Casa Lavinia

We were upgraded to the beautiful master room, with a huge bed and a Moroccan-style bathroom. The staff were friendly, and breakfast was good, if not spectacular. It’s a great find in Sao Luis’s UNESCO heritage-listed old town. At certain times, the area can feel a bit dodgy, with lots of homeless people and some strange smells in the streets. For us, the hotel’s character and surroundings made up for that.

Franck was a great host, patiently looking after me despite my million questions. The place is mint clean, and I couldn’t find any mold or cockroaches, even after looking everywhere. I don’t understand the two negative reviews below. I believe those travelers were ALL INCLUSIVE tourists visiting this kind of beautiful house for the first time. Franck restored this lovely Pousada with great care, keeping original features such as the floors, furniture, decoration, and beds, then making them part of a comfortable home. He’s preserved Sao Luis’s heritage beautifully, so the historic part of your vacation begins right at Casa Lavinia. I’ll definitely stay there again next time I’m in Sao Luis.

Our one-night stay was unpleasant, and I can’t recommend this place to anyone looking for a pleasant stay in Sao Luis. When we entered the room, there was a damp, musty smell. We soon noticed visible mold in several corners, which is unacceptable given the potential health risks of exposure. The room also had cockroaches. We spent the night changing where we slept to avoid them, and couldn’t get a decent night’s rest. We reported everything to the hotel owner, but got indifference and no offer of compensation. That lack of concern for guests’ wellbeing was deeply disappointing. The historic-center location is convenient, but it doesn’t make up for those appalling conditions. I urge travelers to consider another option in Sao Luis.

A really great B&B if you want to explore the Downtown Historical Center. The service was excellent and made me feel like I was staying at a close relative’s house. They can also be very flexible about check-in and check-out, depending on the reservations they have.