Hotel Sete Cidades ** — Hotel in Ponta Delgada

As an officially category 2* hotel, my expectations were exceeded. While my taxi driver missed it the first time around, the welcome was warm and friendly. After reading some of the other reviews posted here by people who must not understand that a two-star hotel is not the Ritz, I was not quite sure what I would find. I was pleasantly surprised on all levels. The room is lovely and neat with what some people described as shopworn furniture which is actually not true. I will post pictures below to bolster my viewpoint. As for the person who said the rooms are not air conditioned, clearly they did not know what a thermostat looks like or the air conditioner unit over the door to the room. I'm enjoying lovely frosty dry air right now as it is rather humid outside after a recent rainfall. Later when the humidity subsides a little I will avail myself of the fabulous window with a screen and let in some more fresh air. The Wi-Fi is excellent the bathroom while a little bit older appearing is perfectly functional and very nicely done complete with bidet, toiletries and nice fluffy towels. If you stay in a property officially ranked as two stars and you expect for under $70 a night including breakfast to receive a palace, perhaps either you should stay home and not travel anymore or up your ante and pay more at something with more glitz. While the neighborhood is rather old due to the location in the old town of Ponta Delgada, the hotel is convenient to all major sites and close to a beach as well. The roof terrace as well as the very nice breakfast room and Lobby are pleasant additions. All in all, I have paid far more on four continents and received far less value for my money. I do know that most of the people describing the place as shopworn, run down and other pejoratives were mainly from the United Kingdom. I suspect that many of them are people who watch programs like 'Cheap Brits on Holiday' and sympathize with the expectations - all wildly unrealistic - that bargain British tourists seem to think they are entitled to worldwide. Having lived in the UK now for more than 18 months and stayed in numerous lodging places around the country, I can safely say I would rather have this hotel any day over half of the places I've...

as others have said - wow the staff is SO friendly and endlessly sweet and helpful. but also wow, the building is in such sad shape. there are dozens of other significantly nicer, newer, cleaner places like Canadiano Urban Nature Hotel next door for just a little more per night. hotel alcides, closer to the main plaza, was $50 usd cheaper per night when i went in mid-september and was so much more appealing in a boutique hotel sort of way (but it was booked when i got back from another island). ||if secure parking is your main concern, then this is a good place for you as it's a gated lot behind the building, but otherwise, i would not recommend this place to anyone, which is sad to post since the staff are all so lovely.||the room/cleanliness are acceptable at best, but not for the price charged. as a solo female traveler, if this hotel had been in a more major city in mainland europe, i'd have been very freaked out by the dark creepy hallways etc (but ponta delgada is so chill and safe,...

Really happy I got the chance to stay at this hotel while on an abroad school program! Thank you so much! The staff are compassionate and genuine, even when there were small noise issues caused by some in our group: they showed understanding, calm and clear communication on what behavior needed correcting. Staff Worked with our group and just simply stating each time to try and be more courteous of others at the hotel. No rude words, we didn't get kicked out surprisingly, and a really great breakfast selection!🥞 Azores was a joy to explore because returning to the restful and peaceful atmosphere of Hotel Sete Cidades was energizing after a long day. ☀️💪 Really sweet staff members, the surrounding area was nice and homey, and delicious food.🩷 I will choose this hotel next...