Hotel Refúgio

The hotel's signature feature is its excellent location, situated just two blocks from Pajuçara beach, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples looking to explore the area's attractions and enjoy the coastal ambiance. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's impeccable cleanliness throughout the property and in the rooms, contributing to a pleasant stay. The staff frequently receives praise for their attentiveness and helpfulness, enhancing the overall guest experience. Accommodations are generally described as comfortable and spacious, providing a relaxing environment after a day of activities. For families, the generous room sizes are a plus, making it easier to accommodate multiple guests, though some might find the pool area small for larger groups. To ensure a quieter stay, consider requesting a room not facing the street, as some guests noted street noise, and for those planning early excursions, be mindful that popular breakfast items might run out later in the morning.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several amenities to enhance guest comfort, though feedback is varied. The swimming pool is present, but many guests describe it as small or tiny, with some noting it was closed for maintenance during their stay, leading to disappointment for those who chose the hotel specifically for this feature. Wi-Fi connectivity generally receives positive comments for working well, though a few guests reported issues with its reliability. Guests should be aware that the hotel has two floors and no elevator, which might be a consideration for those with mobility challenges. In-room televisions are noted by some as not being smart TVs or having limited channel options, with a few instances of them not functioning properly. The air conditioning units are typically effective in keeping rooms cool, though some found them to be noisy or not cooling to their full potential.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the impeccable cleanliness of the hotel, noting that rooms are well-maintained and have a fresh scent. The rooms themselves are generally described as spacious and comfortable, providing a cozy atmosphere for relaxation. Most guests find the beds comfortable, though a few reported issues with spring mattresses sinking, impacting sleep quality. Feedback on the bathrooms is mixed; while often described as clean and spacious with well-functioning showers, some guests experienced issues such as water pooling on the floor due to poor drainage, a lack of adequate space for hanging towels, or no convenient place for soap and shampoo inside the shower. Noise levels can be a concern, with reports of street noise from traffic and people, as well as disturbances from other guests in the corridors. A recurring point of feedback is the hotel's policy regarding towel and linen changes, which are typically done every three days, with some guests expressing a desire for more frequent changes or even being charged for extra towels. Some also noted the pillows were too low and that blankets needed to be requested from reception.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast service at the hotel receives mixed but generally satisfactory feedback from guests. Many describe the food quality as good, tasty, and simple yet well-prepared, with some highlighting specific items like pizza, savory chicken pie, and cheese bread as particularly delicious. The variety of options, however, is a common point of contention; while some find it adequate, many guests note that the selection is limited and becomes repetitive over longer stays, featuring the same items daily such as couscous, potatoes, cold cuts, breads, fruits, and cakes. A significant concern raised by numerous guests is the replenishment of food items, which is often slow or non-existent, leading to items running out well before the end of the service time, especially after 9 AM. The restaurant area itself is described as small and can become crowded, making it difficult to find a table during peak hours. Some guests also mentioned missing natural orange juice and occasional issues with stale bread or cold couscous.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It is conveniently situated just two blocks from Pajuçara beach, allowing guests easy walking access to the boardwalk and sandy shores. Beyond the beach, the hotel's proximity to various local amenities is highly appreciated, including supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and other commercial establishments, making it easy for guests to find necessities and dining options. While the immediate street is described as relatively quiet, a significant point of concern for many guests is the lack of dedicated parking. Visitors frequently report having to rely on street parking, which can be difficult to find and often leads to vehicles being left on the street, sometimes resulting in damage. Some guests noted that while the location is central, exploring further afield in the city often requires a car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their attentiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness, with many guests highlighting their polite and caring demeanor. They are often commended for being receptive and providing excellent service, including offering tips for tours and even providing thoughtful gestures like coffee for early departures. However, feedback on the check-in process and flexibility is mixed; while some experienced quick service, others reported significant delays, with one instance of a manager refusing early registration. The hotel's housekeeping service also garners varied comments; while some rooms were cleaned daily, many guests noted that towel and linen changes were infrequent (every three days) or only performed upon request, with some requests for cleaning not being fulfilled. A notable negative experience involved the pet policy, where one guest was denied accommodation due to not having a pet vaccination card, leading to a perception of inflexibility and a lack of understanding.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific hotel policies and room characteristics that may impact their stay. The minibar in the room reportedly does not remain powered when guests leave, potentially affecting the preservation of personal items. Some guests experienced issues with water temperature in the showers, ranging from a complete lack of hot water to water being excessively hot. Depending on the room assignment, some accommodations feature windows facing internal corridors, which can limit privacy, while others facing the street may experience significant noise from outside. It is also noted that blankets are not standard in rooms and must be requested from the reception. Furthermore, the hotel has a strict late check-out policy, often requiring guests to pay for an additional full day if they need to extend their stay beyond the standard 12 PM check-out time. The hotel's cleaning policy dictates that full room cleaning and towel changes are typically performed every three days or upon specific request, and some guests reported being charged for extra towels.