Hotel Canto Das Aguas

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Canto das Aguas for one night, and were really impressed with the facilities (beautiful pool and grounds), location (next to the river) and particularly with the level of service.

Here's the good: the location beside the river couldn't be better, it's a close walk to the central square, the hotel sticks to ecological practices, there's a great pool, and a good breakfast.

Some rooms have windows directly to the river and offer a view of the old town (we stayed in such an "up-river, superior room").

The hotel itself is well designed and most of the rooms overlook the river and are equipped with TV and mini-bar.

The hotel is built along the river and designed to feel like a villa with outdoor walkways and rooms looking out onto the river and garden.

They also let us stay in the room until nearly midnight (we were catching a late bus) and charged us only half a daily rate, having already given us an upgrade to superior for the price of a standard.

Although we chose standard rooms, we liked them as they are large enough and anything you need is there.

The restaurant in-house has excellent food and a good choice of various cuisines so you don't have to go far to seek out a great meal.

The breakfast in the morning is outstanding where you can order eggs made any style to your liking.

Breakfast is a big buffet affair with loads of food.

The complex is well maintained with nice settings for the swimming pool, bar, and other outside facilities.

The kitchen is excellent, the breakfast can compare to what 5 star hotels may offer (and it is far more personal too).

The service staff speaks English and is extremely friendly.

Overall, it was a beautiful hotel with great staff - we'd recommend it highly, and will hopefully go back one day.

We were told by the staff that there are a few sources for the smell: the cedar mothballs in all the closets, pot-pourri in the lobby, heavily scented perfumes in the cleaning products, etc.

There are outdoor beds, chairs and canopied massage tables out in the garden/pool area for you to retreat to after a day outdoors cave exploring or hiking.

A beautiful garden around the swimming pool overlooks the river.

The hotel has nice gardens and a big swimming pool.

The hotel also has a PC with an internet connection for those who need to keep in touch with the outside world.

Our room was simple, clean and comfortable with a balcony and hammock overlooking the garden.