Breakfast; Gardeners restaurant; jacuzzis; staff; view from room.

I didn't like being told that the large thermal pool was closed for maintenance during our stay after I could have cancelled for free with booking.com.

Second time, with 2 smaller rooms this time instead of suite, but all the same exceptional experience! Top service and attitude, great and comfortable rooms with lovely balconies, excellent and locally infused breakfast, great diners with superb service, wide choice of local wines and local dishes, from classics to new ideas. All tasty, and new sushi restaurant was perfect too. The hotel reminds me Belmond properties, and I'm not clear why it is claimed as 4 star only - as it is much more superior than their sister flagship Grand Hotel Atlantico in Ponda Delgada, and certainly amongst most sought after places to stay at Sao Miguel. Will come back.

It is truly pricey in August, yet location is unbeatable, along with old classy appearance and service on the level of Belmond.

The building and the facilities were first class. The indoor pool was beautiful and the outdoor thermal pool very relaxing (watch out for stained clothes though!). I chose not to have any treatments, or use the sauna and Turkish steam room, although some of my group did. The food was great - the breakfast was extensive and the evening menu provided lots of options. The garden was well worth a visit. We took about 1.5hrs walking around it.

Our stay was fantastic and my only issue was with our check in. I had booked 3 rooms via Booking.com but one of my sons had booked his own room, so I had to cancel one room. This was done some months ago. On arrival I was told that they had no evidence that I had cancelled, despite me providing a Booking.com print out showing only 2 rooms in my name. The implication was very much that I would have to pay for 3 rooms. This stand off continued for some time before they (miraculously) found my cancellation. All’s well that ends well, but it was an exhausting and stressful experience. I would be intrigued to know what the hotel’s and Booking.com’s protocols actually are in this situation.

The whole experience was first class. We got an upgraded room which was spacious and comfortable, overlooking the magnificent botanical gardens. Every morning and evening we could walk across the little bridge to soak in the natural hot pools. The breakfast buffet was a highlight, the Gardener Bar served beautiful light meals, tea and cake etc, an evening meal in the restaurant is a fabulous culinary experience.

We were given a voucher for a welcome drink but there was no non-alcoholic option which felt a little unwelcoming to the non-drinker!

Perfect all around. From the moment we walked in we felt pampered. The rooms are spacious. Beds and pillows very comfortable. Excellent breakfast with fresh squeezed juices. The gardens surrounding the property are amazing and having the pools for hotel guests only until 10AM and after 4:30PM is a huge plus

Nothing really to dislike. If to be picky: I didn’t like that we had to wait more than one hour to get a small meal served at the bar area. The food was excellent but the wait time was unacceptable

This hotel is simply amazing. We got offered an upgrade to a Suite. When we arrived to our room we had a basket of goodies waiting for us: 2 eye masks, a basket of fruit, water bottles, sweets. The hotel is simply beautiful. Every afternoon we were surprised by little gifts waiting for us in our room: chocolate bonbons or a brownie. The natural hot spring swimming pool open 24/7 is the best thing you can wish for. We loved to go for swims after dinner when it was cold at night and watch the stars. We had dinner twice in the hotel and the food was delicious. I would recommend the "cozido" soup, the lighter and more interesting version of the typical "cozido" – a meat dish cooked underground with the steam from the hot springs. We had a marvellous stay.

Nothing

Absolutely fantastic location in the Parque Terra Nostra. As guests of the hotel you have access to the park and the thermal pool 24/7. Whilst it doesn't look very inviting, the thermal pool is a must/highlight. The staff were extremely pleasant and helpful. The buffet breakfast was very good. We did not use the Spa or indoor pool so cannot comment. Parking is available at the front of the hotel (make sure you drive through the first barrier you arrive at). Is it expensive to stay here - yes! Is it worth it - definitely! Our favourite hotel during our trip to San Miguel. Highly recommended!

Everything was perfect. We booked this hotel as a treat at the end of our trip around the islands and it did not disappoint. When we arrived we were upgraded to a garden room with balcony which was wonderful. The bed was huge and very comfortable. The staff were so attentive. Breakfast was incredible. Every food you could possibly want. We even got a breakfast box to take to the airport as we had to check out very early on our last day. We loved the indoor pool when it was raining and obviously spent a lot of time in the gardens. This was a very relaxing few days before we had to fly home.

The service was a little slow when we ate in The garden bar and terrace. The thermal pool was closed for maintenance but it didn't spoil our trip.

Amazing location with access to wonderful botanic garden, big coat rooms, quiet place, very good and professional massage, great service in restaurants

Rooms furniture ant bathroom interior a little bit worn. Breakfast was poor and uniform, products were updated not on time. There were an option for additional dishes to be ordered but for additional payment

The hotel’s garden and thermal pools are very special, and guests can use them 24/7! We went for a dip at 6am and had it all to ourselves. An unforgettable experience. We got a room upgrade since we were celebrating a special occasion. The restaurant is an old school high quality food high number of well trained staff and very formal. We really enjoyed the dining experience. Check in was fast and friendly. Nothing was a problem for the staff. Parking was very convenient.

The bathroom tray was very low and easy to overflow so we had to wipe bathroom floor ourselves after every shower to avoid slip and fall. It perhaps needs raising the threshold. There are also only 2 bathrobe/towel hangers and both are inside the toilets. Perhaps adding couple on the bathroom door would help. I wondered if swimsuit dryer could be installed in indoor swimming pool lockers. But overall we had a really lovely stay!