Pousada Costa Dourada

The only real advantage was the location, close to both the center and the beach, but it didn't make up for the rest. We stayed five days and the bathroom wasn't cleaned once. Towels weren't changed, and the sheet we asked them to replace was just turned over. They gave us one single sheet for two people, then said we'd have to pay if we wanted fresh ones. The bathroom was disgusting, the minibar didn't work, and neither did a power outlet. Breakfast was just okay. This was the worst experience I've had.

We only stayed because there wasn't another option in town. The listing photos are misleading, and our stay was awful. The room was dirty when we arrived, with hair on the toilet lid and a used soap bar left by the previous guest. The toilet was still dirty and the towels were dingy. Sheets and towels aren't changed daily, and they charge extra if you want them changed. The bathroom has no shower enclosure, so it gets soaked, and there was no squeegee or bath mat. There was an unbearable sewage smell from the street, the corridors, and the bathroom drain. Tap and shower water came out yellowish and smelled bad, making it impossible to use for personal hygiene. The place also has no elevator, only difficult stairs. We could hear lots of street noise through the rooms, and the windows kept banging. The TV and Wi-Fi didn't work. Even though we had a reservation, the room wasn't ready. We had to wait while reception staff tried to clean it on the spot, and the job was only half done. They also didn't give us basic information. Breakfast was on the top floor, up the same stairs. The food was okay, but the tables weren't cleaned between guests and the sandwich griddle was filthy.

The room was cozy, and the shower, air conditioner, and minibar all worked well. Some outlets didn't work, and I really missed having a shower enclosure. There were also LOTS of mosquitoes and cockroaches, so bring repellent and pick up some insect spray at the market. I was nervous after reading the reviews, but we booked through CVC and the stay was decent. Even with those little issues, it worked for us.

The staff were very kind, and breakfast was good for the nightly price. We stayed in room 29, which was clean and smelled fresh, as did the sheets and towels. The spring mattress let us down a bit because it was pretty noisy. I was hesitant after seeing so many negative comments, but my husband and I ended up liking the pousada. The location is great, and I'd recommend it if you're looking for good value.