What are popular rental amenities in Portugal? The most popular requested amenities by locals and tourists alike are air-conditioning, a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, a pet-friendly environment, and a pool. That said, there are many more amenities to look out for when renting your vacation room or home.
No doubt, Portugal’s allure extends far beyond postcard-perfect scenery. You’ll love the breathtaking visas, charming cobbled streets, the beaches, and lots more. But then, a key detail to make your vacation amazing is the amenities your rental offers.
No matter how far away from home you’ll be, your comfort is still paramount. That said, being comfortable means different things for different people. So whether you are craving a poolside retreat or just a room to lay your head, we’ve listed some of the amenities most people look for when traveling to Portugal.
What are popular rental amenities in Portugal?
Portugal is a fascinating country with plenty of unique destinations. Yet, there’s no lack of vacation rentals. In truth, the Portuguese vacation rental market is as diverse as its landscape. Whether you are a family looking for a spacious villa or an explorer trying out a cozy studio, there’s something for everyone. There are cottages, short-rental apartments, cabins, chalets, single rooms, and even shared hostel spaces for the budget-conscious backpacker.
You’ll also find this diversity in vacation rentals spread across the entire Portugal, especially the most prominent cities such as Porto and Lisbon. In fact, with an average of $150 per night, you’ll find something that fits right into your budget.
That’s why the question – what are popular rental amenities in Portugal – continues to be the highest in the minds of people looking to travel to Portugal. You should note that Property listings in Portugal generally fall into two broad categories: furnished (mobilado) and unfurnished (sem mobilia) options. But even unfurnished listings may have some degree of furnishing, such as kitchen appliances.
Nevertheless, many renters have their most preferred amenities that the ideal space must have. Let’s talk about these highly sought-after amenities to help you make the most informed decision about renting in Portugal.
Reliable Wi-Fi and internet access
Although many people go on holiday to get away from the hustle and bustle, they still want to be able to use their smartphones or computers. That’s why you need to make sure your rental unit has Wi-Fi that you can depend on.
Fully equipped kitchen
Having a fully-equipped kitchen is super important. In truth, when guests ask what the popular rental amenities in Portugal are, they usually mean a good kitchen. Hence, the ideal kitchen should have amenities like a stovetop, oven, microwave, dishwasher, blender, and fridge. Some apartments also come with secondary features like a coffee maker and grill.
Comfortable beds and linens
You need rest after a long, hard day of exploring Portugal’s wonders. However, everyone’s bedroom needs are different. While you want to examine the images you would likely look at before picking your vacation unit, you also need to ask questions about what your host will provide in terms of quality linens. Bonus points for extra blankets and mosquito nets. Luxury resorts might go the extra mile to provide blackout curtains, sleep masks, earplugs, and gadgets that help their guests drift off to sleep peacefully.
Clean and spacious bathroom
A clean and spacious bathroom is a necessity, especially one that comes with consistent hot water. Other features your host might provide include showers, hair dryers, bidets, outdoor showers, and bathtubs, alongside cleaning and storage amenities such as a washer and dryer and hair dryers.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning might be a basic where you’re coming from. But in Portugal, only a few rentals have air conditioning. Locals generally prefer using their windows as the summers don’t typically get above 40 degrees Celsius. But then, for many tourists, air conditioning might be a necessity. If it’s a deal breaker for you, you should confirm before booking. Some rentals may have an electric fan as an alternative to air conditioning. Usually, you might find one fan per bedroom.
Heating
Heating is a must-have if you are moving to Portugal in the winter months. Cities like Lisborn get very damp in winter. However, many properties in Portugal need heating and proper insulation. So you need some heating and tons of blankets to have a comfortable winter stay. Luxury resorts might also go the extra mile to provide fireplaces.
Dedicated Workspace
Having a dedicated place to work is also one of the most essential amenities most people seek in their vacation rentals. If you are a nomad or remote worker, the importance of this set-up also increases.
Safety and Security
Some vacation rentals may also provide carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and smoke alarm features. The first-aid kit and fire extinguishers are must-haves, but the alarms are usefully secondary features. Beyond that, the property should have adequate security measures such as deadbolts, locks, and a security system.
Accessibility
Suppose you worry about features that can make stays comfortable for a disabled person. In that case, there are tons of vacation rentals offering dedicated access. You’ll find resorts and rooms with wide doorways and ramps. Also, check that your ideal rental has a wheelchair-accessible bathroom and is located on the ground floor. Often, such accommodations designed for disabled persons may also have bathroom rails, bathroom benches, lowered light switches, and faucets, among other amenities.
Popular Amenities for Relaxation and Leisure
Outdoor Spaces
Holidays are all about the outdoors, and most people come to Portugal to enjoy that. Whether it’s soaking up in the sun while watching the gorgeous Portuguese landscape or swimming, having a rental unit with the right outdoor amenities is vital. Plus they should be close to the attractions you want to enjoy. Depending on the type of rental you go for, your outdoor space might have tables, chairs, sun lounges, an outdoor couch, or a hammock.
Beyond that, you can also have additional outdoor features such as:
- Deck or patio
- Balcony
- Porch or lanai
- Private garden or terrace
A private pool or hot tub
Who doesn’t love to soak in a hot tub or private pool? As a guest of a resort near coastal areas, consider asking if you would have this amenity. Often, it’s one of the critical features of luxury vacation rentals.
Barbecue utensils
Some rental units also provide utensils for barbecue. You might find equipment like iron skewers or bamboo skewers, charcoal, and a grill.
Flat-screen TV with cable channels
A flat-screen TV, especially a smart TV, is a great advantage in any rental unit. That way, you can still enjoy the comforts of home and use cable or access streaming services such as Netflix.
Entertainment
Besides cables, you might be interested in some entertainment. This is primarily a part of villas, lofts, and cottage rentals. The best of these kinds of rentals usually offer other entertainment options like snooker tables, gaming consoles for families, and board games. You may also have access to a music system as well.
Beyond that, some resorts also provide on-site services such as saunas, gyms, massages, private chef-prepared meals, yoga sessions, and more. These luxury resorts often also have dedicated gaming areas with features like tennis, golf, and watersport gear.
Popular rental amenities for convenience
Parking space or dedicated parking area
Suppose you’re going to drive around Portugal regularly. In that case, you should check if your rental has a dedicated parking area or available parking facilities nearby. Often, when a resort or cottage has on-site parking, these parking facilities are usually free. Hence, you need to inquire about what to expect in terms of packing.
Beach essentials (towels, chairs, umbrellas)
For villas and rooms near the beach areas, providing beach supplies is vital. You want to confirm if they will provide beach towels, fold-up chairs, umbrellas, and a cool box. Inflatables and bodyboards are also nice-to-haves to ask for.
Bicycle rentals
Your resort may also provide bikes for renting alongside maps, bus schedules, and driving routes. This allows you to enjoy the local scenery on your own. Depending on availability, you could find e-bikes, road bikes, and even hybrids. That said, make sure to ask questions about the routes you can take with your bike.
Airport transfers
Your ideal vacation rental may offer an airport transfer service. This gives you more convenience to move from the airport to your accommodation without any hassles. That said, you should confirm what airports your host covers before buying your tickets.
Luggage storage
Also, check that your rental unit has decent storage. Depending on the type of rental, you should take a look at the closets, cabinets, and other storage areas to ensure they can fit your belongings.
Family Friendly
Suppose you are traveling to Portugal with your family. In that case, you want to make sure your selected units are family-friendly. Whether you are going to a resort or renting an apartment, your destination must have the best items. Some include plastic crockery and cutlery items, children’s books and toys, board games, baby cots, high chairs, and a small children’s set. Some resorts also make provisions for babysitting as well.
Pet-friendly environments
If you are traveling to Portugal with a pet, you need to confirm that your rental unit allows that pet breed. Not all vacation rentals accept pets. And the ones that do often have restrictions about the types you can bring.
Outdoor view
The view from your accommodation also influences your rental price. And it’s also one of the popular amenities that foreigners consider. Depending on your selection, you could have:
- beach view,
- near the ocean view,
- View of the village
- Mountain view
- Ocean view
- Oceanfront
- City view and many more.
- Valley View
Regional Variations
It’s also important to note that the facilities and amenities you find at your accommodation also depend on where it is located. Here’s a proper breakdown of what to expect:
Coastal rentals
For coastal regions, you may choose vacation rentals that are close to the shore. Often, these resorts and vacation units might also house water sports and surf equipment nearby. That way, you can quickly secure the gear you need to enjoy your water sports adventures. You may also find that these units have comfortable loungers and plenty of outdoor spaces.
City rentals
Generally, you are interested in exploring one or more major cities in Portugal. In that case, you can choose a location that’s close to the city’s center. That way, you can quickly immerse yourself in the city’s culture, the bustling squares and iconic landmarks only a stone’s throw away. You may also prioritize having a good balcony with expansive views of the city.
Imagine sipping an espresso as the sun paints the cityscape in golden hues or enjoying an evening cocktail while the city twinkles below. You should also pay attention to the type of concierge service offered. Often, you would find these facilities advertising tickets to captivating shows, curated walking tours, and personalized recommendations for authentic dining experiences.
Countryside retreats
Countryside retreats in Portugal often offer a wide range of facilities that are geared towards helping you reconnect with nature. You might find features such as a fireplace and even an outdoor fireplace, board games, hammocks, and more. Some resorts also provide curated experiences such as walking tours through quaint villages, visiting hidden waterfalls, or venturing on horseback riding adventures.
Nearby landmarks and activities
It’s often better to plan your accommodation alongside your itinerary. You wouldn’t want to reside so far from many of the places you want to visit. Hence, you should check to see the attractions you can get within those areas. Plus, think of proximity to restaurants, shopping, public transportation, and other amenities. Some resorts also offer adventurous packages that include fascinating activities like kayaking, sailing, or even hiking.
Other considerations
Now that we’ve answered the question – what are popular rental amenities in Portugwe’veyou may have other questions about picking the ideal rental in Portugal. Let’s address other factors you should consider:
- Utilities and bills: You should clarify on the utilities that would be included in the rent and which you are responsible for. Ask questions about how bills are managed to help you budget adequately.
- Landlord communication: Assess the landlord’s responsiveness and communication style. You need a communicative and reliable landlord who would improve your rental experience.
- Lease terms: Ensure that the complete lease agreement is reached. Pay attention to the rental duration, renewal terms, and conditions around terminating the lease. Understand the rules and responsibilities outlined in the contract.
Websites to rent a home or room in Portugal
- Idealista
- Airbnb
- Vrbo
- OLX
- Expedia
- Century21
- Remax
- Booking.com
These websites enable you to search for properties based on your location, budget, and other preferences. Generally, you’ll find short-term rentals on Vrbo, Booking.com, and Airbnb. For longer rentals, check out the other websites. You can also check for rental properties by using Facebook groups and other online forums.
It’s also possible to contact the property owner or real estate agent directly through the websites. That said, if you prefer to find a place by contacting a real estate agent in Portugal, you should search by looking for agents who are members of the Portuguese Association of Real Estate Professionals (APEMIP) and other recognized industry organizations.
If you’re an expat looking to move to Portugal, it’s often easier to use a real estate agent who speaks English and knows the area. They can help you secure an impressive deal with the owner since you’ll be staying in Portugal for a more extended period.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to your question – what are the popular rental amenities in Portugal? You can now start planning your vacation to the country. Remember, the best amenities are the ones that make your trip to Portugal worthwhile. So make sure to assess the rentals you have in mind carefully. Make sure they tick off most of the boxes in terms of the amenities you genuinely need. In the end, you’ll have found the perfect rental with all the amenities that make your trip unforgettable.
