Costa Verde Tabatinga Hotel

The rooms were roomy enough and the beds were comfortable. Staff in general were pleasant and friendly, and the pools were great for adults and kids, with the children's pool heated. Being right by the beach was a plus, though the waves crash right onto the shore, so it's not great for paddling. The salad bar was excellent, while the hot food was just okay. Drinks were a rip-off, 13 reais for 300 ml of water and 16 reais for a small lager. They only give each room one key card, which was annoying. We asked for another and they refused.

The service was very good, and the hotel itself is beautiful. The room was okay, though it would have been perfect without the musty smell. The beach out front has strong waves, so swimming there isn't good. The restaurant is good, but outside food isn't allowed. For facilities, there's a good large pool, a small heated one for toddlers, and a heated hydrotherapy pool. The kids' area is very poor. It's a good place to rest, but not for adventures. It's also far from downtown, with few facilities nearby.

I was there for lunch today with a group of 10, and the food and service were a disaster. The waiters seemed to avoid our table, and four people in my group got sick from the pasta. Someone needs to supervise the food and beverage operation better. I came away thinking you get proper attention when it's not a holiday and there aren't too many people around. Sorry.

São Paulo is a long drive away. At the hotel, the rooms were comfortable, the pools were lovely, and the staff were pleasant. The Wi-Fi needs work: in room 108, the only place I could get a signal was the bathroom. The food was plentiful and adequate, though definitely not haute cuisine. Since many guests are families with children, that level of food is about right.