I am traveling to Portugal the first 2 weeks in February. I plan a week in Lisbon and a week in Porto. I am looking for accommodations. I have traditionally done Airbnb and vrbo for past 30 years. However it seems like the residents will rather to ours not use private homes , understandably as their home costs go up due to tourist utilizing Airbnb driving up home costs.
I like quiet areas and do not mind walking. Need to be close to restaurants. Ideally do not like to be where all the tourists go ,however I am open to any suggestions. I need a kitchen or kitchenette also will like to be able to have some laundry access. I also like quiet at night. I am with my husband so not worried about safety . Any suggestions for hotels or other accommodations for a week each in Lisbon and Porto. I know it’s hilly and not an issue. We are walkers. As I said the important things are quiet at night , restaurants and will like a nice view.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1655 posts
I spent a week last OCT in Porto, staying in the 4 Seasons in Matosinhos which is just north of the city proper. It's a nice neighborhood, a block from the beach, not expensive, great staff, excellent breakfast, and a 1 euro bus ride into the city proper. The beach is great, with a good fort, and restaurants looking out over the water. What I really liked were the local places (there are some tourist spots) and the two major supermarkets within a block where I could get a meal for less than 10 euro and take it to sit in the sand and watch the sun go down. If you're a Marriott member call them and see if you can get a package deal. They can also arrange day trips if you want. Cost about 20 euro to and from the airport by taxi.
Posted by
North Wales, UK
13 posts
We've been to Lisbon twice in a year and Porto once. Can't recommend the two places we stayed at enough:
Lisbon
Porto
I think they tick your boxes as you are obviously looking for similar things we do!
They're not Air BnBs! On/Set is a building converted to apartments akin to a hotel, the 'concierge' Rui is a delight, the area is quiet but in the heart of beautiful Alfama a stones throw from the tram, cafes, bars etc - we walked everywhere from it. Have stayed there twice now (and we're fussy!!!!), whilst UBA in Porto is a few rooms in the owners house which have been beautifully restored and converted - absolutely stunning, and the owner is lovely. Again away from the crowds (just north of the centre) but bars and restaurants on the doorstep (especially bakeries for morning pastries!) - you get a real sense of living in a working area of the city but are just 10-15 mins along a pedestrianised shopping street to the main sights.
We'd stay at both again in a heartbeat!