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Last posts

A welcome pack – the best way to welcome your guest

The Only Team Owners, Tips

At Only-apartments we’ve seen very positive reactions from clients if they are welcomed… with a welcome pack. It is a very good start and they will probably feel more inclined to leave a comment saying how nice you were to them. And don’t forget: comments are the best way to attract new clients! Here’s a little interview we did to one of our owners, Joana and Francisco, who told us about what they do to keep their clients happy. You could do it too, don’t you think? First, tell us a little bit about you… We are Joana and Francisco, two siblings born and currently living in Porto, Portugal. Oportodowntown is the company we started based on the passion we share for travelling and for our home city. Having travelled around the globe and even lived outside of Portugal for some time, in São Paulo (Brazil) and London (UK) respectively, we believe Porto is one of the fantastic European cities that are worth getting to know! And how did you come up with this project? The apartments’ location, smack in the heart of the Historic Centre that was classified World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996, was also definitely a driving force behind our decision to move forward with this project. We have been advertising our DOWNTOWN ONE apartment with Only-apartments since last March and the experience has been very rewarding; it’s great to meet so many different, exciting people from such diverse backgrounds. We try to provide our guests the best experience possible, hoping to take an active part in the success of their stay! We’ve seen that you... read more

Discover Andalusia by Car

Aleix G. William Only-Be, Practical Guide to Seville, Sevillian

Andalusia is one of the most beautiful areas in Spain, but to see all it would take many more days than we mere mortals usually have for vacation. That´s why dividing it up is a great idea, plus you’ll have an excuse to return and discover another part. The best way to discover Andalusia is by car, and there’s a starting point from which each day you can see the best of the region in just 60 minutes. That starting point is the city of Seville. Photo: jtoledo On your first day, you’ll head out from Sevilleto visit the province of Huelva, which is known for its coastline and fishing villages where you can sample the best Andalusian cuisine at extremely affordable prices. One of those villages is Isla Cristina, a fishing village known for its tapas bars and exquisite fish, especially the famous pescaíto frito (fried fish) which will delight any seafood fan. After eating your fill, it might be a good idea to take a walk around. An excellent place to do this is Ayamonte, a town on the border with Portugal and along the river Guadiana. Its sunny squares are the ideal spot to relax and enjoy a few beers. The village’s white houses make this town one of the most beautiful in the entire region. After the gastronomic tour de Huelva, one should visit a place that is pleasing to the eye, and what place is more suited to that than the Doñana National Park. This park is located less than an hour from Seville and is a must-see when in Andalusia. Declared a... read more

Discovering the true essence of Venice

Hans Only-Be, Practical Guide to Venice, Venetian

Few cities in the world have as much to offer in terms of culture, art and tourism as Venice. Its special, cozy and cheerful atmosphere, combined with its impressive architecture, which whisper in your ear a small piece of its great history, have made this beautiful Italian city a tourist destination you must visit before you die. Exploring Venice as a regular tourist is a piece of cake, because wherever you go, you’ll find architectural and historical places of great value. However, for those folks who are always looking for adventures out of the ordinary, we’ve compiled a few sites to visit that will help you discovering the true essence of the city. Photo: Moroder The Giudecca You haven’t heard about the Giudecca? You´re missing a lot, if you like being part of the local life while traveling. The Giudecca is a quiet group of islands located on the south of Venice (just 5 minutes by ferry). Considered as the perfect place to get away from the bustle of the city, these islands are the perfect place to enjoy a walking tour around its traditional streets. Renting a holiday apartment in Giudecca is one of the best choices of accommodation in Venice, thanks to its tranquility and less expensive prices in comparison with the most tourist places of the city. Osteria al Portego The Osteria al Portego is the ideal place to explore the Venetian culture from a gastronomical perspective. This traditional tapas bar is small and very frequented by locals, because it is out of most tourist places of the city. Famous for its delicious “cicchetti” (Italian... read more