Pousada Chalés Canto do Rio

The photos make Chalé dos Amores look incredible, but our stay was a struggle. The rooms, towels, and sheets smelled musty, and the shower and tub water kept swinging between very hot and very cold. The hosts weren’t very helpful with us, and after we’d settled in, we had to switch rooms and move all our things again. We were told there’d be Netflix in the room, but there wasn’t. Breakfast cost an extra R$50.00 per person per day. For what we paid, I think it should have been included. We later found out there are inns in the same area with a hydro tub, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and breakfast included. We know what to look for next time. That was our experience, though others might like it. We didn’t, and we can’t recommend the place.

The pictures don’t match the place. Our room smelled of cigarettes, and everything felt dirty and poorly maintained. The water was cold in the middle of winter, and nobody helped us. We lost half our holiday and she didn’t refund us.

The hosts were kind and polite, and we really enjoyed our stay overall. It’s a tiny inn with only a few rooms. You get privacy, a sense of exclusivity, and close contact with nature and the river. It’s a bit away from the center, but you can walk there in about 10-15 minutes. The room is on the small side, and it was a little cold and damp, which is understandable right by the river. The bed was comfortable, and the tub was large. We had trouble getting the shower hot, but figured out that running the tub first and then turning on the shower worked. Breakfast was typical for the area, with the nice touch of eating on a deck beside the river. The price is steep, but in line with what places around there charge. We liked it a lot and plan to return.

Breakfast was made fresh, with scrambled eggs, fresh juice, cake, house jam, coffee, natural yogurt, honey, and lots more. You eat right beside the waterfall, and it’s so peaceful. The welcome was really friendly too. The owners, Mr. Ataíde and Mrs. Stela, are lovely, always ready to help and fun to talk with. Chalé Desejos was very comfortable, with a big bed and tub, a really hot shower that suited the cold weather, and a great fireplace. They leave extra wood at the entrance in case you need it. The inn is in a great spot, about 3-5 minutes by car from the center of Mauá, or a 10-15 minute walk. We’ll definitely be back to try the other cottages. A 10!