Pousada Recanto Noronha

The staff were helpful and friendly, but the place itself was just OK. It wasn't especially clean or fancy, even though they charge as if it were. The cable TV didn't work, and the bathroom door wouldn't shut properly.

We stayed four nights in Vila dos Remedios, and the location was very good. The superior rooms beside the swimming pool seem like a good choice.

After we booked online, a shuttle took us to an even worse hostel without telling us beforehand. The place was under construction, and it wasn't what we'd paid for. It felt like a complete fraud. They haven't answered our calls or messages to the website we booked through. I do not recommend this place.

The breakfast was a real strength: omelets, sweet and savory tapiocas, different egg options, two juices, water, coffee, tea, cakes, savory pies, two kinds of bread, and yogurt. On some days there was also a simple, tasty afternoon tea with cake and coffee. The team were attentive and friendly, and the medium-to-small pool has a lovely view. The Luxo rooms sit at pool level, but the pool closes at 8 p.m., which helps keep things quiet. We stayed in the largest room category. It had plenty of space, a glass table with two chairs, a modest but useful wardrobe, and a console under the TV. The bed was huge, though the mattress was much too soft for us. If you prefer a firmer one, be prepared. The air conditioning was new and quiet. The shower pressure was very low, making it hard to rinse sand off or wash my hair. The double sinks had good counter space, and the handheld bidet spray was powerful. The main problem was the soundproofing. The four Luxo rooms are separated by drywall, and the insulation is far below what I'd expect for a rate of more than 1,000 reais a night. I could hear Big Brother from the neighboring room every night. I told reception, without expecting a miracle, and suggested they offer earplugs to guests in those rooms. Don't expect water dispensers all over the inn or a paved road to get there. Noronha is structurally underdeveloped because of its location, and I don't count that as a criticism of the inn. I'd return, but not to a Luxo room.