This was the final destination of a 3-island Azores vacation. We really liked our first two hotels, as they were located within walking distance of numerous hotels and grocery stores.
To begin with, this place is like a compound, one way out and in. Googlemaps took us to the right location, but it took a bit of driving around to find the entrance. If you find yourself in the same situation, drive around behind the property for the entrance.
We arrive around 10AM; we got an early check in around 1. They stored our bags so we went off exploring. We didn't have complementary breakfast, so we paid 11euros pp for a buffet. It was a nice buffet, but a bit harsh having had complementary breakfast at our first two hotels.
The room had a bit of a musty smell, but it had a remote to control AC and heat, so as long as I kept the air moving, the slight odor wasn't noticeable. Our room was on the ground floor, near the pool. You had to pay attention to what you were wearing if the curtains were open. I'd recommend getting a second floor room, if you have the option. The courtyard and pool area were very nice, other than the "gone to seed" miniature golf course. Maybe the fix it up during high season.
The room was size;e, with a large bathroom and living area. Everything was clean. We have no idea what the deal was with housekeeping. Sometimes they'd come by at 10 AM, sometimes it was at 3. It was hard to be out of the room when they showed up. And the housekeepers were always laughing. Seems like a really good place to work.
A minor problem, but problem nonetheless was getting morning coffee. I wasn't about to spend 11 euros pp each day for breakfast. Coffee was about $3.50 a cup, and they did't have "go cups", so I had to carry two full cups in saucers through the lobby, outside, and then to our room. A great cup of coffee in the Azores was generally about $1, so it was pricey, and a pain. We found a small restaurant that opened early where 4 cups were 3.60EU, but we had to get dressed and walk a few minutes to get there.
One night, after having dealt with the weird driving conditions and parking endemic to the islands, we decided to take a break and eat in the hotel restaurant. We rarely eat in hotels as there are better, less expensive options, so it was a change. The menu was very limited but the meal was fantastic, and not overly expensive.
The biggest drawback to this hotel was proximity. There is one restaurant (suites;e for lunch), and a little grocery store within a 5 minute walk. You have to walk 20 minutes or so to get to anything else. Parking in towns in the Azores is a competitive sport, so being able to walk to restaurants and stores is a big deal.
So the place wasn't well located, but it was clean, comfortable, and the staff were nice.
