Pousada Maha Mantra

I expected better. The inn is in a convenient spot close to town, and the owner is really nice, but it needs attention and maintenance. The shower wouldn't get warm, even though it was 9-10 degrees out, and breakfast was pretty weak.

I went with my husband this weekend and loved the stay. The inn is simple, but it's right on the central street, close to everything, so we could walk everywhere. The service was great, and Paulo was especially kind and attentive. Our room was clean and cozy, with fresh bedding, bath towels, a fan, and a mini fridge. Breakfast was delicious. I already miss the lovely little cat who played by my window. And São Thomé das Letras, which I hadn't known before, has become my favorite place in the world. The town, the people, and the places to visit are all beautiful. I especially appreciated how well the street animals are treated. The dogs seem happy and well cared for. I'll be back soon, God willing.

I've had better stays. The breakfast doesn't offer many choices, especially if you can't eat gluten. There are quite a lot of steps to get around, and although the bedding is good, they don't provide towels or a bathroom mat. The location works well if you want to walk around the center. There's no parking.

We loved the stay and the wooden room. It's a simple inn, like STL itself, and breakfast was modest but fair for the price. We had a good fan, a hot shower, nice blankets and pillows. The hosts were welcoming, and I miss the little cat Morgana. São Tomé has no cockroaches, pigeons, or rats, as far as I could tell. The “street” dogs seem happy and well looked after. Nobody asks for food in the street, at most a cigarette or beer. I didn't feel afraid of being robbed or anything like that. At most, people hang around trying to sell “their fish.” It's an intense place, with good and bad sides, genuine people and people who are real actors. Some see the world through a window, others only see themselves in the mirror. I noticed little of a middle ground. People there live at a different pace. Time passes more slowly and asks less of you. Personally, I lowered my antidepressant and slept really well. The places are beautiful and the food is great. It was also a chance to experience the accessible nature around there. I hope to return.