As first time Airbnb guests, we were so impressed with this experience! The apartment is exactly as promised, and the location is even better than we’d hoped for. It takes 5 minutes to walk to the base of the bridge to Porto, then you can easily walk across on the lower level to Porto, or stroll along the Gaia riverfront with all the port wine sellers, shops and a great market selling cheeses, meats, produce, fresh bread, baked goods, everything you need to make yourself a dinner at home. Or stop at one of the restaurants there. Again, perfect location!
The Magic Escape 2 is one of 3 identical units, one above the other. This one is actually on the 3rd floor since the bottom level is “0” (not sure if that one is an Airbnb). Two nice size bedrooms, one with twin beds, the other a queen bed which was very comfortable. Both bedrooms overlook the red tile roofs of Gaia, the Douro and Porto across it. The twin room has a window, queen has a window and a door onto a tiny balcony - not big enough to sit on but great for taking pictures. Closets in both rooms have hangers, end tables, valets to hang clothes on and nice bedding.
Both bathrooms, which are next to each other down the hall, are modern and clean. One is a bit bigger with a better layout but both are really good. Showers are strong and hot water is plentiful even with 4 people taking showers.
The kitchen is amazing, super modern, new, sparkling clean like the rest of the place. Equipped with new dishes, glasses, cookware, utensils etc. including electric water kettle, coffee maker and a keurig. In the adjacent room is a table and chairs, a sofa and coffee table and a large tv. We weren’t able to figure out how to get anything on the tv but really weren’t there long enough to watch a show anyway. Utility closet with washer, vacuum, cleaning supplies. There’s a back door onto a small deck with a pullout clothes line to hang your clothes dry.
Arrival went way better than expected, we were met by Jose at the unit, he helped unload our car and carry luggage upstairs! He explained where to park the car which is in a guarded lot right around the corner, easy to get to. Then took time showing us everything in the apartment, answering questions, offering tips on what to do there. To top it off, he had a bottle of port wine and some pasteis de nata for us as a welcome gift!
We could not be happier with our experience and highly highly recommend this Airbnb! You will seriously not find a better place for a trip to the Porto area!