Pousada Uluwatu

I chose this inn based on its Booking reviews, but made the reservation directly with the property. The owner was very attentive on WhatsApp, but the stay left a lot to be desired. On the first day, my friends and I had to take cold showers. The owner said it had rained all day and that the property uses solar panels; she also said the electric shower was having problems and would be fixed the next day. We stayed six days and it never was. Breakfast was served at the table in small portions, so you had to ask for more if you wanted another serving, which I found unpleasant. On our last night, the upstairs floor lost power. When we contacted the owner, she said that was normal in Itacaré. We showered in cold water by phone flashlight and had to sleep without air conditioning. The minibar was quite dirty. The television and Wi-Fi upstairs didn’t work during our entire stay. We complained on the first day, but nothing was done.

I booked a three- or four-person room three months ahead, called 24 hours before to confirm, and paid 50% upfront. Even so, the owner didn’t honor the agreement. When we arrived, she told me and my five friends that one of our rooms had been given to someone else, so two of us would have to sleep on the floor. She treated us dismissively, barely explained what had happened, and just tossed mattresses on the floor for us to “figure it out.” I asked for all my money back and found a fantastic place at the last minute, Pousada Fazenda Rancho Sêmani. They treated us really well, and have chalets, a horse farm, and a lovely breakfast with nature all around.

We made and paid for an Airbnb reservation three months ago, and everything seemed set. Before traveling, I messaged the owner but got no reply. When we reached Itacaré, we found the owner had sold the property, which had been replaced by another inn with a different name. We were left out on the street on the eve of Carnival. Luckily, the new owners were helpful while we tried to find another booking. In the end, what a mess. Zero rating, the establishment doesn’t even exist anymore!

The owner was so friendly and attentive, and the room was clean, with a lovely hammock on the balcony. Breakfast was spectacular. It’s well located, close to both the beach and the town center. If I return to Itacaré, I’ll stay here again without hesitation!