Liiv Natal Ponta Negra Mar

The shared kitchen was poorly kept, and there were little cockroaches in the cupboards. Our room was on the third floor, directly below a rooftop restaurant with a DJ, loud music, and people talking. We couldn't rest until after midnight. The mattress was awful, old, dirty, and so soft that we sank into it. It was even worse for a couple. We flipped it over to see if that helped, and that made it a little better. Worst stay. I definitely don't recommend it.

The location is the best part, close to the beach, restaurants, and supermarkets. The hotel feels modern, with everything handled through WhatsApp and no reception desk or staff to greet you. But when you have a question or a problem, there's nobody there to help. I occasionally heard someone cleaning in the kitchen, but never saw a responsible staff member I could approach. The room was small, and cleaning wasn't provided. We had to buy our own toiletries because the ones in the room cost extra. Breakfast also costs extra, with three menus to choose from. The shared kitchen on the first floor was unhygienic and smelled bad. It had no air conditioning, so it was too hot to eat there, and there were cockroaches on the counter and among the cutlery and dishes. Rooms on the kitchen floor are noisy, so I wouldn't recommend them. The hotel needs some improvements.

It's a very basic hotel. The smart hotel setup seems like a way for the owners to save money, and I couldn't see an advantage for guests. There's a restaurant with a DJ on the roof, playing an irritating, thumping kind of music that's unbearable. Complaining doesn't help, and there's nobody to complain to. If you want to rest, stay away.

Liiv Mar made a really positive impression on me. The hotel is new and modern, and the artwork throughout the building adds a lot of charm. Its setup is different but practical, with a shared kitchen and laundry, plus a small shop inside where you can buy snacks and toiletries. Atma restaurant is on the rooftop, with great food and a nice atmosphere. They don't clean the rooms every day, but you can ask for fresh linens or arrange a cleaning. The staff were all very attentive and helpful. The location is excellent, just across the street and down the hill from the waterfront. Entry uses facial recognition, which is convenient and feels secure, and online support is available around the clock. I really liked the Liiv model. It's a practical option in a great spot in Ponta Negra and good value for money.