Eco Surf Lodge Azores — Hotel in Ribeira Grande

Beautiful views. Great culture, great people. Safe part of ribiera grande. Great hikes, busy itinerary. Incredible homemade food. Good lord the free breakfasts always had fresh bread still warm and all, selection of milks, juice, free coffee, nutella and homemade hummus, charcuterie. Really amazing value for money given it came free with the stay. You can grab drinks out the fridge just put a tally mark next to your name. Honestly staying here made me feel like i was at a luxury hotel despite being a hostel. 99% of visitors are german though so i felt very out of place as an englishman but thats nothing wrong with the establishment.

Tons of space for everyone to park their cars safely in the gated area.

Every night theres a big social gathering dinner and pizza night was incredible. Mexican night was great too. Burger night was okay but nothing too special. The potatoes needed more salt but other than that it wasnt bad in any way, just the other food was so incredible that it didnt compare.

I have but only 1 singular complaint Please please please 🙏 god install AC in the shared dorm room. Theres 6 of us all sleeping in there and i was on a top bunk and BOY DID IT GET HOT. I have no idea how the other people slept to well. One night i had to get up twice to take a cold shower because it was unbearable. But other than that the dorm room is great, you each get an electrical locker and a passcode so all your things are safe.

The place had an incredibly lovely atmosphere i cant get over how nice it was overall.

Ive rated 5 stars because i genuinely believe that for the price, it cant get better than this. Ive told all my relatives about it and really enjoyed my stay a lot.

Just... please god the shared room needs AC!!!!!!!! Oh and a bug net for the door to the dorm room because we always had that door open to try and stay cool, but lots of modquitos would get through there. So perhaps a screen door there like what the kitchen has...

Something you should know when booking this place is that the kitchen equipment and refrigerator are basically not available for guests but rather for staff only. No dishes for private use apart from breakfast time. I wrote “basically” because there is a teeny-tiny space for all guests in the refrigerator-door available. It’s almost an insult really If you want warm food at “home” you have to pay money and you will get dinner.(which is really good but still - I think it’s fair to know such things when going for a budget vacation) no room to store your bought drinks but for payment you will get one of their cold beers. (which is compared to local prices quite expensive imo, but still; you get it) disclaimer : I didn’t read the homepage so I have no idea if they write this over there, so there’s that … still that’s why i rated 3 stars for the service.

Apart from that I think that lodge is a great place to be. The very best part on that place is certainly the host; he might probably be the best one I’ve ever met. Woulter cares deeply for his tenants and goes out of his way to make your stay unforgettable. He is a great chef, a passionate surfer, a chill griller, an individual travel adviser, a true local, a talkative friend. Also there are amazing activities (payment only though), amazing rooms, everything is super clean and bright. There is complimentary coffee all day and a nice pool, huge front- and backyard, everything is green and well maintained.

If you are looking for an action packed holiday you are certainly on the right place BUT as of now it’s not going to be budget if you really want to take part in the...

A beautifully curated boutique hostel: warm, stylish, and truly memorable ♥️

Eco Surflodge Azores is a truly special place - more than just a hostel, it feels like a thoughtfully designed boutique retreat. The interiors are beautifully decorated, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere throughout. I stayed in the shared dormitory and was genuinely impressed by the level of comfort and attention to detail. The beds are cozy, with high-quality linens, soft duvets, two pillows per bed, and great towels provided. Each bed has a privacy curtain, offering a rare sense of intimacy and peace in a shared space. The bathrooms are clean, aesthetically pleasing, and well-maintained. It’s worth noting that any occasional mess is not the fault of the lodge itself - it’s entirely on the guests! This is a beautiful space, and it’s up to everyone staying here to help keep it that way. Breakfast was another highlight: delicious, varied, and beautifully presented, with vegetarian-friendly options and a quality that rivals many hotels.

🏄‍♀️What also makes this place stand out is the wide range of additional activities on offer: yoga sessions, surf lessons, trips to the local tea plantations, communal dinners, and cozy bonfire evenings - there’s truly something for everyone. The staff are kind, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to creating a relaxed and enriching experience. Highly recommended for travelers who value comfort, aesthetics, and community - it’s a place that...