Habitat 137 is a gem! The four-story building from 1904 has been completely renovated by Joao, Gosia, and Joao’s parents, and the rooms and the small garden in the back shared by all the guests are beautiful in an elegant and subtle manner.
Everything at this property reflects care and attention. Mid-century modern furniture shares space with both older and more contemporary pieces, but everything is tied together with a shared aesthetic. Blink and you might miss how the newly added skylight over the central stairwell is echoed in the geometry of the minimalist light sconces on the walls and again in the symbol etched into the small metal placard on the street announcing the property. If you care about this type of detail, you’ll be delighted by your discoveries; and even if you don’t, you’ll enjoy that undeniable feeling of things being ‘just right.’
Joao and Gosia are wonderful hosts, thoughtful about the small things that make a guest’s stay especially pleasant: a complimentary demi of wine, Castelbel bath products, crisp linens, and fluffy towels. They are proud of their city—many of whose most popular sights are within walking distance or an easy ride on the nearby Metro—knowledgeable about their country, and welcoming of their guests’ curiosity.
Habitat 137 is a lovely and peaceful sanctuary to which to return at the end of each day and, together with its hosts, added substantively to the enjoyment of my stay in Porto.