Avenida Getulio Vargas, 632, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil | 22 2622-8154
A short, five-minute walk to Praia Grande
A 15-minute walk from the center of Arraial do Cabo
Free breakfast buffet includes fruit, breads, and cakes
Simple rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, some with air-conditioning
Flat has kitchenette plus living and dining space
Certain rooms can fit small groups or families
Small bar at the reception area
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Some bathrooms are in need of maintenance
Decor is dated and unexciting
No meal service besides breakfast
Some rooms are only cooled by fans and lack air-conditioning
No pool
The 12-room Pousada Terra do Sol is a budget property located about a 15-minute walk outside the center of Arraial do Cabo. Guests can walk to Praia Grande in about five minutes, and there are a few restaurants within walking distance as well. Rooms aren't fancy by any means, and many could use updating, but they offer flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Not all are air-conditioned, and bathrooms are especially dismal in many units. The Flat adds a kitchenette and a separate living and dining area, and some rooms fit families or small groups. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, and the reception desk doubles as a bar. Travelers looking for rooms with a little more pizzazz could check out the Hostel Villas Boas, where there's also a pool.
Scene
Simple hotel with little public space, best suited for unfussy budget-conscious travelers
This little place is best reserved for unfussy travelers on a budget. The lobby is small and not particularly inviting, with a reception desk that doubles as a bar. There are a couple of benches where guests can take a seat if needed, but it's not really a place you'd want to hang out. There's no other public space here, but most guests are content to be out and about exploring the area and the beautiful nearby beaches. The pousada draws a variety of leisure travelers, including couples, families, and groups.
Location
A five-minute walk to the beach, and 15 minutes from town center on foot
This hotel is situated in Arraial do Cabo, a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive from the center of town, and guests can walk to Praia Grande in about five minutes. Sunsets are particularly dramatic there. A few restaurants are within walking distance as well. The area is known for its excellent scuba diving, and the Oceanographic Museum is a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the hotel. Guests also can rent bicycles, Jeeps, or buggies for exploring the area. The working fishing Porto do Forno is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Plan on 20 minutes to reach Cabo Frio's airport by car. Rio de Janeiro and its attractions are two-and-a-half to three hours away by car.
Rooms
Basic budget rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges -- some featuring air-conditioning
There is nothing fancy about the rooms here. They're basic and simple, with linoleum floors, white sheets, dated wood furniture, and minimal decoration. Seating in most rooms consists of cheap plastic outdoor chairs. Rods above built-in desks provide places to hang a few items. Amenities include wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and ceiling fans or air-conditioning. For families or small groups, Triple and Quadruple Rooms are available. The Flat adds a kitchenette plus living and dining space. Extra amenities in the Flat include a microwave, coffeemaker, larger refrigerator, and a sink. Bathrooms are small and basic, and include showers and toiletries, though some are long overdue for maintenance. Rust and mildew stains were evident in several that we visited.
Features
Free breakfast, bar, and free Wi-Fi
Features are slim at this simple crash pad. A free breakfast buffet includes fruit, breads, and cakes and is served daily. The reception desk doubles as a bar, and there are a couple of benches for seating in the lobby. Hotel staff assists with city tours, boat trips, and diving activities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.