Val Atlantic Hotel

Instead of being built towards the sea, the very large majority of rooms have a "view" on the side, that is a view on a wall (and builders on one side). Either they had a larger plot of land and consequently sold it to make profit, or they didn't take in consideration that one day it would be built. We arrived on a Friday afternoon and could see and hear builders shouting 3 meters away from our window. Additionally, sheet was stained. Luckily, staff is helpful but... they can only do what the management allows to do. We got an other room - 2 floors away from our second room, on the ground floor, still with a view on a wall, but at least on the other side. As it happened, in that room sheet was holed, probably because it had been used for too long. Bed itself is good - one of the very few decent things, together with most employees who do their best - reception is open 24/7. Shower is not too bad, but door does not close properly and there are fungus. On the ground floor, customers go through the corridor passing in front of all bedrooms to reach the elevator: the first night, we heard coming and going until 4 a.m. and we could even hear peeing or a tiny object falling on the floor above us. There is no noise-insulation at all. Swimming pool on the roof has a great view, but is maximum 1 meter deep and during the day, you bath under the eyes of the builders. As already said, staff do their best, but the hotel is so badly conceived - not even speaking of the permanent noise on weekdays, from 7 or 8 until 5 or 6 -that it is not sufficient. Regional breakfast on the first morning - a Saturday as is probably the case for most visitors - was very good, with decent options (not the largest buffet, but corresponding to the hotel size). On Sunday, it was not that good anymore as we started to receive cheese bread (paô de queijo) and other stuff like sweet bread which was (at least) 2 or 3 days old. To the contrary, you may order eggs or tapioca pancakes prepared on demand. Wi-fi is free, but network is overloaded and connection hardly reaches the 2nd floor. On the first night, I realized the bulb from the bedside lamp was burnt. I asked the reception, but they told me they had none at the reception, but would be fixed on the next morning. In the evening, it still did not work... until I realized there was a short-circuit... and could consequently only remove the plug and "do without" night lamp - I had to read or watch television with the powerful, blank ceiling lamp (not very comfortable for my partner wishing to sleep earlier than me. Last but not least, Cabo Branco beach is quite extensive: this hotel is located (almost) at the very end, which means that you will walk about 2 km minimum to get to the beginning of the numerous restaurants available in Tambau and the closest/other end of Cabo Branco. All in all, this is a very poor value for money - and it should not get more than 2 stars. Feeling sorry for the staff: I think this is the first time I eve