Quinta da Abegoaria

It's a very peaceful place for relaxing, whether you're planning a short family break or a couple's getaway. The rural setting is about a 15-minute drive from the city, and there are tables in the garden plus equipment for grilling or barbecues. The spacious grounds also work well for parties like weddings, baptisms, and birthdays. There's a covered pool, a jacuzzi, a tennis court with basketball hoops, a small games room with table football and billiards, and an outdoor bathroom. Getting the place rented isn't always easy. The management can sometimes seem unavailable, and the service can come across as lacking in courtesy and friendliness. Still, they're very helpful when it comes to sorting out pending issues or urgent problems. From what people say, they're upset when rooms and common areas are left dirty and untidy.

The pool, tennis court, and pool table were nice outdoor extras, but the house itself felt old and worn, and the equipment was too basic. The price looked fair at first, then seemed hard to justify once we saw what was provided. Even the simple camping stoves couldn't boil water. Our place had a strange layout, with a huge hallway that served no real purpose. That left a dining area where four people could hardly sit comfortably, plus a very small bedroom. There was one bedroom for adults and one for a child, truly a child rather than a teenager. Anyone over 1.80 meters tall won't fit in the bed.

The view of Pico is magnificent, and the small road you can drive on gives quick access to the volcano, making it handy for a climb. The two apartments sit side by side beside a cornfield. They weren't very practical, felt a little dated, and had a few critters wandering around.

A comfortable place to unwind, with a pool, about 7 km from the city of Horta.