Senhora da Rosa

Senhora da Rosa, a Michelin Key Selected property on São Miguel Island in the Azores, offers a unique blend of tradition, nature, and modern luxury, consistently earning high praise from guests. Transformed from an 18th-century family farm, the boutique hotel provides a tranquil escape surrounded by lush gardens and a rich history.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel frequently receiving exceptional ratings. It's often described as a "hidden gem" and a "spectacular wellness retreat." On platforms like Booking.com, it boasts high scores for staff (9.4), cleanliness (9.3), comfort (9.3), and facilities (9.1). Guests consistently express a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests particularly love the hotel's unique amenities and serene atmosphere. A standout feature is the heated plunge pool nestled within a pineapple greenhouse, offering a distinctive and relaxing experience. The sprawling, well-maintained grounds, which include gardens and a lush forest, are a major draw. The thoughtful design, blending clean modern lines with local crafts and family heirlooms, creates an intimate and welcoming feel. Excellent customer service and the availability of a spa with various facilities also contribute significantly to guest satisfaction.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 35 elegantly designed rooms, including standard doubles, deluxe rooms, junior suites, family suites, and unique Tranquility Garden Lodges. Rooms are described as comfortable and spacious, with a decor inspired by the nature of São Miguel. They feature rich, dark hardwoods, forest tones, large-scale photographs of local flora, and carefully selected antique and modern furniture. Many rooms come with balconies or terraces, offering views of the gardens or pool. Eco-friendly, locally-made bath products are also provided.

4. Dining Experience

Senhora da Rosa offers a delightful dining experience, primarily at its Magma Restaurant, which focuses on traditional Azorean flavors with a modern twist. The menu incorporates fresh, local produce, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers grown directly on the hotel's extensive gardens. Breakfast is highly rated, with options including buffet, à la carte, and continental choices, and guests can even order omelets from the chef. There's also the Mirante Rooftop Bar, praised for its excellent food, cocktails, and amazing sunset views, sometimes featuring a live DJ during summer months. The Magma bar also provides a cozy atmosphere, complete with a fireplace in winter.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Senhora da Rosa receive consistent commendation for their exceptional hospitality. Guests frequently describe the team as incredibly kind, friendly, helpful, accommodating, attentive, and professional. They are noted for making stays very comfortable and going the extra mile, even remembering guest preferences. The staff is also proactive in providing practical guidance on exploring the island.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is peacefully situated just outside Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, offering a serene environment away from urban noise. It is approximately a 10 to 15-minute drive from the city center and about 15 minutes from João Paulo II Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL). While its location is ideal for quietness and serves as a perfect gateway for exploring the island's natural wonders, it is not walkable to town, making a rental car highly recommended for guests. Free on-site private parking is available. Nearby attractions include São Roque Beach, Azorean Pineapple Plantation, and various viewpoints and lagoons.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally perceive Senhora da Rosa as offering excellent value and quality. Pricing can vary significantly between peak and off-peak seasons. For instance, off-season rates can be considerably lower (e.g., around $102-$107 per night for a Standard Mini Double Room), while peak season rates can approach $400 per night.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is highly positive, some minor recurring issues have been noted. These include occasional problems with Wi-Fi connectivity, a perceived lack of enough umbrellas near the pool, and some guests mentioning that the breakfast, while good, could offer more variety over longer stays. One guest also reported that food at the bar was either burned or cold.

Sources

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