Hotel Horta

We have just returned from an 11 night stay where we used the hotel as a base for our whale-watching trip with Whale Watch Azores. We have travelled widely, and are happy to say that we found the staff in the restaurant and reception to be among the very best we have met anywhere oin the world. Everyone appeared very willing, friendly and helpful; nothing was too much trouble. The rooms were kept very clean by the house-keeping staff, and on the one occasion when our room was missed due to a large incoming group it was rectified very quickly. We would certainly use the hotel again when we retun to Faial. We dined in the hotel restaurant three times during our stay, chosing the buffet each time rather than eating off the menu. The food was excellent and with decent house wines. Breakfast was also very good with a nice selection of local meats, cheeses and breads, plus the usual fare of fruit, croisants, pancakes,scambled eggs, bacon, sausage and tomatoes. There was also a selection of tarts & cakes. If you wanted toast then a toaster was available. Tea/coffee and juices. Our room was a double with a fantastic view across the hotel garden/pool onto the harbour, with the island of Pico dominating the skyline. Nice little private balcony. On arrival the two beds had already been pushed together to make one very large double bed which was a bonus. Free wi-fi which covered all areas of the hotel incluing the rooms. The room had modern air-conditioning which worked well. The room also had a fridge for use during the stay. Just be aware that once the keycard is removed from the holder on leaving the room everything turns off, including the fridge - Not a problem as you can request a second card from the reception to avoid this happening if you intend to keep things in the fridge. Also, if you want to use the safe in the room you need to request the barrel-lock from reception. Kettles & cups for the room are also available from reception. We stayed out of season, and consequently the hotel seemed to be relying on large tour groups passing through rather than on longer-term guests like us. Consequently there were days when the hotel was at full capacity and others when there were only a few smallish groups. During these low days when most people were out of the hotel the restaruant was not open for lunch and room service only operated during breakfast and dinner hours. The hotel is up the steep hill from the harbour/main town where there are lots of great places to eat & drink so it's not really and issue. There are also plenty of taxis which will take you anywhere in Horta for around 5 Euros. I only mention this as on one day we had torrential rain and wind all day meaning our trip out was cancelled and woud rather have eaten in the hotel than have to battle the elements up and down the hill to get lunch. We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel and look forward to our return.