DoubleTree by Hilton Porto Alegre

I checked out a larger king room and was about to book, but changed my mind when I saw there were only seven sun loungers for more than 100 guests. They were all taken by 9:30 a.m., so the pool could be hard to use. Where's the logic in that for a Hilton brand? I also had breakfast at Double Tree today. It was okay, nothing special like some reviews claim, and the area is so small that people are bumping into each other trying to reach the counters.

The hotel is beautifully designed, with a fantastic view and a good breakfast. It feels up to European standards. The heated pool is gorgeous, though on the small side and can get crowded around sunset. The location is great, just a long way from the airport.

The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and the location is great. We stayed a couple of weeks after the hotel opened, when quite a few things were still not fully up and running. The main problems were with service: the breakfast bread wasn't fresh, the pool had leaves and moss in it despite the hotel being brand new, and my Hilton Honors status wasn't recognized. I think it could become one of the best places in Porto Alegre with a bit more time.

The rooms are new, which is a plus, but they're small and there's hardly space to move around. Breakfast was decent, with the usual eggs, fruit, and sweets. I spent one night here and wouldn't come back. It's far from the airport and the city, and the service is very basic. They charged for in-room coffee, which was a first for me after traveling around Brazil and elsewhere in the world.