A bit older

Location and service

Stayed in May 2024

Only a few staff spoke English. On our first check out (we stayed on two separate occasions), the hotel wanted to charge us the room price again, despite us already paying on check in. I think this was an honest mistake, but it took around 20 minutes to resolve, which was irritating and far from efficient. We also had a flight to catch, which made matters more stressful and frustrating. Even though the payment issue was resolved, the shuttle bus to the airport took a long time to arrive and we didn't have long to spare once we got to the airport. During our second stay, they had a set departure time for the airport shuttle which was the opposite extreme - far too early, meaning we waited at the airport for 2 hours, even after check in. It's great that they offer a free shuttle but it would be better if they timed it better with flights (there aren't a lot). Some lobby areas were very hot, as were corridors leading to the rooms. The interior design is a bit dated and not quite in keeping with the level of luxury one would expect from a 5* hotel. The buffet was very expensive for what we got. The rooms were fine, but more of a 3* standard in terms of design and facilities. The shower is not walk in and some of the furniture looks dated. Only one bottle of water if provided per person per stay, which isn't enough considering the temperatures. In our case, one of the bottles of water provided was actually not fully sealed, which was a bit concerning since tap water in Sao Tome is not drinkable. Finally, despite confirming in advance that they accepted Mastercard and Visa, it transpired on arrival that they only accepted Visa. I half expected this, as it does state on their main page, but receiving confirmation of the opposite only for this to be contradicted is again frustrating. I think the staff have the right intentions but efficiency is subpar and this makes straightforward matters arduous, drawn out and at times exasperating.

Expectations are key; this hotel doesn't feel like it would be a 5* in other parts of the world. However, after doing a lot of research and staying in a couple of different hotels in Sao Tome and Principe, this is likely the best hotel in the country. Bear in mind though, the selection of hotels if not extensive. Pros: The pool and coastal area is pleasant. The staff were mostly friendly. A few were very friendly, including the restaurant manager and one or two check in staff. A free transfer is included to and from the airport. We stayed in two different rooms and both were clean - I didn't come across any bugs which are common in this part of the world. The food was decent - not spectacular but ok and didn't cause any upset stomachs. Hygiene at the buffet was fine.

Stayed in February 2024

Very good location close to the sea The hotel and facilities are all very nice Easy at arrival with the shuttle bus and for departure

Stayed in January 2024

The Friday buffet of 30euros per person is expensive

The place was serene

Stayed in November 2023

The hotel could really do with a renovation. The rooms, aircons and furniture all need updating. The hotel is comfortable, but very expensive for what it offers

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the room was very clean.

Stayed in September 2023

charging a donation without communicating with the customer. it’s not a big amount but the customer needs to know in advance and decide if he/she wants to give.

The staff is very nice; the room is comfortable and clean.

Stayed in May 2023

I have nothing bad to write

calm and relaxing - great location and friendly staff

Stayed in January 2023

No option to make coffee in the room. No English news tv channels.

location

Stayed in April 2023

The variety of food was limited. There were no labels to say what each dish was, so it was difficult to know whether it contained something you couldn’t eat! no staff really around to ask and when something ran out, it wasn’t replaced easily

Very well located with a lovely pool and close to a beach.

Stayed in February 2023

Location to the airport, free shuttle, quiet hotel in the city, right on the bay with room/balcony view to the water. Friendly helpful staff. Basic but good enough for a one night stay after arriving from the evening flight from Lisbon. we enjoyed the breakfast buffet. especially the local fruits, cakes and coffee, it was so yummy.

Stayed in January 2023

When I was checking out, there was a lot of trouble with my bill, I had to pay the rooms when I was arriving, I paid cash (in dollar) and they could not give back (they told me that they would put this 44 dollar on my room-account as a negative saldo). And when I was checking out that 44 dollar, (that I needed in return for my room-payment) was not mentioned on my final bill, so I didn't got it back. There was even some discussion about the payment of my room at that time, only when I have shown my bill-invoices that I have paid then they deducted the room of the final bill. For a 5-star hotel, this should have been handled a lot better. And at least the bill should be correct and people should get there re-funds if they pay in cash.

Kindness of the staff, expecially in the restaurant and bar

Stayed in December 2022

Bathroom could have been cleaner. A lot of water stains. Reception was having a lot of technical issues, which meant that the room card stopped working from time to time. Ridiculously bad hotel bar with very limited selection and stupidly high prices.

Very nice location, good starting point for exploration. Very "Westerner" friendly setup, comparable with European 4* hotels. Friendly staff and beautiful Infinity pool

Stayed in October 2022

The availability of the staff at the reception, the overall maintenance level of the infrastructure (including room) and the prices practiced at the hotel (both room and own transportation) are not at the expected level for such a brand. Overall value, considering the expensive rates, below expectations

The location was really good, allowing quick access, walking, to the city center. The food served in the hotel, the room view to the ocean, the surrounding gardens and landscape were all top.

Stayed in June 2022

The weak availabilty of the reception staff, always occupied with own tasks even if there was a qeue of guests waiting. The readiness of the reception team to organize the delivery of simple accessories (e.g iron and iron board), which I believe are basics for these categories of hotels.

The location, the food, the general infrastructue and the friendly atmosphere.

Stayed in May 2022

We had problems with the door lock. It was not opening with the card given. It was very frustrating because I had to go downstairs each time the lock didn't open. That's the only major sour experience there. Secondly, the internet network was also frustrating. Connections were poor

The location was perfect and the facilities were clean

Stayed in March 2022

The value for money was somewhat less that we were hoping - I would consider the hotel to be a good 4 star, but the pricing was 5 star

This is a international standard hotel in Sao Tome, providing high end accomodation and facilities for international visitors. It is outside the city centre, but a thirty minute walk will take you there

Stayed in December 2021

The food is very good, but does not quite meet the fine expectations that come with the price.

The location is convenient for Sao Tome town and the airport. It is on the seafront and is well placed to take in the sunshine and sea. The rooms are very clean and comfortable.

Stayed in February 2022

The location and view is simply beautiful. Sunset is picturesque.

Stayed in November 2021

Food

Location, pool

Stayed in September 2021

The room could have been a bit more clean. The floor was not very well cleaned.

The staff, breakfast and the overall reception.

Stayed in September 2021

Difficult to exchange cash, dinner could be improved.

Location, cleanliness, view, room size, facilities.

Stayed in May 2021

The food is terrible , the service very limited . The rooms are old and humid

Location , view, kindness of the staff

Stayed in May 2024

We could have had a double bed instead of 2 single beds together

Breakfast excellent. Drinks and meals expensive

Stayed in March 2024

Perhaps they can add more of the local fresh juices. They had a couple but could do better.

The breakfast was a buffet style and was better and with more variety than most European or American 4+ start hotels. Good quality food, good use of local foods, very attentive service. I liked how they used some of the local chocolate syrups and preserves, as well as fruits and coffee. Excellent view of the sea for a bonus! We also had shows every evening, including a local live band and a youth orchestra playing local music. Both were great! The starts of this hotel however were the staff. The front desk was efficient, they were ready for the check in, they had the bill ready for the checkout, and they were always smiling and eager to help. The bartenders and maids were also friendly and proactive, very proactive, same for the towel person at the pool. And Bruna was fantastic! she was all over the place, talking to guests and helping in any way possible from getting taxis to organizing tours, making dinner reservations at local restaurants, etc. In summary, customer service was in line with or better than most 4+ star hotels in Europe or the USA.

Stayed in February 2024