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In the interior of Minas Gerais, especially in the historic cities and state parks, there are two types of traditional accommodations for tourists: pousadas (inns), with simple rooms, and fazendas (Texan-ranch-style farms), which can be a fun option. Most hotels outside Belo Horizonte are small, lack English-speaking staff, and have few of the amenities common in American and European chains. In Belo Horizonte you can find large hotels and chain hotels equivalent to those found in U.S. cities that cater to the regular and business traveler. When you book, you'll likely be given a choice between an apartamento standard (standard room) and an apartamento de luxo (luxury room), which may be slightly larger, with air-conditioning and a nicer bathroom. Significant weekend discounts are common in Belo Horizonte.
On a main city avenue, close to Savassi and not far from central Belo Horizonte, the Mercure is popular with executives, artists, and athletes. The hotel was recently renovated and now has modern, comfortable rooms. The restaurant's menu includes French, Italian, and international dishes. There's also a small café and souvenir shop with items made in Minas Gerais.
A favorite of well-off Brazilian honeymooners, the palatial Ouro Minas has rooms with large beds and well-appointed bathrooms. The largest of the three presidential suites occupies more than 300 square meters (3,229 square feet). Hydromassage bathtubs, CD players, a pool with waterfalls, a menu of 10 different kinds of pillows, and a multilingual staff are among the many amenities not found in most other Belo Horizonte lodgings. Despite its location, farther away fom the center, this hotel is closer to the attractions around Pampulha.
This gracious fazenda is more like a private estate than a rural farm. Its carefully decorated rooms have bucolic views; at night the only sounds you hear are those of various animals roaming the countryside. Buffets of at least three regional dishes as well as salads and dessert are served on an all-inclusive basis.
Near a nature preserve and perfect for those who love a walk in the woods, this lodging has clean, modern rooms. The luxury chalets have two floors and granite details. Each can accommodate as many as five people, with a double bed upstairs, single beds downstairs, and two bathrooms. The restaurant serves regional fare.
The large guest rooms at this working farm have breathtaking views and are flooded with natural light. The fazenda serves a typical country breakfast, afternoon tea, and an evening meal. The large guest rooms have breathtaking views and are flooded with natural light. The spacious dining room is crisscrossed with wooden ceiling beams and has a wraparound veranda. In the wintertime, sit in front of the fireplace near the reception with a hot drink and a good book. This is such a relaxing place that you'll hardly notice the lack of facilities.
Across from the Parque das Águas, this luxury hotel has its own pools, fountains, and mineral waters, as well as games rooms and tennis courts. The rooms are large and airy; ask for a room with a park view.
The many activities at this hotel include boating on the lake, horsback riding, swimming in the thermal and regular pools, and playing tennis. If you're interested, the employees can even teach you how to milk a cow. The chalets fronting the lake can house up to five people. The hotel also has rooms for two or four people.
Across from beautiful and exotic Parque Municipal, the Othon Palace has comfortable rooms with incredible city and park views. Despite the slightly dated decor, rooms are large and relaxing. The rooftop pool and bar are among the best in town, and the on-site Restaurante Varandão is very good.
Near the main churches and museums and the prime shopping area, this pousada occupies an elegant house. The breakfast is lavish and delicious, as is the afternoon tea. The most tranquil rooms are in the back, but their views aren't as good. One of the suites has a hydromassage bathtub.
The wonderful Pousada Minas Gerais occupies a new building that replicates Ouro Preto's colonial exteriors. All rooms are enormous, with sweeping views of the countryside, beautiful king-size beds, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. This is the perfect choice for vacationers seeking amenities like fluffy robes and potent hair dryers, but business travelers will find their needs met, too. Three luxury suites have whirlpool bathtubs.
Locally made furniture and artworks decorate this pousada inside an adapted colonial house in Tiradentes's historic center. The owner runs a small puppet theater adjacent to the breakfast room. The attentive staff makes guests feel at home and serve a hearty breakfast featuring several regional cakes and cheeses.
The many return guests to Pouso Alforria appreciate its peaceful location and fabulous view of the São José Mountains. The light-filled lobby—with its stone floors, high ceilings, and Brazilian artwork (some of it from Bahia)—leads to a charming breakfast space and courtyard. Rooms have considerable natural light and are individually decorated; mattresses are firm. English and French are spoken, and the service is faultless.
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