Pousada Portas da Amazônia

The room was clean and spacious, the staff were friendly, and the breakfast was nothing special. But the broken window panes let bugs in, and with no soundproofing, street block parties kept us awake until 1 a.m. every day. Those seem like fixable problems, and the WiFi should have been easy to provide even in 2019. The hotel and the surrounding historic district are both charming and full of natural beauty, but neither is cared for as well as it should be. Even so, if you want to be right where the action is, this is the best available place in the historic district. We’d recommend staying here.

The building and interior have charm, though they’re a little dark, and the area is pretty with a convenient location. Getting there without car access is a hassle for many travelers. What put us off was the cleanliness: what seemed to be bedbugs, two dead cockroaches, mold, stained sheets, and poor cleanliness overall. The reception staff could be much friendlier and more helpful, and breakfast wasn’t appealing.

Our balcony room faced the street, so we got lively Brazilian sounds at every hour. It didn’t bother us, though, and added to the upbeat feel of São Luís, one of my favorite towns in Brazil, with its unique history and photogenic streets. The pousada is lovely, in an excellent location, and the helpful staff gave great service.

It’s a lovely stay in a gorgeous colonial building that’s been thoughtfully reworked while keeping clear traces of the slave era. The price is right for a three-star hotel, so don’t expect five-star service, finishes, or accessories. It’s generally clean, though there was dirt on the high part of a cupboard. The shower knob gives slight electric shocks and drips, and these seem like easy fixes, but other comments make it sound as if they aren’t willing to address them. The baggage storage area also looks insecure if you need to use it.