Pousada Lazuli

Lazúli was a pleasant surprise. Fernanda, the owner, is very friendly, as are the kitchen staff. The guesthouse is on Praia do Pecado, just a short walk from the waterfront. My room on the top floor was spacious and nicely furnished, with split air conditioning, a TV with various channels, a fridge, and even a stove. The electric shower worked, though the water could have had more pressure. A few things could be improved. The top floor room should be clearly mentioned in the listing because there are a lot of stairs. I had luggage, clothes hangers, and a backpack. The staff member who showed me up didn't offer to carry even my shirts, and getting up the stairs was a struggle as I tried to keep my balance. The air conditioner compressors on the upper level make some noise too. Breakfast was the weakest part, even allowing for the low room rate. It comes on a tray that you can take to your room, which I liked, but the food could be much better without much extra cost. The fruit juice came sweetened in a sealed cup, and the cake and gelatin were portioned servings. I avoid sugar, so I couldn't eat any of those items during the three days I stayed. They could offer a piece of fruit like a banana, apple, or papaya, and unsweetened juice, without changing the cost. With a few adjustments, Lazúli could be a good value option in Macaé.

The staff member was very attentive, and the bathrooms were clean with fresh-smelling bed linens. The bed itself wasn't very comfortable, and the room was quite small. We paid a little more than expected because the room type we booked through Booking wasn't available. The guesthouse is well located, but bars, restaurants, and a pharmacy are only accessible by car or Uber. Breakfast is listed, but it's served on a tray with little choice.

The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the neighborhood is pleasant. The room was cozy, though the air conditioner took a while to cool it down. Rooms on the upper floor require using the stairs, which could be difficult for older guests. Breakfast is prepared by the staff, with an individual tray for each guest. Apart from those issues, it's worth staying here. I'll come back.

I was scrambling to find somewhere to stay in Macaé for New Year's, since the better-known places were all full. Even my usual place, the illustrious Hyatt, had no vacancies. Just when the lack of options was starting to feel overwhelming, I came across this modest-looking place with one room available. I wasn't sure what to expect from a lesser-known name, especially after getting used to luxury, but decided to give it a try. It turned out to be an unexpectedly great find. The staff were genuinely warm and kind, and the room was huge, comfortable, and luxurious. The air conditioning took the Brazilian summer heat away, the shower had water pressure like a mountain stream, and the room was spotlessly clean. The pillows and bed were lovely and comfortable. I was also surprised by a breakfast tray that could be enjoyed in the room. For the value on New Year's Eve, and for all the work the staff put in behind the scenes, I was very grateful. Reception is always staffed and ready to help. The neighborhood felt peaceful and safe. Within walking distance there were plenty of places to eat, a quiet lake, the ocean, and the beach. I even found myself thinking of this place as somewhere I could call home. It's a welcoming, comfortable option at an affordable price, a long way from the expensive rates at luxury establishments. This was the first time a less famous hotel won me over and became a favorite in the complicated world of travel.