Pousada Cravo & Canela - Roteiros de Charme

The room exchange policy helps save water: towels are replaced only if you leave them on the floor. The inn also has a pet-friendly room outside. Rooms on the lower floors are more accessible, since the others require climbing stairs. We booked Refúgio Romântico and Suíte Premium for the Easter holiday. The main differences were size and bed: 16 m² with a standard double in the first, and 24 m² with a king-size in the second. Both were high quality and so well equipped that the difference hardly seemed noticeable. Each had air conditioning, heating, cable TV, a minibar, a wardrobe, and a shower with pleasant hot water. The breakfast was sensational, with several juices, breads, sweets, fruit, cold cuts, and savory items. They also made different kinds of eggs to order, which really stood out. For relaxing, there are hammocks, gardens, a third-party spa service, a pool, and a sauna. The staff were capable, welcoming, and always ready to help. Parking is available and the car felt secure, although the lot isn’t covered. It’s about two blocks from Canela’s main avenue, so we could walk around there without hearing traffic noise. The price is a little higher than other places nearby, but I’d say without hesitation it’s one of the best places to stay in Canela. I’d return for sure. It was one of the most relaxing weekends I’ve had.

We chose Canela as our base for exploring the Serra Gaúcha, and Pousada Cravo e Canela was a lovely choice. It has Bavarian architecture and has been part of Roteiros de Charme since 2004. The location is excellent, in a quiet, upscale area in central Canela. Gramado is a five-minute drive away, Parque do Caracol is 7 km away, and Catedral da Pedra is a ten-minute walk. The city felt safe and well lit, so we walked to all the restaurants we wanted to try. At reception, we saw the awards and recognition it has received as one of Brazil’s best charming inns. The place is full of preserved historical details, from sculptures and furniture to rugs, paintings, and magazines. The 8,000-square-meter grounds have so many special corners that there’s more than I can fit in one review. There’s Boutique Cravo & Canela, selling hand-loomed pieces and ceramics, a terrace near the parking area, which is free for guests, and plenty of benches and chairs among old trees in the romantic garden, surrounded by hydrangeas and azaleas. Even before heading upstairs, the lobby drew us in. The grand main hall has a neoclassical look, original objects from the 1950s, an eight-meter ceiling, a beautiful fireplace, and display cabinets from the governor’s original home. The historic mansion belonged to Ildo Meneguetti, a former governor of Rio Grande do Sul. There are only 12 suites, across four categories. We stayed in a Suíte Luxo, which is 22 m² with a queen-size double bed, compared with the Refúgio Romântico. The 26-inch TV comes with Sky HDTV Plus, standard throughout the hotel. The bathroom has tiled walls and a dark floor. Everything worked well, the water heated quickly, and the room was cleaned with care. The bed could win an award for comfort. Its orthopedic spring mattress, goose-down comforter and pillows, and soft 100% cotton sheets made it hard to get up and go explore. Free wireless internet is included. The stay also comes with a brunch-style breakfast served until noon, afternoon tea from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., and complimentary minibar items restocked daily in every suite. We especially liked that extra. Our minibar had four cans of soda, still and sparkling water, and two bottles of beer. Other ways to unwind include an American bar, a charming game room, a heated indoor pool with a dry sauna, a spa, and a reading area. The secluded gazebo is another lovely spot for sitting by a fireplace, sipping wine, and spending time together. We had a wonderful few days in a place with so many historical touches carefully preserved.

The house is large, clean, cozy, and nicely decorated, with a lovely courtyard. Service was great, and we had a big, comfortable room. The bathroom was spacious and airy, with an excellent shower that had a strong, generous flow of water, and it could get very hot if you wanted. Breakfast was good, though it wasn’t quite what they advertise. It wasn’t really a brunch, but it was still good.

It’s such a peaceful, romantic place that you hardly feel like leaving. The honeymoon package is really good, with something for two to do each time. The staff were wonderful, always helpful, and made us feel right at home.