Guest House Douro

THE READER WHO DISCOVERED THE GUEST HOUSE DOURO! THANK YOU!:

In early June 2009 my wife and I had the pleasure of several days at Guest House Douro (GHD). This B&B opened in January 2009 and is owned and operated by Carmen Rodriguez and João Fonseca, a wonderful Portuguese couple who relocated back to Porto from Montreal to create GHD. GHD is a modern, stylish establishment well located in the old town right on the Douro (opposite the Port houses in Gia) and appointed with a ...

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THE READER WHO DISCOVERED THE GUEST HOUSE DOURO! THANK YOU!:

In early June 2009 my wife and I had the pleasure of several days at Guest House Douro (GHD). This B&B opened in January 2009 and is owned and operated by Carmen Rodriguez and João Fonseca, a wonderful Portuguese couple who relocated back to Porto from Montreal to create GHD. GHD is a modern, stylish establishment well located in the old town right on the Douro (opposite the Port houses in Gia) and appointed with a personality developed by Carman. Each of the 8 rooms is a bit different and, though not all have river views, each is well appointed and finished in a very high quality and tasteful manner. The linens are all manufactured in Portugal, of super quality, and the beds simply a dream. The establishment is wonderful. Breakfast is prepared by João and is what I like to call "Four Seasons" quality, perhaps better, as it is served with pride and made with as fresh of ingredients as can be found. The stylish white china and flatware come from a Portuguese manufacturer well know for great design and quality product, in keeping with 'the House', all of which goes to making for a great start to your day. Carmen and João are excellent hosts who both aim to help you enjoy your time in Porto. They are knowledgeable of the area and are pleased to provide directions and recommendations for local activities and restaurants. Staying at GHD with this couple is a pleasure and they deserve the success they have already found (despite the economic downturn and only being in business for a short time).

I knew when I first spoke with Carmen regarding our reservation that our stay at the Guesthouse Duoro would be memorable. Carmen promised that she would give me extra hugs on our arrival as by then I would have been driving in Portugal for two weeks. Sure enough, months later, when we checked in, Carmen gave me those much needed hugs. She then proceeded to give me excellent directions to the car rental agency office, which is tucked away on a side street in central Porto, so that I could drop...

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I knew when I first spoke with Carmen regarding our reservation that our stay at the Guesthouse Duoro would be memorable. Carmen promised that she would give me extra hugs on our arrival as by then I would have been driving in Portugal for two weeks. Sure enough, months later, when we checked in, Carmen gave me those much needed hugs. She then proceeded to give me excellent directions to the car rental agency office, which is tucked away on a side street in central Porto, so that I could drop off the car. Actually, within a 3 minute walk of the Guesthouse Duoro, is a large parking lot, making it easy for anyone with a car to park and then make the quick walk to the hotel.

As with the rest of the Guesthouse, the small reception area is compact but cool, minimalist and modern. Carmen and Joao worked exceedingly well within the confines of the ancient house sitting on the banks of the Duoro. One would never guess the house’s age, as all is fresh and pristine.

Our room was number 402, overlooking the river and the port wine lodges on the opposite bank. We had wall to wall windows overlooking the river, and spent many hours gazing down on the almost carnival-like activity of both visitors and locals enjoying the sunshine, water and boats as they sailed up the Duoro. At night, the lights reflected on the still waters of the river were enchanting.

Our room was well laid out, but the bathroom was especially well done. The fixtures were all high-end, and the configuration made the compact bathroom very functional. The shower was divine. I also enjoyed the vase filled with roses, which graced the vanity.

The breakfast area is tiny, with only three tables, making it absolutely necessary to tell Joao and Carmen when you want to eat. Everyday, we chose to have breakfast at 9:30, which was always available. Joao would greet us with a huge smile as we sat down to the elegant table laid with lovely dishes and glassware. In the center Joao would place a large platter of fresh fruit artistically presented. He obviously enjoyed hosting breakfast, and operated the small bar area with the skill and flair of an experienced barrista. We also enjoyed freshly squeezed orange juice, crispy rolls, ham and cheese, and my personal favorite, quince jelly to spread on the variety of breads and rolls presented.

Carmen and Joao take great care in making sure that their guests enjoy every moment of their stay in Porto, including an introductory course on what to see and do, all plainly marked on a map, which they personalized with their cell phone numbers-just in case you need them. On our second evening in Porto, they made reservations for us at a beach-side restaurant near Foz, a ten-minute cab ride away. At the restaurant, Shis, we were immediately shown to the best seat in the house-one which afforded both of us an unparalleled view of the Atlantic. Upon being seated, we were presented with a complimentary glass of champagne. The food and wine were delicious, and the service impeccable. We knew that we had been given extra special treatment because we were guests of Carmen and Joao’s.

Departing the Guesthouse Duoro was hard because we felt like we were leaving friends. We heartily endorse the Guesthouse Duoro and truly believe that anyone who stays here will enjoy it.