Arco Apartments

“Amazing Arco”

Excellent location. Perfect host - she could not have done more for us. Apartment was very comfortable and had everything we needed. Amazing views of the bridge The location is on the steps so maybe not ideal for anyone with a buggy or mobility issues.

“COOL APARTMENT IN PORTO!!”

Stayed here for three nights on a visit to Porto, and I cannot say enough about how great this apartment was. I’ve been to 32 counties, and this was one of the coolest, places I’ve ever stayed. I had the studio apartment, and there was more than enough room for me to spread out. (Would be perfect f… more

Stayed here for three nights on a visit to Porto, and I cannot say enough about how great this apartment was. I’ve been to 32 counties, and this was one of the coolest, places I’ve ever stayed. I had the studio apartment, and there was more than enough room for me to spread out. (Would be perfect for two people as well.) The bedroom had windows, but it was very warm when I visited, so it was nice close them and feel like I was in my own little cave. The water pressure was amazing, and the shower was perfect after the steep hills of Porto. Elizabeth greeted me at the top of the stairs and helped me lug my bag down (and helped me lug it back up when I checked out). She was so friendly and welcoming. She recommended some “must-sees” and even left me a cake from the bakery! I agree with the other reviewers that this is not for guests with any mobility issues. But if you want to experience “the real Porto,” this is the apartment for you.

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“decent apartment at a good price but lots of steps to it”

Not for those with limited mobility - be prepared for lots of steps. Our apartment was built into the hill, about 45 steps down from the Cathedral square. It's another 90 steps down to the 'elevator' which (for 2 euros per person per trip) can get you to the Douro riverfront (where there are lots o… more

Not for those with limited mobility - be prepared for lots of steps. Our apartment was built into the hill, about 45 steps down from the Cathedral square. It's another 90 steps down to the 'elevator' which (for 2 euros per person per trip) can get you to the Douro riverfront (where there are lots of shops, restaurants and river tours). Without the elevator, it's at least 100 more steps on a winding path to the riverfront. The manager was quite helpful, and able to get a taxi with a driver who could get somewhat close (by backing down one-way alleys) and he helped get our bags down and then up the steps. They use WhatsApp for communications - which we don't use much, otherwise - so be sure to keep good access to that for this apartment. All that said, the apartment, once there, was fine. Bedroom had no storage, just a shelf and a closet rack with hangars near the firm bed. Bathroom was fine, with good shower. Living room comfortable. The mini-split over the door, which we used for heat, got the 'upstairs' (bath and bedroom) toasty but the living room remained cool. The kitchen has a small fridge (no freezer), pod coffee maker, good kettle, microwave and induction cooktop. No toaster. There were no instructions for how to use the cooktop but we eventually figured it out. Nice view of the bridge over the Douro. Can hear every word of the pedestrians on the steps, but they don't tend to walk those after dark, so no noise disturbing usual sleep hours

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“A step into Porto history”

We stayed in Satana for 4 nights. Really interesting apartment with the ancient steps behind a glassed wall in the bedroom. Only negative was the dampness. As it was rainy the apartment does get damp so you need to leave windows open to keep place aired. As mentioned finding the place is a nightmar… more

We stayed in Satana for 4 nights. Really interesting apartment with the ancient steps behind a glassed wall in the bedroom. Only negative was the dampness. As it was rainy the apartment does get damp so you need to leave windows open to keep place aired. As mentioned finding the place is a nightmare and parking is an “experience”. As mentioned Elizbeth is first rate and Porto is a place to visit. Only other comment would be noise and building works….it’s interminable but that’s because Porto seems to be being rebuilt at every turn.

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