Pousada Monte Oliveira

The walk to the sanctuary was manageable, about 12 to 15 minutes at an easy pace. Our apartment was number 20 on the top floor, up three flights of stairs, even though my husband, daughter, and I had reserved a spot. If you're older or obese, pay attention to which floor you'll be assigned. The room was tiny, really only good for sleeping, and the shower stall was extremely cramped, though none of us are obese. Cleaning was fine, and breakfast was okay with a variety of breads, but the eggs didn't look or smell appetizing. The reception service also left a lot to be desired.

Being close to the Santuário de N. Senhora Aparecida was the only thing we liked. We stayed from Thursday, when breakfast was very poor and watermelon was the only fruit, through Friday into Saturday, when they added melon but also served a lot of hard cookies. The room was small and had no face towels or soap, which you usually find in bathrooms. Late at night someone was dragging furniture around. There was no intercom, and replies to WhatsApp messages took a long time. Simone was cold and didn't even ask if we'd enjoyed our stay. We paid more than the price we saw posted when we arrived. We won't return or recommend it.

Everything was very clean, and breakfast was generous. The hotel is close to the basilica, with a room that has air conditioning. It's a little small, but works well for a short stay. Parking is in a lot next door. There is no elevator.

Breakfast was simple but pleasant, and the inn itself is basic. Still, the front desk service fell far short, and the room and bathroom weren't as clean as they should have been. For the price, we expected a much better experience.