My Favorite Airbnb: An Architect's Antique-Filled Porto Apartment With a Secret Garden

By Hannah Towey

My favorite type of Airbnb is one that acts as an extension of the host’s own home—perhaps they own the building and live in the apartment upstairs, or in a nearby house on the property—allowing guests to interact with the host while still maintaining a sense of privacy. While this homestay-esque setup was once the foundation of Airbnb, it has become increasingly common for listings to instead be managed by third-party rental property companies. (He also runs another Airbnb, a two-bedroom flat with views of the river, in the same building.