Village by BOA was a small surprise oasis tucked into the heart of Porto. Quiet location, yet walking distance to shops and restaurants, with easy Uber/Bolt access.
Our cute two-story apartment was perfect for two, with an upstairs bedroom, quaint living room, and small kitchenette. We loved the separate thermostats for each floor, windows that opened for fresh air, and blackout panels. The welcome basket, slippers, and quality bath products were thoughtful touches. The rain shower was great, although we ran out of hot water one evening. Staff communication through the app was convenient.
A few drawbacks: the bathroom was very small and narrow, with a musty smell and a couple of bugs. Q-tips and makeup wipes could be better stocked, and the pillows were extremely uncomfortable. A small wooden platform at the bottom of the steps shifted and should be secured.
One serious concern: we returned to find our door ajar and unlocked after staff dropped off requested water while we were out.
Building entry instructions should explain that guests must briefly hold down the # key after entering their access code to the building. We weren’t told this and saw other guests struggle with the same issue.
There is no elevator to upper floors, making luggage difficult to manage. Request a lower-floor room if mobility or luggage is a concern.
Overall, we enjoyed the charm, peaceful location, and thoughtful design.