Pousada Forte Horta

Set on the harbour, Pousada Forte da Horta has incredible views of Pico and puts you close to the town's restaurants, shops, and water activities. The old fortifications have been preserved and thoughtfully incorporated into the building and grounds. Along with its old-world charm, that makes it a particularly special place to stay.

We booked two rooms in July but couldn't reach the hotel because our flight was canceled. We understood the booking terms and accepted them, though a goodwill gesture for services not provided is common practice in the industry. The full stay was charged, but we never received an invoice. Neither the hotel nor customer service answered our inquiries. Being charged without an invoice raises serious questions for me: negligence, fraud, or some shady practice? In any case, I'd avoid this experience. Reservation code/Code de la réservation: 25012786431.

The hotel is pet friendly, with fast, stable WiFi and a very good location near the marina and restaurants. Our room was small but clean. Breakfast was pretty good, though there were very few options for desserts and vegetables. It's a pity they don't provide bathrobes or slippers, and sometimes we heard noise from the hall.

Dining at the restaurant was a pleasant surprise. It was cosy, the service stood out, and the proper Portuguese meal exceeded our expectations. Staying inside a centuries-old fortress at Pousada Forte da Horta felt unforgettable and full of history and charm. The views of Pico were breathtaking. It's a bit of a splurge, but worth it for the setting and experience.