Hotel Vila Nova Do Principe

Being able to cross the street to attend Mass at the beautiful Catedral Senhora Sant’Ana was a special part of our stay. The Hotel Vila Nova do Príncipe has a lot of charm and history, and its location near restaurants made things easy. Staying there gives you a little sense of the city’s past. We enjoyed the experience, though a few things could be better. There wasn’t anyone to help with our bags when we arrived, which was harder with a child along. The breakfast could offer more variety instead of being limited to the menu, and the bathrooms need more attention, especially cleaning the shower so the water flows better.

This place has so much potential, and it should be remembered for its historic house, decor, location, and good service. But maintenance is being neglected. I stayed in 2022 and came back now, and the decline is obvious. The bathroom was awful: the drain smelled like sewage, so we had to seal it with masking tape; the shower holes needed cleaning to let water through, and what came out was weak and sprayed everywhere except down. The ceiling was moldy, the sink drain was blocked, and part of the towel rack was missing. There were more dead bugs than light inside the fixture. The spring mattress had deep dips, and when one of us moved, the other moved too. We were meant to stay in the ground-floor apartment behind the pool, until the receptionist warned us not to cross the wooden deck because it was old and might collapse. Management really needs to pay closer attention to upkeep, including the small details. It all matters, even for just an overnight stay, especially since this is a stopover on the way to vacation spots.

Really nice hotel, with an old-time feel but well renovated. It’s quiet and pleasant, the food is homemade and very good, and breakfast is generous.

The hotel is decorated really nicely, and the service was very good. Breakfast tasted great. I just wish it ran until 10, since it ends at 9. I liked it!