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 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!

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.

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!

The location is perfect as it gives you access to the Terranos garden. And it’s lovely to be able to be there and walk around in the morning and evening when it’s less crowded. Other thing that stood out was the amazing staff. The front desk was incredibly helpful and we had terrific servers. One server in particular Carlos really went out of his way to make helpful suggestions to us. We were lucky enough to have him tonight, and he was one of the best servers I’ve ever had. I highly recommend this hotel.

Beautiful hotel, beautiful location

One reason we went there was for the spa. They said the spa was under maintenance and was not open. They must’ve known us ahead of time or they could’ve told us ahead of time. Very disappointing. The staff was not very communicative, not letting us know about street closures, not letting us know. We need reservations ahead of time for dinner, not helping us out when we could not get into dinner, not being able to tell us whether the spa would be open or not .

Breakfast buffet that was included was tasty with plenty of options. Parking was free, which was nice - a car is certainly necessary in Sao Miguel. Room was awesome, cleaned multiple times per day. Indoor pool was excellent. Bar attached to hotel had delicious sandwiches.

Unfortunately, the public baths in the garden were closed... booo.... but the jacuzzis were open, which were very warm and nice especially once closed to the public. Very very nice hotel, but quite expensive.