Pousada Mali

We had a really positive stay at Pousada Mali in Canoa Quebrada, and would definitely come back. I’d been worried by the negative reviews before arriving, but our experience was quite different. The breakfast ran from 8 to 10. I can see why some people would prefer an earlier start, though it didn’t affect us. There was a lot to choose from: fruit, cakes, bread, cheese, ham, couscous, sausage sauce, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee, milk, chicken pie and other things. It was all well served, with dishes available, and on Sunday there were a few different options from the day before. We arrived around 8:30 pm on 06/03 with two other couples. We parked near reception and were helped in under ten minutes. After paying the balance, we got the details about breakfast, Wi-Fi, the air conditioning and pool hours. Our room was tidy and clean, with a double bed, linens and towels, minibar, air conditioning, TV, bedside tables, a large luggage cabinet, a coat rack and a bathroom with a shower and electric shower. Everything smelled clean too. The AC took a little while to cool the room, but that was fine for us. On Saturday we went out to enjoy Canoa Quebrada, then came back for the pool and hot tub. The water’s color can look dirty, but a staff member said it was because expansion work was putting a little dust into it. It was still suitable for swimming. Before going out that night, we left the AC running so the room would be cooler when we got back, and that worked well. Thanks to everyone, from reception to housekeeping, for the care and service.

Ketlen at reception was very friendly and helpful. The air conditioning, shower and bed were comfortable, and the location is convenient, just 100 meters from broadway. The room has no furniture, so you have to leave your things on the floor. The pool and hot tub were dirty, breakfast was weak and the 8 am serving time was impractical. There were no bathroom mats and no room service, so things got very dirty. The bed sheets were dirty too. For the price, they should provide a basic standard of service, but there’s still a lot to fix.

The breakfast was pleasant, and the place had a nice atmosphere. I didn’t use the pool or the other area. The parking lot is small, and the bathroom shower dripped badly. Bring your own sheet, since the one provided is small and thin. I’d asked for a specific ground-floor room when booking, but that wasn’t what I got.

I liked the place and would definitely return. The only things I found less than great were the lack of an outdoor shower to rinse off before the pool, and the rather tight parking garage. I’d booked before reading the Google reviews, and got a little concerned after seeing them, but went ahead anyway. I was welcomed warmly. The place is pretty, near the sunset dune, and the beach is about a 15-minute walk away. I stayed in room 4. The shower pressure was okay, neither weak nor strong, and the electric shower was easy to adjust. The air conditioning took a while to cool the room but worked well; I mostly used it for sleeping, since I came to enjoy Canoa rather than stay indoors. I didn’t see any cockroaches. Breakfast at 8 is a little late, but it was relaxed, tasty and plentiful. And of course you have to ask the kitchen for tapioca, like at any inn.