Rio do Prado

The shared spaces would make this a more fun stay with a group of friends, though it also works for couples looking to relax. The place is beautiful and the food tasted great, but breakfast could have used some hot choices like eggs or vegetables. Our room was quiet, although it needed maintenance. After we drained the bathtub for 10 minutes, it smelled like a sewer, and a nail sticking out of the wooden floor could be dangerous if you missed it. We expected insects in the middle of a green space and they didn’t put us off, but anyone who can’t tolerate them might want to reconsider or ask staff to spray the room before check-in.

The window views were breathtaking, and I slept really well on the incredibly comfortable bed. My room was spacious, spotless, and beautifully designed, with modern amenities that made the stay very comfortable. You can tell the hotel puts a lot of emphasis on comfort and luxury.

I loved the rooms and the setting, and the nearby estuary has a great loop of trails. I got ill in the early hours after eating at the restaurant. It might have been food poisoning or a bug, I don’t know. When I asked, they brought me liquids, which I appreciated, but they didn’t offer much help or seem very concerned. I was staying alone and was passed out the next day. I’m not blaming them, but I was sick the night I ate there, and it would have been nice if someone had checked in given how small and intimate the place is. Also, one guest’s dog barked constantly. It may have been comforting for her, but not so much for everyone else.

The design was the only good thing about the property, which is in poor shape. Our room had broken window glass, there were bugs, and some of the fixtures were rusty. I liked the environmentally friendly idea, but the quality was below par.