Pousada Varandas Lagoa Azul

The place is peaceful and close to the center, though a bit of a walk if you want to go on foot. It’s also conveniently near the lagoon. Breakfast is basic, but really tasty.

The view over the lagoon really is lovely, but the warm, friendly feel was what I liked most. The inn is going through needed repairs and upkeep under new management. Even so, I preferred staying here to Hotel Ver a Vista, where the rooms are poorly set up. At VARANDAS LAGOA AZUL, you get that feeling of being away on a trip. The lagoon view, parking garage, and little ramps that make it easier to roll your suitcase uphill were all good points. The bathrooms need hooks, and the rooms could use bedside supports, somewhere to hang clothes, and a mirror. Araruama lacks infrastructure and attractions that might draw tourists. Still, if I return, I’d stay at VARANDAS LAGOA AZUL again.

The older setup and lack of air conditioning in the rooms are a letdown for a beach destination. The staff make up for a lot, though. They’re always ready to help with any issue, and they do it with a smile and a lot of politeness. Breakfast is simple but tasty: one fruit juice, French rolls, cheese and ham, coffee and milk, plus a kind of cake. They accept pets, which is a big plus since other places nearby don’t.

We booked the inn for Carnival, but during our two-night stay we couldn’t use the pool because they rented it out for day use and birthday parties to people who weren’t staying there. That’s absurd for guests. They should at least tell you before you book. The breakfast rolls were stale, and the blanket smelled bad. I don’t recommend this inn.