Vila d'Este Handmade Hospitality Hotel
Centrally located in Búzios, this beach hotel already won the Traveler's Choice Award from Tripadvisor and its view will take your breath away for sure!
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Armação dos Búzios (or Búzios) is a small city that is a three hours car drive north of Rio de Janeiro. It is known as a sophisticated holiday destination with numerous beaches and a thriving nightlife.
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Búzios and Rio de Janeiro share the same basic weather trends. And the same goes for seawater temperatures all over the year (23ºC-27ºC).
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Búzios is an especially buzzy place in the summer months. Expect people everywhere, rush hours and noise in December, January and February. Entertainment and beaches are magnificent, but if you don’t like overcrowded places, avoid Búzios in these months.
This city is relatively expensive for Brazilian standards. The hotels don't follow this same trend though: they are 3 and 4 star hotels with moderate prices, except in the high season. The availability is scarce at the high season (Dec.-Feb.) and hotel prices rise sharply in this period.
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I went to Búzios in March (beginning of touristic mid-season), taking a bus from Rio de Janeiro for R$120 roundtrip (around 33€) because I planned to spend 3 days in this area, visiting also Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo. However if you pretend to spend only one day in Buzios I suggest you to buy a Búzios day trip from a company like Nattrip, where you can get a professional guide, lunch and boat trip included for around R$200 (around 55€).
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From the bus station in Búzios to the Hotel Vila d'Este it's a 10min walk. You have to climb many stairs to get to the reception but the hotel staff will help you with your luggage after you ring at the door.
The service of the hotel impresses with a very attentive staff and always ready to attend to any special request.
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What is truly outstanding though are the pool and restaurant areas with an amazing view over the bay.
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The hotel has 20 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring minibars and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected all over the hotel are and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and a turndown service.
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You can dip into one of the 2 outdoor heated swimming pools or enjoy other recreational amenities, which include a steam room. Additional features at this hotel include concierge services, and a television in a common area.
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The hotel's restaurant features a bar, but you can also decide to stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 8 AM to 10 AM.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).
The hotel is located just in front of the Brigitte Bardot Statue. This small fishing village was made famous with a 1960s visit by the French actress Brigitte Bardot, who is memorialized by a bronze statue on the Orla Bardot.
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You can do everything by foot from there, including going to Azeda and Azedinha beaches, which are beautiful and are 2 kilometers from the hotel, in about 30 minutes' walk.
The hotel does not have parking, but there are always spaces available in front of your entrance. The rooms are "tucked away" from each other giving more privacy.
I stayed in the «Villa» housing, which had an indoor garden type area, very nice!
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But the hotel has suites even with a private jacuzzi and facing the sea (much better than mine, which was already great). All bath and bed linen are Trousseau brand.
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The hotel offers packages for honeymooners with exclusive pampering like rose petals, handmade chocolates, a bottle of national sparkling wine and massage for the couple at an additional cost.
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It makes you want to live in this hotel! So, what are you waiting for to visit this amazing place?
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PS. - In Brazil the power plugs and sockets are of type N.
