PortoSense Ribeira

Central to everything we wanted to do

Nothing

What a fabulous location but with it comes noise. If you can cope with that then this place is a gem. If sitting on the balcony be ready to be photographed every few minutes by tourists taking a photo of a famous 15th century building you are lucky enough to be staying in. Just be aware if travelling with luggage there are 3 steps up to the front door, another 8 stairs up to the lift. The apartment is split level with the lounge and kitchen downstairs and up 3 flights of stairs 6, 8 and 3 stairs, there is the bathroom and bedroom. The apartment is not serviced unless you stay longer than a few days. We stayed 5 nights and after night 2 nights the apartment was cleaned. You need to supply your own coffee, tea and sugar if you drink a few cups a day. The bed is comfortable but 2 singles out together. The white linen sheets are crisp and clean. The towels are plush and large. There are plenty of power pints around the apartment for charging phones etc. The keypad controlled front door and apartment door are a terrific idea as it saves having to carry keys. Just a tip on the front door, once you’ve entered the code put the door towards you before pushing to unlock the mechanism. The 3 steps to the front door are short so it’s best to be sure footed if staying here. All crockery and cutlery are supplied however, if like me you like a proper sized mug (they are a little small for my liking) then bring your own. We went out and bought ours. The apartment doesn’t have AC but there is a fan in the bedroom and one in the seating area on the top floor. We stayed in July and had no problems being hot, because the windows open and there was a lovely cool breeze constantly flowing through the apartment. The windows can be left open as there is no issue with security, you’re too high up.

The shower is over the bath and the roof above the bath is angled as you are basically in the attic.

Christina was so helpful and available. She always responded to my questions. She gave me links to prepare me for the Sao Joao festival that was happening while we were there. She set up a taxi for me last minute when my other arrangements fell through. The location was better than I could have asked for! It was the perfect place to watch the craziness of the Sao Joao festival from our balcony without getting lost in the crowds! It was in the middle of the action! It was noisy when it was time to sleep, but noise cancelling earphones took care of that with no problem. I thoroughly enjoyed our stay there and would recommend it to anyone!

Nothing.

The view and the location.

The awful constant noise from the square below particularly the appalling amplified bad busking from noon until later evening. This was not nice music it was offensive - loud ethnic drumming and shouting. You could hear this racket from inside with all the windows closed. This truly spoiled our Porto experience. In addition the WiFi was diabolical constantly cutting out completely!