Casa Rústica

Wendel's hospitality stood out most of all. We've never been welcomed or treated so well at a hotel. The rooms are spacious, with brand-new, top-quality linens and an incredible shower. There's a fantastic heated pool area with a sauna inside the pool and a bar serving cold drinks all day. Breakfast is the best in Arraial, with more choices than I could count. Congratulations to everyone who runs and works here!

The food was a highlight, with varied breakfast and other meals, good quality and thoughtful presentation to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Items were replenished regularly, and the dining space was clean. The location also made it easy to reach points of interest, while 24-hour reception, guest support and other facilities all worked smoothly. The team were courteous, efficient and professional throughout, ready to help with requests in a respectful, welcoming way. The rooms were spacious, well equipped, quiet and comfortable, and the common areas were clean, orderly and well signed. Everything was in excellent condition and the atmosphere felt calm and refined. From first contact to checkout, the organization and attention to detail exceeded my expectations. The stay was fully satisfying across the board and showed a real commitment to service quality and guest satisfaction. A positive example in hospitality, and highly recommendable for all kinds of guests.

I came to this pousada on the recommendation of someone I trust. The price startled me at first and didn't seem fair, but I was exhausted and agreed to pay. I asked the receptionist, who didn't seem inclined to be cordial, to show me the room. I asked whether it had a whirlpool and was told no. Then, to my surprise, she handed me her phone with the owner on the line. He was helpful and told me the mattress I would sleep on had cost, if I remember right, 15,000, and each sheet had cost 700. Honestly, I thought I didn't need that, and that he'd probably overpaid for those things. He asked if I wanted anything else. I only wanted a glass of wine, and he said to ask for it. I thanked him. I later skipped the wine, went into town for dinner and had something less fancy. I woke up feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep on that 15,000 mattress. But I had missed breakfast, since I didn't wake until around 1:30 p.m. Vanessa at reception then put me on the phone with the owner again. This time, judging from his tone, he seemed a bit annoyed. He said the staff had found the white towels stained with some purple product and asked what it was. I explained it was violeta, a simple pharmacy product costing 5 reais, used for wounds, itching, athlete's foot and skin problems. He said I'd left his room a mess and called me dirty. I told him I'm clean, had showered, then put violeta on my skin to treat itching after getting insect bites while sleeping on the grass in the square on previous nights. He asked why I'd dried myself on his white towels after applying purple medicine. I asked where else I was supposed to dry off, outside? He wanted to charge me for the towels. I said I'd pay, but then I'd obviously take them with me. I also offered to wash them if he'd let me, or show the laundry staff the usual way to do it. I said we could skip bluing and use bleach, or candida, as it's called where I come from, K Boa. Put the holy white towels in a bucket of water and washing powder, add bleach and leave them until the violeta comes out, and they'd be white again. He wouldn't accept any of the three options I offered. I left the property before it turned into an argument, because I was at peace. Only later did I find out there was a whirlpool and a sauna. I enjoyed both briefly before leaving, obviously, but didn't have time for a final shower and thought it was better to get out quickly. I thought over what score to give the experience, and settled on 7.1.

We felt right at home. The pousada was spotless, with comfortable bedding, a heated pool and a team that was always attentive and helpful. Chef Wendel made a wonderful breakfast with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Everything was perfect, a ten out of ten. I'd definitely recommend it.