Pousada da Cyssa

Boom.

A great hotel.

The breakfast was tightly controlled and limited. Several times I got juice made with spoiled fruit, and the fruit pieces were tiny. When I asked the receptionist for certain tapioca fillings, she said they weren't available, even though I could see they were. The attitude felt plainly unwilling, with little courtesy or hospitality. The family members of the owner also treated the pool like their own space, playing and moving around constantly. It made things awkward, and at times I didn't feel comfortable using the shared areas. The room I had to stay in was called a more “comfort” suite, supposedly because it was “adapted for pets.” In reality it was much smaller than the “classic” suites, which were noticeably larger, more comfortable, and better laid out. Paying extra for a cramped, poorly used space made no sense. Its only supposed upgrade was a balcony with no useful setup at all, so it cost more while offering less. The place calls itself pet friendly, but I had to keep my pet on a leash the whole time. There was no real welcome for people traveling with animals, just restrictions and discomfort. The stay was far from what the inn advertises. It didn't feel like guests were respected, and the room categories seemed misleading. I wouldn't recommend it or come back. The boys at reception were always polite, but they never offered to help with anything.

We came back for a second stay and again found a lovely place, very clean, with immaculate rooms. It's hard to find such a good balance. We hadn't booked ahead, but the inn did everything it could to fit us in. Thanks to everyone who helped. We appreciate it.