Casa da Imperatriz

We left before our planned checkout after the host’s response to an already invasive situation. When I went to ask about a refund for one night, since we were leaving early, she was rude and disrespectful, saying we were “very complicated” and “needed a psychiatrist.” I’ve been an Airbnb Superhost for over five years, so I believe I know what the basics are for a good stay and a satisfied guest. This experience was the opposite. We’d paid more for a room with a whirlpool tub, but it didn’t work when we tried it. I’d initially decided to let that go so the trip wouldn’t be spoiled, especially since the person in charge had seemed somewhat willing to help. Then, while we were out at the beach the next day, the host messaged that her husband and an employee were inside our room working on the tub, without warning or my permission. I’d left valuables out in the room and underwear in the bathroom, where they were doing the maintenance. I went back right away and found the bathroom dirty and full of tools. They were working on the tub motor by the room entrance, and I couldn’t even get in without asking them to move. It felt extremely intrusive and embarrassing, with no privacy at all. I couldn’t even use the bathroom. There were other problems from the start. The photos made everything look new and well organized, but that wasn’t what we found. The advertised “parking” was just a dead-end street beside the pousada, with no security. Its access gate was left unlocked 24 hours a day, which made it easy for people to get in and left us feeling very unsafe. The road to the pousada isn’t paved and was tricky for my low car, though I understand that part isn’t directly the pousada’s responsibility. At check-in, the owner surprised us with an extra “service fee” for towels and bed linens. It hadn’t been clearly stated in the listing beforehand, which I consider improper. Breakfast was another major disappointment: one of the worst I’ve had at a place I’ve stayed, and it also came with an extra charge. The quality didn’t come close to matching the price. Asking for basic common sense, privacy, safety, clear charges, and what was advertised isn’t being complicated. This was an extremely disappointing experience.

My fiancée and I both agreed this is probably the best place to stay on the island. We’ve tried other accommodations here, but Casa da Imperatriz offers something beyond just having a place to sleep. The panoramic view from the living room and breakfast area is a real spectacle, though you’ll have to see it for yourself. The accommodation was excellent, and we’ll definitely be back.

The breakfast costs 50 reais per person, which felt expensive for what was offered: one kind of juice and two kinds of fruit. When booking the stay, the service fee and breakfast appeared to be included, but once I arrived I found out that neither the fee nor breakfast was actually included.

The view of the sea is spectacular, and the pool is hard to beat. The place itself is beautiful, and the person in charge was polite and kind. I loved it and would definitely stay at this pousada again. One tip for first-time visitors: the car parking is behind the property on a dead-end street, so it might look strange at night, but it’s very safe.