Pousada Ouro Real

Really good.

The staff were extremely kind and attentive, but I can't recommend this pousada after what happened. We checked into room 7 and found it moldy, foul-smelling, and unhealthy, so we asked to move. An employee contacted the owner, who said we'd have to pay the difference because the only available room had a hot tub. I didn't think we should pay more just to sleep somewhere without mold, so I asked to speak to Alex in person or by phone. He wouldn't answer and stopped responding to the employee on WhatsApp. It was late and our 3-year-old was exhausted, so we changed rooms and planned to discuss it the next day. The owner was extremely rude then, saying I should have checked out and found another hotel. I asked him to see the mold in room 7 and the bathroom leak in room 5, where we slept. He said the room cost more and the extra charge was justified. When I saw his health permit had expired, he got even more defensive, raised his voice, and told me to report it and call the inspection authorities. I was holding a child while he spoke loudly and sharply for everyone to hear, with no care at all. Only after my father and husband arrived did he start speaking gently, apologize, and say we didn't need to pay extra. He showed no professionalism or care for guests, and was blatantly sexist.

I was staying at the pousada for work, and the staff were so helpful and responsive, taking care of guests' needs and making the stay pleasant. The rooms are small and poorly ventilated, though; they felt stuffy even with the air conditioning on. The smell wasn't great either, especially for someone like me with sinusitis, haha. Breakfast is simple but does the job, with bread, juice, milk, biscuits, tea, coffee, about three kinds of savory snacks, and cake.

The best thing about this pousada is its location right in the heart of the historic center. The main attractions are an easy walk away. It has good facilities and a nice leisure area, and the staff are especially attentive. Some rooms are spacious, airy, and very comfortable, but the back rooms are small and poorly ventilated. I stayed in one of those and the Wi-Fi never worked. Breakfast was tasty and good. Parking is about 3 blocks away. A good option in Mariana.