Parador Casa da Montanha

Parador Casa da Montanha in Cambará do Sul, Brazil, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property offering a luxurious "glamping" experience amidst the stunning natural landscapes of the Serra Gaúcha. It's frequently praised for its unique blend of rustic charm and high-end comfort, making it a sought-after destination for those looking to connect with nature without sacrificing sophistication.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Parador Casa da Montanha is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently rating it as "exceptional" and a "perfect" getaway. Review scores often reach 9.6 or 9.7 out of 10 on booking platforms. Many describe it as a "unique and revitalising experience" that "superou expectativas" (exceeded expectations). The property is celebrated for its romantic and peaceful atmosphere, making it a highly recommended choice for couples.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Parador Casa da Montanha:

• Immersive Nature & Concept: The hotel's unique "glamping" concept, inspired by African lodges, blends adventure, ecotourism, and local Gaucho culture with sophisticated accommodations. It's situated in a remote, beautiful countryside setting, offering a true escape.
• Exceptional Service: The staff repeatedly receives high praise for being "impeccable," "high standard," "professional," "attentive," and genuinely kind, often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.
• Gourmet Dining: The gastronomy is consistently highlighted as incredible, with a focus on local specialties and a renowned traditional breakfast.
• Unique Accommodations: The individual huts, chalets, and tent-like cottages offer a blend of rustic design and modern luxury, many featuring private jacuzzis and breathtaking views.
• Relaxing Amenities: Amenities like hot tubs, saunas, indoor/outdoor pools, a L'Occitane spa, and cozy firepits contribute to a deeply relaxing experience.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Parador Casa da Montanha are a significant draw. Guests stay in individual wooden chalets or tent-like cottages, designed to offer a glamorous camping experience. These rooms are packed with high-end comforts, including heating, king-size beds with thermal sheets, LCD televisions, and rustic dark wooden furniture. Bathrooms are well-appointed with complimentary L'Occitane toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers.

The "Barracas Suítes" are particularly popular, featuring a complete private bathroom, a living area with a sofa bed (suitable for families), and a "sensational" balcony with a private jacuzzi offering views of araucaria trees and a stream. Some rooms also include stone fireplaces or patios/terraces. It's worth noting that some of the more basic "barracas" might offer a private toilet and sink but shared shower facilities, which some guests felt should be reflected in the pricing.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience is a major highlight at Parador Casa da Montanha. The Restaurante Alma specializes in Brazilian cuisine and serves both lunch and dinner.

• Breakfast: Described as "fabulous," "exceptional," and "abundant", the traditional breakfast buffet features a wide variety of regional products, including homemade breads, cakes, cold cuts, artisan jams, and seasonal fruits, often prepared in a farm-like setting with a wood-fired stove.
• Lunch & Dinner: The gastronomy is consistently praised as "incredible" and "high-level", showcasing local specialties. A popular feature is the Churrasco Campeiro (countryside barbecue), offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which includes various special cuts like ribs and lamb, sausages, and vegetables cooked over coals. Fondue is also a guest favorite, available on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Special Touches: Guests appreciate thoughtful details such as afternoon tea and chocolate delivered to their rooms before bedtime. The hotel also utilizes organic produce, with an organic garden on the property.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Parador Casa da Montanha receive near-perfect scores from guests, with ratings as high as 9.9 out of 10 for staff. They are consistently described as "high standard," "professional," "attentive," and exceptionally kind and welcoming. Guests frequently mention feeling unique and well-cared for, highlighting "impeccable treatment" and attention to every detail. Special gestures like a welcome sparkling wine and pet-friendly amenities (including a bed, treats, and bowls for furry companions) are often noted and appreciated.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Parador Casa da Montanha boasts a remote and privileged location in Cambará do Sul, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Campos de Cima da Serra. It is situated beside the largest series of canyons in South America, within the Aparados da Serra National Park, and is notably close to the famous Itaimbezinho Canyon and Fortaleza Canyon.

While the setting is idyllic, accessibility requires some planning. The hotel is located about 15 km from the town center of Cambará do Sul, accessible via a dirt road. Guests are strongly advised to avoid shortest routes suggested by GPS or Google Maps, as these can lead to precarious roads. Instead, it's recommended to follow asphalt roads via RS-020 to Cambará do Sul, and then take the well-marked 8km stretch of dirt road on RS-427 directly to the Parador. Torres Airport is approximately 79-80 km away. The remote location ensures peace and quiet, with the sounds of birds and nature as a constant backdrop.

7. Value & Pricing

Parador Casa da Montanha is considered the most sophisticated accommodation option in Cambará do Sul, offering a luxurious experience that comes with a corresponding price tag. It is acknowledged that the hotel "charges its price for it".

As of a 2023 review, daily rates for smaller "barracas" (tents) started around R$ 605, while the popular "barracas suítes" began at R$ 1395, and "suítes superiores" from R$ 1480. While guests generally find the overall experience worth the cost, the "value for money" rating on Booking.com is slightly lower at 8.6, compared to other categories. Some guests have specifically noted that dinner prices at the restaurant can be elevated.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor recurring points of criticism or suggestions for improvement have been noted:

• Shared Showers in Basic Accommodations: Some guests found that the most basic "barracas," while offering private toilets and sinks, had shared shower facilities, which they felt should result in a lower price point for this category.
• High Dinner Prices: While the dining is highly praised, some guests found the à la carte dinner prices to be expensive, with a suggestion for the hotel to offer half-board or full-board options given its remote location.
• Wi-Fi Reliability: Older reviews sometimes mentioned limited internet availability, emphasizing the "true escapism". However, more recent information indicates that "Free Wi-Fi" is available, suggesting improvements in this area.
• Road Conditions: The unpaved access road to the hotel can be challenging, and guests are advised against relying solely on the shortest GPS routes due to poor road conditions, instead recommending specific routes for a smoother journey.

Sources

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