Castelo Saint Andrews

Gramado itself is beautiful, but I wouldn’t recommend this hotel or come back. It has potential, though it hasn’t been well cared for, and the service made the stay not worth it. The place is very small, with nowhere even to sit and work. My room’s A/C didn’t work, and the Wi-Fi stayed out for all four days despite several reports. The food was below average, in my opinion. At meals, we had to beg for water, which was charged separately, and the main dishes arrived at different times. Asking for vegetarian food got us potatoes with the meat removed. A dessert left in my room on the first day was still there when I left. The servers seemed to have a good attitude, so I think management is the problem: many admin people, not enough training, and staff poorly allocated. They also kept trying to overcharge us for transfers and basic things, at three times the price. If Kempinski opens, I recommend staying there. The complex is awesome.

The breakfast here is spectacular, and the spa is unusually peaceful, with dimmed lights, two sauna options, and massage rooms. It’s one of Brazil’s top three hotels, in my view as a long-term expat, with amazing amenities and well-educated staff. Book ahead, especially for high season, when it tends to fill up.

The chef went out of his way to make my favorite pastry for breakfast each morning. He researched it, figured out how to make it, and baked it fresh. That kind of care, along with all the thoughtful touches from the staff, made us feel like we never wanted to leave. At Hotel Saint Andrews, we were greeted with champagne and had special surprises, teas, meals, wines, and celebrations during our stay. From arrival on, we were treated like royalty. It’s one of the most exceptional hotel stays I’ve had anywhere, an experience unlike any other.

A wonderful hotel, highly recommended.