Hotel Bangalos da Serra

The Hotel Bangalos da Serra is an ecologically sound hotel that feels part farm, part idyllic retreat thanks to its rural setting and low-lying, bungalow-style architecture. Cows, rabbits, and chickens are fellow guests here and there is lots of space to roam about the property. The welcoming reception area has potted geraniums on the windowsills and the lobby is small and a tad eclectic, with lace curtains, faded leather armchairs, and a modern couch with floral throw pillows. An on-site library has books for guests to borrow, including plenty for children. 

The lush grounds with blooming hydrangeas have connecting paths that area ideal for taking a stroll, and barbecue areas are a highlight for many guests who choose to forego restaurant meals and instead prepare their own; patio seating is provided. The vibe throughout the hotel is friendly and communal, with abundant shared spaces including cozy seating areas near fireplaces. The large amount of open space makes this a particularly good choice for families with children who might need to run around.

Located a five- to 10-minute drive from the center of Gramado, the Hotel Bangalos da Serra is reasonably close to area attractions, though guests should have a car to avoid long walks. Popular Black Lake Park takes under five minutes to reach by car, or a 20-minute walk, and some of the town's postcard-worthy porticos -- Tudor-style buildings that span the width of a street -- are within a five-minute drive as well. Mini Mundo, a popular family attraction where famous world landmarks are shrunken to miniature sizes, takes less than 15 minutes to reach by car. The area surrounding the hotel is green and scenic, and the region around Gramado is known for outdoor activities like hiking and whitewater rafting. Porto Alegre's airport, the closest to Gramado, takes up to two hours to reach by road.

The 48 rooms in this hotel are homey and simple, with modest decor that's on the plain side. Pale floral patterns, light wood veneer floors, and minimal historical artwork define most of the spaces, with a few country-cabin charms like pitched wooden ceilings and mid-tone wood furniture alongside pale green accent walls. Rooms vary from standard Twin Rooms to Suites and Bungalows that have lots more space, including a living room and/or dining areas plus fireplaces in some untis. Bungalows also have their own private parking and can accommodate up to four people. All rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and climate controls. Most of the bathrooms only have showers, though a few suites have large whirlpool tubs and offer limited pump-dispensed toiletries; towel conservation practices are in effect and guests are encouraged to reuse linens. Bathrooms have tile floors and granite countertops, and we did spot a bit of dirty grout in the showers when we visited.

As with most of the hotels in the Gramado area, breakfast is included with the room rate and it is excellent. There are many freshly baked goods as well as items grown by the owners -- keeping in line with the property's sustainability ethos. For meals beyond breakfast, the main hotel restaurant -- which has nice vaulted wooden ceilings and good light from abundant windows -- is open for lunch and dinner, with light fare and cocktails available at the bar. Room service is offered during limited hours, and many guests also choose to do some of their own cooking on the outdoor barbecues.

The nice-sized outdoor pool has lounge chairs and views of the surrounding gardens plus a children's pool. Farm animals including chickens and cows live on the grounds as well, and kids can feed them during the day. There is a fitness center, but it's sparsely furnished, with only a couple older cardio machines, one weight bench, a punching bag, some dumbbells, ankle weights, jump ropes, and a physioball. The hotel has a game room with Ping-Pong tables, billiards, and foosball. A mini-trampoline and a ball pit are highlights in the kids' club, which also has lots of fun toys for the little ones as well as a snack station with microwave and a TV. 

Events can be scheduled at this resort and there are some meeting areas, but business facilities are minimal beyond the free Wi-Fi. Self-parking is free.