POUSADA CANTINHO DA ARMAÇÃO — Hotel in Região Geográfica Imediata de Cabo Frio

Booked a sea view room with balcony (last minute). 1,5 hours prior to check in, owner writes me that the room is not available due to a water issue but „he has another option for me“ and that „he will adjust the price I payed on the online booking platform“.

The alternative room was an old bed that filled the entire room with a small window facing a wall. No space to move, no light and def. not what you see on the pictures.

When I refused the room, he started a long discussion with someone on the phone; apparently the customer service of the booking platform (as he was not able to cancel the reservation by himself - not sure how he is able to check on reservations in case he has no access to the booking system). In the meantime, he constantly mentioned that I should cancel the reservation (a non refundable booking) myself. He also wrote down a number for me that I should call to get a refund ?! Number didn’t work (of course).

I left after 1 hour of waiting and got in touch with the relocation team of the booking platform. It took them 2 hours to verify that it was not my fault (as he refused to answer the phone while they tried to get in touch with him) and another hour to find me an alternative as it was high season on a weekend and most hotels were filled up fast while I was wasting my time waiting for him to get me the refund…

I have never met anyone working in hospitality to be so helpless in case of issues. He mentioned he runs the place for 9 years (and had apparently never needed to cancel a payed booking from his side - quite unbelievable if you ask me).

Either absolutely incompetent / helpless or tried to scam me with that alternative room. Either way, be careful (pay on the spot) and don’t pick the room without a balcony…...

The BEST Pousada I’ve ever had the privilege to stay at. Jose hospitality set the standard for professionalism, kindness and attentiveness. Let me tell you why it would be anyone’s gift to stay here:

This is an absolute gem of a hotel and the staff make it unmatched in experience. Delphi and Simone had amazing energy, great smiles, and I felt very welcome by everyone each time I came back to the Pousada. Their kindness and the sounds of the ocean a few meters away created every sense of tranquility and peace I felt each morning having breakfast on the patio.

Why else was this place so amazing? Location is in the middle of all the places you’d want to go. 20 minutes walk south gets you in a bustling shopping and restaurant area. 20 minutes walk north gets you to quieter beaches and boutique restaurants. And right outside is a long boardwalk where I spent many peaceful mornings and sunsets.

Again- the best hospitality I have ever received and shoutout to the owner for finding such incredible staff. My idea of a host that truly cares for your positive experience has been redefined, thanks to Jose. (In fact, I spent one sunset journaling about the philosophy of hospitality on the beach, that’s how awestruck I was by this experience haha!!) Thank you all so so so much!

Some quick notes on logistics: Staff speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese! Breakfast is 8AM - 10AM daily. There is laundry 6 minutes walk south at Lavanderia Brava, usually one day turnaround. Water is provided in a dispensing...

A true home away from home! All the staff went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and provide everything we needed and then some. The location was amazing with great views of the marina. The food was classy and well executed. The rooms were incredibly comfortable and clean. Couldn’t ask anything more of a stay. I usually don’t leave reviews but the staff/family really put the exclamation point...