"House of Joy" Apartment Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mike K.

7 Oct 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fernando greeted us to welcome us to his clean fabulous property. He could not have been nicer. The location was excellent. Highly recommend.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn E.

12 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Joyful Stay

the "House of Joy" was true to it's name. Fernando was a wonderful host, he left beer, wine, fruits, bread and pastries in the kitchen for us. He also provided a list of recommended restaurants and sites. Location was perfect and accessible for us travelling with an 11 month old with a stroller.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marlisa L.

18 Nov 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable home close to sights

Host met us and helped us park, then walked us to the apt and showed us everything. He provided oranges, croissants, coffee, butter, milk, wine! Lovely comfortable place.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cinnie C.

7 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful & elegant home in Porto

We had a lovely time staying at Fernando's apartment! It is beautifully decorated and location is so convenient for everything. The welcome pack (croissant, bread, juice, beer , fruits & wine) is so heartwarming.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lara B.

6 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Place and Location

Fernando is wonderful, he met us at the apartment and had a care package for us. Apartment is adorable and was very comfortable for the five of us. Perfect location! Pictures accurately represent the place.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karin S.

29 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay!

The apartment is beautiful, clean and had modern decor. The showers were very hot. The dining room allows for nice dinners for 6 people. The location was very convenient and it was close to shopping, restaurants and a grocery store. The host is very responsive and quickly answered tourist-related questions.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathan R.

13 Jul 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Terrific find

This was hands down our favorite place that we stayed in Portugal. It was very comfortable and had all the amenities we needed, including air conditioning and an off-street place to park our rental car that we did not use in Porto. It was conveniently located to everything—shopping, restaurants, the river—we walked all over. Fernando was a terrific host, and the kitchen came stocked with a welcome stash of fresh fruits and breads and a bottle of wine, which we really appreciated. We hope to be back!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol R.

12 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A real gem!

Host was very gracious! We found his place to be very charming & comfortable! We lacked for nothing, Fernando even thought to supply us with enough coffee & fresh rolls for our breakfast, so we didn’t have to think about that meal first thing in the morning & could just start exploring the beautiful city of Porto! Would definitely return!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephan H.

19 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent experience

The property is clean and well maintained. We were welcomed with fruit, rolls, croissants, and a nice bottle of wine. The kitchen was well equipped with everything one might need. A grocery store is right around the corner, a small restaurant below the apartment and nice pedestrian mall was a block away. The Metro station was also a block away making the apartment well located for most any Porto activities. The host, Fernando, was an excellent communicator. We highly recommend this property.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah W.

17 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3 nights in Porto

I cannot speak highly enough about this property, the location, or the host--all are excellent. The apartment itself is beautiful and updated, stylishly furnished, including comfortable beds, and fun artwork. It was thoughtfully stocked with everything you may need, including maps, adaptors, umbrellas, extra blankets, etc. It is in a perfect location for exploring Porto, and in a neighborhood with plenty of restaurants and coffee shops nearby, including the Bolhao market which is just a couple minutes walk away. Fernando went out of his way to meet us at the apartment for an early check in (much appreciated), to show us around and answer any questions. He had filled the kitchen refrigerator with beverages, fruit and breakfast items, was a great communicator leading up to and during our stay, and even helped book us a cab to the airport. Will definitely stay here again when back in Porto.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kate E.

4 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

Cannot say enough good things about this property. From Fernando being there upon our arrival to greet and welcome us, as well provide excellent local recommendations for sights to see and restaurants to go to. He had a lovely supply of fruit, coffee, wine, croissants and other goodies to get us started with. The property was incredibly clean, and very comfortable for the 2 couples. While very close to the hub bub of Porto; walking distance to the Mercado, shopping, restaurants and historical sights, the 2 block buffer was perfect from a noise perspective. You’re still in the heart of a city, but not as noisy as other locations can be! You do not need, and probably would not want a car! Highly recommend this property.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John M.

28 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Porto getaway

My wife, Sister and Brother-in-Law and I had a wonderful stay at the apartment on Rua da Algeria in Porto! The location was ideal for exploring the city's attractions on foot. The comfortable beds ensured a great night's sleep, and the double glazed windows effectively canceled out outside noise. The AC was perfect, keeping the apartment at a comfortable temperature. The kitchen was a good size for two people to cook in, and having Netflix available was a nice bonus. It was convenient to have markets and groceries within walking distance. The provided parking, though a short walk away, was a plus. The balconies were a lovely touch, allowing for fresh air. My only suggestion would be for the owner to provide a bread knife, which is a minor detail. Overall, it was a fantastic stay!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven B.

5 Jan 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Porto Apartment

Our visit to Porto was absolutely fantastic, and staying at this apartment truly elevated the experience.From the moment we arrived, the hosts went above and beyond—welcoming us warmly despite our late arrival at midnight due to a delayed flight. Their hospitality was exceptional, and the thoughtful touches, like the wine and croissants, made us feel right at home.The apartment itself was spacious, featuring three generously sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. It was perfect for our family of four but would also be ideal for two or three couples traveling together.The location was unbeatable, situated on the Porto side of the river. Many great restaurants , shops and of course Patel de Nata shops (recommend Fábrica da Nata (Rua Santa Catarina)). Everything we wanted to see and do was within a 15-minute walk, and getting to the iconic port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia was a breeze—just a 25-45 minute walk or a quick and affordable Uber ride (6-10).Overall, this apartment offered the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and amazing hospitality. We couldn’t recommend it more highly!We also really enjoyed the great paintings throughout the apartment.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

R T.

4 Nov 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything was perfect; our location, our host, the apartment itself.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz M.

12 Oct 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing three night stay! The apartment is beautiful, clean and spacious. The breads, fruits, wine and juices from the host were an additional treat. We are grateful to have booked this VRBO. The visit is a delight and check in was seamless. We would happily book again.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ole R.

10 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved our stay here - Fernando was a great host and the apartment was perfect in all respects for the five of us - highly recommended for a comfortable stay, close to everything in Porto.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tammy G.

23 May 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First time Porto visit

Close to all the sites very very clean. Fernando supplied us with a lot of goodies!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marice W.

28 May 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay In Porto at the House of Joy

Our stay at this apartment was perfect from start to finish. The host met us promptly and invited us into a beautifully appointed 3-bedroom apartment. He thought of everything to make it a welcoming and a comfortable stay. The linens were beautiful, the beds comfortable and extra amenities very nice. The kitchen had everything we needed and our host welcomed us with food and beverages to make our stay complete.I highly recommend this property. The location is perfect for seeing Porto and walking all over this fabulous city.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

E J.

1 May 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection!

From the moment we arrived, we knew that we had selected a gem of a property for our Porto stay. Fernando, our thoughtful host was quite simply, the best! Attention to details, the quality of the unit and furnishings, the little surprises, etc. ... it was apparent that 'House of Joy' would live up to its name. If this unit is available, you'd be very lucky to reserve it. Many, many thanks Fernando for sharing your apartment ... and beautiful city!

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G., Jacksonville, FL

23 Jun 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Apartment!

The pictures don’t do this apartment justice. It is amazing. Located in a great part of town which has everything you need within easy walking distance. It’s also near the newly refurbished Bolhao Market. It had absolutely everything we needed to make our stay perfect. We would book this again in a minute!! Thank you, Fernando.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

richard p.

14 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Porto Apartment

Wonderful stay, wonderful host. The check in and prior communication was amazing, so gracious and helpful. The kitchen was beautifully stocked and the whole apartment was clean and extremely well appointed. The location was comfortable and just fantastic, even down to the wonderful restaurant and pastry shop we were located above. It was warm and humid for part of the stay and the split climate control systems worked perfectly. Such a joy to stay at this location for a week. We would do it again in a heartbeat!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susette B.

30 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

This is an absolutely perfect vacation rental. The host and his family were wonderful and responsive, answering all of our questions and providing us a much needed welcome snack. The home is immaculate and very roomy for 4 adults. The decor is very modern, beds are comfy and the kitchen was perfect for us. We will be coming back to Porto and definitely staying here again. Thank you Tiago!!! :-) P.S. Don't miss the empanada store out the door and to the right. Missing Porto already!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Bevlyn D., Media, Pennsylvania

8 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Short Stay In Porto

Overall great stay. Here are the main points. Pros: Apartment size and layout, Kitchen, beds very comfortable, convenient location - especially to the Bolhao Market, Fernando was very responsive and friendly. Suggestions: En-suite bedroom bathroom was not in great shape, but functional, kitchen needs coffee grinder as there were beans and a French press, noisy early in the morning, but not at night, having the parking was great, but it’s not that convenient and note to VRBO- the address you sent me was incorrect. Loved the trip to Porto and would recommend this apartment for the value.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jayne B.

11 Sept 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This picture perfect apartment is in an excellent location!! Upon check-in, our host Fernando met us at the apartment to go over everything we needed to know with regard to lights, heat/air, appliances, windows, etc. There was a detailed list of local eateries, places of interest, and WiFi instructions. All three bedrooms were well appointed with comfortable beds, linens and soft lush towels. We also thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful dining room table for breakfasts, group activity planning, and afternoon Sangria. The living room has a comfortable couch and great TV! The kitchen was well stocked with dishes, silverware, water glasses, stemware, bowls, and kitchen gadgets. A lovely espresso machine, with an ample supply of pods, fresh croissants, rolls, jam, butter and delicious fruit definitely created a warm welcome for our 6 night stay in Porto! A state of the art washing machine and drying rack, also, made our decision to travel light for 2 weeks in Portugal with (1) carry on/ (1) personal bag a workable choice! New efficient kitchen appliances kept our chores simple and easy. Would love an opportunity to stay in this apartment, again!! Kudos Fernando!!

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

15 Oct 2017

Absolutely first class

Issabella and Fernando: what can we say - your house and your hospitality were wonderful, in particular your preparation for our stay was superb and so unexpected. To have food and drinks ready for us on our arrival was such a bonus. So thoughtful. Your house was a pleasant distance from the central region of Porto and we walked almost everywhere, though it was difficult to find a taxi until we found a taxi rank (our problem, not yours). Your house was spacious, beautifully appointed , and had everything we required. We slept well and were even able to wash some light clothes, thanks to your facilities. What a wonderful way to start our Porto vacation. Many thanks, Felicity and Michael Pickard

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017

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