Pousada Parque da Mata

I didn’t get the chance to see the place at all. On 17/04, while passing through on my way to another destination, I booked one night through Booking.com. The listing said payment would be made at the property. After the reservation was confirmed, I got a WhatsApp message asking me to pay 50% in advance, because that policy applies before weekends and holidays. I only use a credit card, so I couldn’t meet the request and had to cancel. That payment condition should have been clearly shown on the platform when booking. If it had been, I wouldn’t have made the reservation. I hope they update the listing so other customers don’t run into the same problem.

I stayed just two nights, but it was enough to leave me disappointed. The good reviews I’d read didn’t match what I experienced. I arrived in heavy rain with my bags, and there was no reception. Getting to the place meant climbing four or five flights of stairs. The room was large, but the bedding looked dirty and there was hair on the sheet. Over both days, I had sour yogurt and spoiled fruit at breakfast. The hosts weren’t very friendly, and it seemed like guests were a bother when really it should be the other way around. I wouldn’t recommend it. There are plenty of better options with excellent value.

The front desk was a letdown. At times there was nobody available, and when someone was there, the manner didn’t feel very professional. It gave the place an improvised feel, as if some routines weren’t properly organized yet. Breakfast also fell short of what I’d expected from the earlier reviews. It was very basic, with little variety and no fresh juice. I missed having fresh items and a bit more attention to how things were presented. I know the staff seem to be trying, and I don’t want to be unfair, but my visit didn’t match the praise I’d read. I left disappointed, though I think the inn could improve.

We’ve come back for a second visit, and I’d definitely recommend the pousada. It’s really cozy, the breakfast is spectacular, and Dona Aurélia is such a friendly, wonderful host!