Pousada Salvatore

Getting around was easy on foot, since the inn is close to Praia dos Anjos, the pier for boat trips, the bus station, and downtown. Public transport costs 2 reais, and it's 8.35 to Cabo Frio. They only take cash or their transport card. For just 2 reais per person, you can also visit another district, such as Monte Alto, where there's a lagoon. Lunch is expensive in town, usually around 40 reais at most places, and cheaper options aren't much less. The best value we found was near the cemetery in the center, where takeaway meals cost 24 reais, at a restaurant beside the climb up Morro da Coca Cola. A bakery on the corner is fantastic, with lots of different little sweets and breads at low prices. It was a pleasure to have breakfast there every day. The room was simple, clean, dust-free, and everything worked well. At first the pool water looked green, but that's because the bottom is white, unlike the blue bottoms most pools have. In the sunlight, and even when you scoop some up, you can see the water is clear. By the end of our three days, there was sand in the pool, which is understandable in a beach town when some guests, especially children, may go straight in. There are also lots of trees and plants around it. I had lowered my expectations after reading online reviews, but the stay surprised me. A polite woman welcomed us, took us to reception to pay and explain the rules, then showed us to our room. We got keys to both the room and the entrance, and had complete privacy during our stay. On our last day, we were told we had to leave the room by 9:30 the next morning because the inn was having a judicial inspection. We were disappointed, but a staff member refunded us 25 reais for leaving earlier than usual. The owner was also very polite and helpful, and agreed to keep our luggage at another inn he owns until noon.

We stayed in a roomy, quiet, and secure room with a TV, minibar, and a new air conditioner. The location is a big plus: it’s just a few meters from Praia dos Anjos, with easy access from there to the other beaches. There are plenty of places to eat nearby, including restaurants, a pizzeria, bakeries, and burger spots. At check-in, they clearly explained what was included and what wasn’t. For the price and location, the value is very good. My wife and I would happily recommend it.

The facilities need work, and the stay was very disappointing. The pool wasn’t fit for use, towels weren’t provided free as I’d previously been told, the room felt cold and had very thin sheets, and a strong bathroom odor spread into the room. The stairs were slippery and felt flimsy, with spiderwebs. The room wasn’t cleaned during our stay, and there weren’t staff available when we needed help. Before arriving, I’d arranged some room adjustments with the person in charge because I was traveling with young children. He said it wouldn’t be a problem, but once we got there I was told there would be an extra fee. The owner only acknowledged our original agreement after arriving, and the fee was dropped. Before that was sorted out, the housekeeper spoke to me very rudely and disrespectfully, raised her voice, seemed impatient, and rolled her eyes. It was an embarrassing and unprofessional interaction. I wouldn’t return or recommend this place. The owner should work on staff training, especially guest service, and improve management, cleanliness, and organization.

The location is great, close to downtown and Praia dos Anjos, but there’s no breakfast. The pool was dirty, and the coconut basket for the cats in the hallway outside my room had a strong smell. The place badly needs renovation.