Janela Hotels

"Positives: The room was spacious and generally clean, The view of the ocean is good. The central atrium was nice and the staff were friendly The proximity of the small supermarket The choice of drinks and juices for breakfast Negatives: The hotel is run down and not at all like the photos. There is a general air of disrepair, beyond reception and the atrium. There is an extension/conservatory next to the breakfast area that had significant leaks. The breakfast itself was limited, the pastries of poor quality/bland. Due to outbreaks of shigella and Salmonella in Cape Verde (I am not suggesting this was in the hotel) , public health advice is not to eat prepared fruit or fruit that is not washed and peeled, further limiting the selection. The ham was of poor quality, there was no toaster, only a sandwich making. The cereal was stale. There was no hot food, there was a plate with previously fried eggs on only 2 mornings, these were cold. The pool area was ok, but the water was cold. There are only a few sunbeds The bed was hard and the bottom sheet scratchy. There was a leak under the sink, with a bowl to catch water and therefore mould. The blind in the bedroom was badly broken and therefore I was unable to let in any natural light. The window did not open. There was no TV reception. The shower had a build up of scum and mould. The shower trap had a build up of debris and did not drain properly. My room was not cleaned during my 6 day stay. The wifi was very poor."

"Great stay with breathtaking views. Excellent staff."

"Staff very welcoming Room and bed comfortable"

"Room was nice and view was great, but the shower was clogged and they don't provide drinking water, which is a bit crazy. Breakfast was decent, but a bit crowded and the pools were pretty tiny."

"I booked the hotel through Expedia, based on the photos I saw there. The reality is far from the actual photos. The rate was a 5-star hotel rate or a high-end boutique hotel at $ 150; the reality is a 3-guesthouse. The location was on an unsafe street; the room was dirty, the bedsheet was old and looked uncleaned, and the toilet was broken and very dirty. When we arrived, there was no one at the reception, and we had to wait 30 min until someone in the street helped us call the guy. Although we spoke to the owner, asked for a refund of the cost, and showed her a video of the rooms vs what was on Expedia, she insists it's the same. Of course, we left and moved to Mansa Hotel, which was cheaper and 100 times better. DONT BOOK THERE "

"Chambre avec seulement une fenêtre qui donne sur l'intérieur (ce n'était pas précisé dans la réservation)."

"Helpful staff! Included breakfast, good and local. Dinner and lunch available but at a cost. Nothing too expensive! Place is relaxing, 15 min walk to get there but you can get help with suitcases if you want. If you are not mobile, not the place for you. People go there often to hike. But the place allows relaxation too. It’s got a bar as well if you fancy that! The hotel can organize transport but you must organize your own tours. If you speak a bit of Portuguese you’ll find that very rewarding but either way, you’re in for a treat on this island! "

"Lovely and helpful staff, fabulous location and a big comfy room, what’s not to love! Highly recommend!"

"The view from Belvedere is breathtaking, but the property is extremely far from the harbour and involves a long, tiring trek with countless stairs. The room, although described as a suite, is very basic and more in line with a 3-star standard at best. The staff did try to help, but their capacity was limited. The receptionist was unable to assist with luggage despite the many stairs; fortunately, our driver helped us. She also recommended a restaurant on arrival which turned out to be dreadful — essentially fast food for locals. It was dirty, unhealthy, and completely unsuitable. The swimming pool is tiny, though at least it allowed for some sunbathing. Breakfast was mediocre and ends at 11am. There is no food or drink service available during the day, which is unacceptable and reflects a general lack of service. The hotel feels more suited to backpackers and budget travellers — certainly not our taste and absolutely not luxury. Toiletries were minimal, towels and pillows had to be requested upon arrival (thankfully I had my own toiletries), and the bed was uncomfortable — the mattress triggered my sciatica. The reception itself is tiny, almost like a mouse hole, and unwelcoming. In short, aside from the spectacular views, I would not stay here again. This hotel is not for me or my husband."