot water. There is no: dishwasher or washer and dryer in place. The kitchen is well stocked with pots and pans, dishes, glasses, mugs, an electric tea kettle, a toaster, and a blender. The bedroom is perfect for sleeping and comes with lots of storage.
There are family style restaurants nearby where you can get a good meal for a great price. A bakery a block away and multiple green grocers and coffee shops are all a 2-5 minutes away. There is a supermarket that is a 5-7 minute walk.
I came to Porto with a bad head cold that was beyond self-medication. The family very quickly got me an appointment on a national holiday to be seen by a doctor. Joao Carlos accompanied me to the doctor and translated my condition and symptoms to the doctor. Later that evening I got some home cooked meal sent my way from Marilia. You can’t get that type of care just anywhere!
Surprisingly for an American in Portugal without EU insurance the cost of the visit was a fraction (€35.00) of what the same visit would have cost in the US.
I would highly recommend Marilia’s place and would gladly stay again.