The round tower attached to the front of Residencia LIS B&B makes its exterior stand out from nearby buildings. Stepping inside through the gate and past the hedge, a stone patio with a metal bench offers guests a spot to sit facing a small garden with green plants and leafy trees. It's a fittingly quiet welcome to what is -- at core -- a simple guesthouse with an extremely hospitable owner who's on-hand to provide local advice and little extras, like port wine and desserts upon checking in. Style-wise, there's not much to write home about, as it's a simple affair through and through with classic overtones. Framed paintings on light-blue walls give the interior of the B&B has a homey vibe, and the owner’s habit of singing church songs may make the place feel especially familiar for some. The narrow lobby has a wooden front desk sitting at the bottom of a spiral staircase, and there's no elevator. Breakfast is provided to guests -- mostly vacationing couples -- in a busy but pleasant room, with decorative plates and scarves hanging on the walls and tables with white table cloths and colorful place settings.

Residencia LIS B&B and Parking is located on an unattractive, busy road outside the historic core of Porto. The neighborhood is mostly quiet and offers restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops as well as some local shopping. It’s a 10-minute walk to the Marques Metro station, and there's a bus stop just down the block. Porto Cathedral, and the cafes and cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Ribeira Square, are within a 40-minute ride away on the metro (or about the same time on foot). Taxis can make the trip in about 15 minutes depending on the destination. Attractions like Clerigos Tower, Infante D. Henrique Square, Bolsa Palace, and Monument Church of St. Francis can all be reached in around a 40-minute ride on the metro as well (or 10- to 15-minute drive). It’s around a 10-minute drive to Casa da Musica, a major concert hall space and a 35-minute trip on the metro to Dragao Stadium, the second-largest soccer stadium in Portugal. Expect a 20-minute drive or 50-minute metro ride to Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport. 

For a value property, there's still a good bit of charm to be found in the guesthouse's rooms. Cream colored walls are hung with vibrant religious art, while crown molding rings the high ceilings. Iron bed frames, and solid wood wardrobes complete the classic look, though there's little else in the way of decor and everything is simple and clean. Space heaters are provided for warmth in the colder months, but don't expect air-conditioning in the summer. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable channels and free Wi-Fi. They also include simple en-suite bathrooms done in white tiling and cream colors. There is limited counter space and either stand-up showers or shower/tub combinations. The Triple Room that we saw opened up to a large, concrete patio with potted plants. 

Residencia LIS B&B and Parking offers free, secure parking, which is a big bonus for the area. A free breakfast is provided as well, with limited options that include fruits, cereal, and bread. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, and there’s an internet corner in the communal living room as well as a flat-screen TV. Guests receive port wine and desserts like cake, cupcakes, or cookies at check-in, and the owner has proven to be an extremely friendly and helpful resources for exploring the area.