Le Relais de Marambaia

They cancelled my reservation without giving a reason, then ignored all my messages, calls, and emails.

Le Relais de Marambaia has a rustic feel rather than being brand new, but the setting is breathtaking and makes it a hidden gem. We stayed by the shores of Barra de Guaratiba, with the ocean sounds making it a peaceful escape. The beautiful Brazilian beaches nearby were another highlight. Our suite had a jacuzzi, and it was so relaxing to fall asleep and wake up to the gentle waves. The restaurant food was really good, and although there was a language barrier, the staff were friendly and ready to help. The administrators were kind and helpful too, including with parking, and made sure our needs were taken care of. I’d highly recommend it for a memorable beachside stay.

The ocean view and location are gorgeous, and breakfast was nice, but the hotel itself felt run down and poorly maintained. My husband and I had been looking forward to the stay for a long time and came away hugely disappointed. The restaurant food was mostly below average. I couldn’t eat the pasta because it was far too heavy and rich, and when I complained, the manager argued with us instead of taking it off the bill and apologizing. Communication with staff was poor throughout. Reception seemed misinformed and not well trained to handle basic questions or requests. We left upset, feeling it was pretentious and badly managed. Definitely not worth the price.

The views over the natural preserve, with its water, mountains, and vegetation, are beautiful. A one-of-a-kind hotel, with large rooms and top-notch service.