Alta Garden Housi by Carpediem

The building itself is excellent, and the surroundings are great, with easy access to everything. The place looks just like the photos, though it seems larger in them. It’s suitable for two people for a short stay, but more than a weekend would be impractical. Everything is new, works well, the equipment is great, and the cleaning was excellent. The bathroom is just a shower stall inside the room, though, and having to wash your hands at the same sink used for the kitchen, right over the dishes, feels uncomfortable. We’re not used to that.

The building has a small pool and a small but well-equipped gym, plus a laundry room and mini market that are handy. Still, for the price, the stay fell far short. The listing says apartment, but it’s only a room, and it’s too small for three people. My husband, 10-year-old son, and I got just two towels for two days, with no option to replace them. There was no bedding for my son, so he had to sleep on a mattress on the floor. The kitchen is poorly equipped: there’s a coffee maker and sandwich press, but no sink, so dishes have to be washed in the bathroom sink. The parking lot doesn’t have room for all guests, so we had to leave the car on the street. What especially upset me was hearing another guest had paid half my nightly rate. I paid R$ 1.200,00 per night and got no extra room features or services. I know I chose to pay that amount and there’s nothing to be done about it, but I expected something more in line with the price.

The apartment faces a beach that’s good for swimming, and the rooftop pool is really nice. The place itself looks lovely, but felt cramped. I had an air-conditioning problem, and the company that rented it to me did nothing after I contacted them. For all four days, the AC duct kept leaking water all over the room. Every access point is controlled by phone, which is a hassle when you’re coming back from the beach wet or carrying luggage. There’s a reception desk, but they don’t resolve anything. Parking is shared, and if the spaces are full, your car has to stay on the street. It’s not close to the night markets. I think there are better apartments near those markets. My stay wasn’t very good, and I wouldn’t return.

For a couple traveling without a car, this could be an amazing stay. I chose the room with a hydro tub, and everything was clean and in perfect order, including the tub. The reception staff didn’t seem very cheerful or welcoming, though that didn’t spoil my stay. I’d suggest customer service training on courtesy and similar skills. The flat only provides basic items for a couple, so bring supplies for anyone else if you’re staying with more than three people. Parking is limited, but I had no issue since I only used Uber. If you’re expecting a warm, upbeat welcome, you won’t find it here.