FLATTERED TO BE IN PORTO

First-time visitors to Portugal have long tended to shun Oporto for Lisbon - but not anymore. Portugal's second biggest city is an architectural phenomenon to date and has inspired dozens of professionals to revamp abandoned city areas. The western-most part of the city houses speciality lodging property Flattered to be in Porto in a historical building that is a resemblance of genuine Portuguese architecture. Flattered to be in Porto apartments were rehabilitated according to a design by the architectural office Barbosa & Guimaraes. The interior design, framed by the Atlantic and the Ourigo beach, was authored by Architect José Carlos Cruz. The apartment building sits on a residential street a short 3 minutes walk to the beach.

OUR STORY

We were in awe when finding out our apartment's lounge area and kitchen space faced the Atlantic Ocean. The sun was shining brightly in the mid-Spring season and the waves can be heard crashing against the monstrous rocks on the beach. We knew since the first instance that we were in for a treat, and the Foz do Douro neighbourhood is so much quieter than downtown Oporto. 

Our mornings were defined by a blissfully complete breakfast that comes in a traditional Portuguese rush wicker basket in four colours. Breakfast was picked out from a checklist that is given on the day of arrival. We had organic orange juice, homemade bread, croissant, some handpicked seasonal fruit, jam and some other bits to share between us. It isn't often you get such a special delivery when staying at self-catered apartments. Nice touch!

Our room was on the first floor and had 1 bedroom with a double bed...in an industrial container. This unique touch gives you more privacy should you need it, and closing the doors helps to block out any light and noise. For the most part, we enjoyed the convenience of being in Flattered to be in Porto as it is only 13Km from Sá Carneiro Airport, 3 minutes walking distance from the beach and restaurants are literally at your doorstep. There is an Organic Supermarket on the same street as the property, in which we stocked up on eco goods such as eggs, snacks, vegetables and drinks to bring back to the apartment. This made our stay feel more homely. In addition to this, when the weather permitted us, we strolled through the large green park for a picnic along the shores of Municipal Gardens Figueira da Foz.

In our experience, to fully discover Oporto and its history you must go to Foz do Douro. Take a stroll under the Pergola da Foz built in the 30's, visit the Serralves Museums, enjoy people watching at the dozens of beach bars and even take your time to do a little bit of physical activity on the beach promenade. When you are done for the day, Flattered to be in Porto will be waiting for you like your home away from home. 

THE GOODIES

- Breakfast service
- Cleaning service
- Air conditioning
- Central heating with radiant floor
- Satellite TV free and a DVD player
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- iPod dock station
- Fully-equipped kitchen (refrigerator, toaster, microwave oven with grill, dishwasher, washing and drying machine, espresso coffee machine etc.)
- Library collection of books and DVDs
- 100% cotton bed sheets and bath towels
- Iron and ironing board
- Baby pack (on request): Cradle, highchair, bathtub, toy box
- Bathroom amenities from Claus Porto

 

SUMMARY

Rate - Start from 143 euros per night
Location -The quietest part of Oporto, next to the Douro river and the Atlantic Ocean
Suitable for - Couples, friends and families
Tips - Eat at these nearby places: Tentações Do Prato Lda for their cod fish and Bar Tolo for their Açorda de Camarão, a traditional Portuguese dish made with bread, olive oil, garlic, prawns and coriander.