View/Location - A+
House Overall - B- Functional, Clean, Lacking Warmth, Details
Hosts - B+ (would be an A if they made more of an effort in the apartment itself)
I am a 50-something single woman from San Francisco, CA. I travel a lot and have seen many airbnbs. I am a fairly discriminating guest with high standards. I have rental property and appreciate the art of generosity in hosting.
Positives:
1) Location - proximity to and views of water and the PRIMO Foz neighborhood itself (Best place to be in Porto in my opinion - I'm actually looking to move here!) easy to grocery store, quality shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants, beach walking promenade, easy bus ride, uber or walking to historic center
2) Maria & daughter 8) kind, genuine, friendly people. Good communication, flexible, responsive
3) Easy / Free Street Parking
4) Candles and the lanterns, added ambience! Comfortable couch in living room!
5) Comfortable Bed, Good natural light
A few small changes could make this a higher quality experience.
1) Could be a lot more foreigner/travel friendly - No maps of immediate area with lists of restaurants/shops. No written instructions on how to use oven, microwave, dishwasher, tv, wash machine.
2) Surfaces to put personal belongings: Missing tables in front and side of couch to set drinks/food/books/computer, etc. Bedroom and bath have similar lack of surfaces.
3) Windows open inward & are most are blocked from opening by placement of window shades which only go part way up so you can't fully open the windows and enjoy the biggest asset of this place - the magnificent views to the ocean.
4) The terrace area COULD be amazing, but it is not inviting or comfortable. Could greatly benefit from nicer furniture to lounge on w/cushions, umbrella for shade and small tables for drinks/food. The current furniture is ordinary, not comfortable or luxurious in any way. Living Plants and some tasteful pieces of outdoor furnishing and art would make the space so much more interesting and welcoming!
5) Kitchen - Very basic. In need of basic things for people who want to cook - olive oil, salt and pepper shaker, serving dishes & bowls with serving spoons/forks, a spatula and tongs, hot pads, ice bucket for wine. Paper towels, napkins, dish towels, vases.
6) Closet - mishmash of wire and plastic hangers not a good feeling. Low slanted ceiling w/o a proper light source.
The house could just be more artful and personal in decoration. I LOVE the art piece above the bed, very nice! more like that would bring up the quality of the whole place. Rest is rather institutional / IKEA.