In the lobby there is a plaque commemorating the 10th anniversary of the hotel in October , implying it was constructed in I estimate that this was approximately when the building was last renovated. Now, s retro could be fine if it is well done, but this just looks cheap, is cheap, looks unhygienic, and given the itching all over my body in the mornings after 2 nights here, more than likely is unhygienic.
Which leads one to question the origin of the stains that the painfully thin sludge brown and sludge grey carpets try desperately to hide. The list of problems continues: cheap aluminium framed windows with cracked and cracking putty, making the single glazing utterly useless against the extreme traffic noise; non-functioning lifts 3 for 25 floors, be prepared to wait a loooong time during heavy use periods ; uninspiring room service menu and the blandest buffet I have ever eaten in Brasil.
Was scheduled to be here for two weeks. Left for Rio for civilisation at the first weekend and changed my reservation for the second week. The rooms in this hotel are very large and the decor is really appealing: sort of minimalism crossed with s retro. It was very reasonably priced and the location opposite the main park is ideal.
It's a short walk away from the central bus station and located not far from some interesting restaurants.
The view from our window was spectacular, across the park and out to the edge of the city. The staff are friendly and helpful. Breakfast is OK, but nothing fancy. The restaurant on the top floor got a mention in our guidebook but we had a fairly ordinary buffet there. Belo is a good base or stepping off point for Ouro Preto and other gold towns. You can easily get a local bus to Ouro Preto and Marianna. Pampulha on the outskirts of BH is really worth a visit, particularly the Museum and the Ballroom all by Oscar Niemeyer.
