Turismo do Século Guest House

It’s only a five minute walk to the beach, and there’s air conditioning, hot water, and wifi. The room itself had a tiny window and didn’t really offer the advertised sea view. You’re staying in the same building as a social foundation, where some interesting residents can be a bit noisy. Still, it’s a great budget option if you just need the basics in a seaside location and know what to expect. Apparently, the money helps support the foundation.

For five nights I tried to spend as much time out as I could. When I was there, the noise was something else: one night there was a blood-curdling scream for about 30 minutes, then banging for five. I decided not to find out what caused it. Other times it was doors slamming or kids making noise early in the morning, an effective alarm if you need to be up before 7.30am. It’s very cheap and close to the beach, with a mini shop right outside. The room was clean and had a double bed, but the wardrobe was a stick hanging from the ceiling on two ropes, and there was an old-fashioned bulky TV. The ensuite shower had no holder for the head, just a loose hose, and I never got hot water. I was told to let it run for 20 minutes because the tank was far away. I tried for 30, but it only got lukewarm, which isn't great for a late shower. The place looked generally clean apart from a huge cracked wall, mold, and broken foyer windows. The canteen looked like a prison canteen, so I didn't eat there. My sheets were never changed, though the bed was made neatly. I got fresh towels daily, and the bin was emptied now and then. It’s advertised as a “Hotel-like hostel,” but to me it was just a hostel-like hostel.

Everyone we met was friendly, but we booked through booking expecting a hotel, and this isn't one. It’s a social house with lots of immigrants, children with disabilities, and others. It was dirty and noisy. Our shower holder broke on the first day and was still broken when we left four days later. We skipped breakfast because it looked awful. If you want to sleep past 6am, good luck, the kids make so much noise you can’t sleep. We won't be back.

The location is great, and the building was clean with the basic amenities, though it’s very rundown and simply decorated with inexpensive furnishings. There also seemed to be a lack of organization, and I felt the price was high for what you get. It’s an interesting charity organization that supports people in need. It houses older people, homeless people, refugees, and street children, runs a soup kitchen, and has a nursery or daycare for children from underprivileged families. Tourist rooms are rented in the same building. I like the idea, but I have concerns about the practical side and what that means.