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Amazon hotel prices tend to be reasonable and include breakfast. Services and amenities such as laundry, however, may cost quite a bit extra. Don't expect to be pampered. When checking in, ask about discounts (descontos). During the slow season and midweek, you may get a break. Cry a little, as the Brazilians say, and you may get a larger discount. Paying with cash may lower the price. Rooms have air-conditioning, TVs, phones, and bathrooms unless we indicate otherwise, but showers don't always have hot water. Jungle lodges and smaller hotels in outlying areas often lack basic amenities.
As a guest in this small, antiques-filled farmhouse, you're privy to wonderful hospitality in a simple and rustic setting, and homestyle meals prepared with farm-fresh ingredients. Fazenda Carmo has fascinating activities like early-morning canoe trips in search of howler monkeys, horseback rides through wildlife-rich pastures, and muddy jeep rides to an archaeological site. You can watch the farmhands herd the water buffalo and even ride on one. Powered by a generator, electricity is not constant and there is no air-conditioning. The fazenda can accommodate eight to 10 people, and stays are part of a package that includes meals, an English-speaking guide, and transportation to and from Camará (a 90-minute trip via van and boat). If you speak Portuguese, call the Fazenda directly and you may get a better price.
Just up from the riverbank right on the square, Belas Praias is in a great location if you want to be where the action is. Rooms are modern, clean, and have lots of wood. Request one with a view of the bay and beaches.
Although rooms are simply decorated, you'll feel like you're staying in a friend's house at this popular and cozy bed-and-breakfast, set in a lemon-yellow house in a quiet residential area. Even though it's a 15-minute taxi from the main tourist sights, Chez les Rois is near several good restaurants and shopping malls. The rooms are spread across two floors and offer comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, and hot showers. Don't miss the delicious breakfast that's served around the pool. The helpful staff will gladly call a taxi to the Centro for you or advise you on booking local trips.
At this popular beachside hotel, wood-and-brick chalets with red-tile roofs accommodate as many as five people. Similarly designed apartments, which house up to three people, are more economical for singles and couples. The pool is configured in the shape of a clover. Be sure to make reservations—the hotel is very popular on weekends.
In the Cidade Alta and a little out of the way, the small chalets at Panorama I are quiet and private. A 100-yard walk takes you to an impressive overlook. The restaurant ($) is rated by locals as the best in town.
This pousada offers lovely gardens, clean, simple rooms, friendly staff, and good food for a reasonable price. The Boto is three minutes from the beach and has camping and hammock space. It rents motorcycles and bicycles—perfect for tooling around the island. The hotel also plans trips.
