Lava Homes — Hotel in São Roque do Pico

Lava Homes masquerades as an upscale hotel but falls short on the basics. I was really looking forward to staying here and it makes me sad to write a review like this.

Anyone considering booking should know: the units do not have air conditioning. This means you have to bake in a cement oven or open the windows. However, the windows do not have screens. Our unit was constantly filled with bugs as a result. I spent the last night of our stay killing bugs in the unit and slapping bugs off me while trying to fall asleep.

The bed was very uncomfortable and short. The sheets may as well have been sand paper. The wifi did not reach the bedroom. The safe was broken. One of the fans was broken. The washer/dryer worked only intermittently. The shower was without hot water on several occasions. To get drinking water, you have to hike up the steep hill to the restaurant and fill liter glass bottles.

The maid service provided minimal value. First, you have to affirmatively request the service each day. They told us they only replace towels once every three days. We stayed four days and never received new towels. We left used towels in an obvious pile for the maids in the living room. The pile was still there when we checked out several days later. Worst of all, the maids left our door ajar one day after cleaning when we were not home - this in the same room where the safe was broken.

Generally, we found the service staff at Magma and Lava Homes to be unprofessional given the level of service one would expect at a hotel of this price. The staff gave us the impression we were more of an inconvenience than welcomed guests. The service felt much more like we were staying in an AirBnb than a hotel (here’s the key, figure it out).

The only reason this is not a 1 star review is the immaculate view of the channel. Otherwise, Lava Homes failed to pay attention to detail and wholly disappointed. I would recommend against staying here - especially...

I recently stayed at Lava Homes for three nights with my partner and to sum it up in one word: amazing. The home itself was pristine and allowed for huge glass windows to be open in the front and the back of the house. The bathroom also had a large window and could be opened to simulate an "outdoor" shower that faced a private, back wall. The home was equipped with a full kitchen and utensils which we used for several meals and could supplement entrees with take away from the Magma restaurant. Benedita, the owner, was a gracious host and incredibly friendly and helpful, even giving us a tour of one of the new homes that was opening in just a few days. The area was very quiet and the pool was refreshing with a perfect view. If I had to pick one thing to suggest for next time, it is to include a fan in the bedroom. We stayed during a warm week and while it was comfortable, we would have enjoyed a fan.

Bottom line: if going to Pico, you should stay at Lava Homes. It's one of the best places I've ever stayed and hope to...

This place is an absolute gem! The homes are clean, comfortable and tastefully decorated. The staff is friendly and welcoming. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable during our stay. This location had all the comforts of staying in a local home, with the added extras that come with being part of a resort (heated pool, on-site restaurant, staff available).

The gardens and views are incredible. They include a number of resting spots where groups of friends can gather. I loved spending my mornings on our private balcony gazing at the sea (and the island São Jorge).

The food at the Magma restaurant is delicious. We had dinner in the restaurant the night of our arrival and it was easily one of the best meals we enjoyed on the island. We also opted for the breakfast addition to our stay and it was well worth it. The spread featured a large assortment of breads, meats and cheeses are well as traditional Western favorites such as eggs,...