Hotel Caravelas

The hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional location directly opposite the ferry terminal, making it incredibly convenient for island hoppers and those arriving by sea. Guests frequently highlight the central location within walking distance to Madalena's town center, shops, and restaurants. The breakfast buffet is consistently praised for its variety and abundance, contributing positively to the guest experience. While generally clean, some areas of the hotel are noted as being dated, suggesting a need for modernization. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers looking to explore the town on foot and hikers who appreciate the early breakfast option before their excursions. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for potentially better views and to minimize any noise from the surrounding area, and be aware that some guests report issues with air conditioning functionality.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers an outdoor pool with pleasant views, which many guests appreciate for relaxation, though some have noted issues with excessive chlorine levels or limited operating hours. While a fitness center is available, some guests were surprised to find it required an additional fee or was occasionally closed. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed reviews, with some finding it reliable and others experiencing slow speeds or no signal in their rooms. In-room coffee machines are a welcome touch, but guests report that coffee pods are often not replenished daily without an extra charge. The minibar in rooms is frequently found to be empty. Some guests also reported issues with elevators being out of service, causing inconvenience. Complimentary fruit bowls and chocolates in rooms are a pleasant surprise for many.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with housekeeping often praised for its attention to detail. However, feedback on room condition is mixed; while some rooms are described as comfortable and modernized, common areas and certain rooms are noted as dated, with reports of mold on walls, damp smells, or issues like buzzing LED lights and non-working bathroom fans. The beds receive varied comments, with many guests finding the mattresses to be quite hard, while others describe them as comfortable. Noise levels are generally acceptable, though some guests experienced disturbances from the ferry horn, the gym located above their room, or general street noise. In-room amenities like coffee makers and ample lighting are appreciated, but the absence of an in-room safe is a minor inconvenience for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a significant highlight for many guests, consistently praised for its abundance and variety. Guests enjoy a wide selection of items including fresh fruit, various types of bread, cakes, and a popular pancake machine. Hot options like eggs, bacon, and sausages are typically available. However, some guests have expressed concerns about the quality of certain items, noting that some juices appear to be powdered, coffee can be bitter, and hot food items like bacon and sausages are occasionally improperly cooked. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus is that the breakfast offers a comprehensive start to the day, with an appreciated early morning option available for guests with early excursions.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests directly across from the ferry terminal, making it exceptionally convenient for inter-island travel. This prime spot allows for easy walking distance to Madalena's town square, various restaurants, shops, and local tour operators for activities like diving and whale watching. Parking is available on-site, and while some guests found it occasionally tricky, most reported being able to find a spot without significant difficulty. The hotel's accessibility to public transport and its proximity to the port make it an ideal base for exploring the island and its surroundings, minimizing travel time for daily excursions.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff and service is generally positive, with many guests commending the friendly and helpful demeanor of the team, particularly at the front desk. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with requests, such as arranging taxis or storing luggage. Housekeeping is often praised for its attentiveness and the cleanliness of the rooms. However, some guests have reported instances of staff appearing irritated or unhelpful, particularly when addressing recurring issues like air conditioning problems or the replenishment of in-room coffee pods, which sometimes required an additional charge. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall impression is that the staff strives to provide a satisfactory experience.

Additional Information
Many guests note that the hotel's overall decor is dated and in need of modernization, with some common areas described as having a "hospital-like" charm or even a persistent damp smell in corridors. The air conditioning system is a frequent point of contention, with numerous reports of it being non-functional, locked to a cold setting, or only operating during specific hours, significantly impacting guest comfort. Some rooms, particularly those located directly beneath the gym, experience considerable noise from early morning activities, which can disturb sleep. Guests also reported isolated incidents such as being temporarily stuck in elevators or finding the in-room safe feature unavailable, requiring items to be stored at the front desk, highlighting areas where the hotel could improve its guest experience.