Monan Boutique Hotel

Such an awesome place!

The hotel’s small size made it remarkably peaceful. At times it felt like we had the place to ourselves, and the rooms were so well insulated that we couldn’t hear other guests at all. The rustic, minimalist design is beautiful, and the service was warm throughout, from reception to the servers and cooks. Staff were helpful with dietary changes, and there was plenty to eat and drink. The premium all-inclusive setup felt thoughtful, without a buffet line. Live music, voice and guitar or saxophone, added a nice touch in the restaurant from Friday through Sunday. There was always cold 0% beer for those who don’t drink alcohol, and the hotel gave us a great boat trip recommendation. The beach was clean and almost empty. The linens and towels were high quality, the L’Occitane amenities were a nice detail, and we appreciated the decorated room on arrival and the small gifts for the kids. The clothesline in the outdoor bathroom was useful. There were no surprise extra charges, everything was included except an outside excursion or massage if you wanted one. The children’s activities were creative. The pool was very warm even without heating, and the room’s pool was especially lovely at the end of the day. A few things need attention. There were large ant nests in walkways, which could be risky, especially for guests with allergies. The room floor wasn’t cleaned properly every day. I mentioned it at reception, but it happened again, and the hotel wasn’t full, so it didn’t seem like a workload issue. A yellow greasy film in the pool stained clothes. A white pair of shorts, for example, turned completely yellow, and the stain didn’t come out. The pool attendant also entered our very private, glass-walled room area without warning more than once, even after we’d told reception. That can create awkward situations. We had a very good stay, with standout service and a distinctive concept. A few operational fixes could bring the experience up to the level the hotel aims for.

The hotel’s setting and architecture are lovely, the beach is stunning, and the water is warm and such a vivid blue. Our room had a private pool, and the kitchen was very clean and organized. Jalilton gave us a great welcome at check-in, Paloma was warm and engaging with the children, and Eja was very helpful. The massage with BRUNA, which cost extra, was impeccable and worth every cent. The dinner pizza had excellent dough and was the only dish on the menu I thought was really good. The food overall fell far short of what the hotel shows on Instagram. Some plates looked nice but arrived cold and bland. Basic items were often unavailable: there was no cashew fruit, no chicken for the chicken pizza, no fried fish from the menu, and the tapioca ran out, along with several other basics on a menu that already has limited choices. Many of the bar and restaurant staff seemed lost and couldn’t explain the dishes. Service was slow too. One juice took over 40 minutes. The dinner burger was awful, salty, thick, and full of gristle. The popsicles were dreadful. Our bathroom ceiling leaked when it rained, soaking things beside it, and the air conditioner leaked water throughout our stay, so we had to move the beds. The bicycles were old, dirty, poorly maintained, and their chains came off. The children’s activities were great, but only ran from 11 to 17. The hotel felt like a desert at times, which some people may enjoy. There was no music, and sometimes we couldn’t find a single staff member to take an order. The hotel is nowhere near five-star quality. The structure is good, and the quiet atmosphere may appeal to couples, but the all-inclusive experience doesn’t justify the room rates.

The cats and dogs around Monan Boutique Hotel are sweet and charming, and they’re part of the atmosphere. That’s why it upset me so much to see them without drinking water, food, or basic care. More than once, I saw them trying to drink from the pool. It was heartbreaking and completely avoidable. Fresh water bowls would be a small, inexpensive gesture. The hotel could even add a small amount to the stay to pay for food and basic care. I’m sure guests would be happy to contribute a few reais, and would see it as a thoughtful, responsible choice. I was also disturbed when an employee said that someone had once asked the city government to collect three cats from the property. I found that outrageous. It shows a lack of compassion and sensitivity, and goes against the standard of excellence the hotel seems to be pursuing. This could harm the hotel’s image and lead to negative reactions, when simple, humane steps could prevent that. I hope you’ll seriously reconsider this practice. Our stay as guests was wonderful. Monan is beautiful, well organized, and spotless, and it clearly has the potential to become a leading hotel. I’m raising this concern because the animals who live there deserve respect too. I sincerely hope you take this feedback seriously.