Sao Bento Belo Horizonte: Brazil's BEST Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!)
Sao Bento Belo Horizonte: Brazil's BEST Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!) - A Bloody Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Sao Bento Belo Horizonte. "Best Hotel" they say? Well, let's just say my expectations were sky-high, and the reality… well, it was a bit of a rollercoaster. Prepare for a review that's less polished travel brochure and more… a caffeine-fueled rant/love letter.
First Impressions: The Good, the Weird, and the “Seriously?”
Right off the bat, let's talk Accessibility. They ticked the boxes, kinda. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, ramps and elevators were present, but navigating the sprawling layout felt a bit like a treasure hunt sometimes. I saw a guest needing assistance with a luggage cart struggle for quite a while. The Facilities for disabled guests were there, listed, but I’d recommend calling ahead and confirming specific needs. It's Brazil, after all, things are a little… let's say, "flexible."
And getting around the hotel? Well, they have airport transfer, which is clutch. Saved me from the Belo Horizonte airport taxi roulette. They also offer car park [free of charge], but good luck finding a spot during peak hours. Seriously, drivers were circling like vultures waiting for a kill. Car park [on-site] is also available, which is a paid one.
The Exterior corridor design was interesting, giving a bit of a motel vibe. And the Shrine? Yes. A shrine. Unexpected, quirky, and added a layer of… well, I'm not sure what to call it, but it definitely kept things interesting.
Rooms: Promises and… Quirks
My room? Ah, the room. They boasted Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. That's A LOT!
Okay, the wi-fi was indeed Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and worked most of the time (thank god, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this). The extra-long bed was life-saving after a long day exploring. And the bathtub? Glorious, after dodging those chaotic streets. But the bathroom phone? Seriously? Who even uses a bathroom phone anymore? It felt like something out of an 80s movie. And the "modern" feel of the room was somewhat offset by a few… let's call them "character-building" scuffs on the walls.
The Non-smoking rooms were a godsend, and the Smoke detector gave me reassurance. Especially since I'd heard some wild stories about the Belo Horizonte nightlife.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Mixed Bag
This is where things get a little… complicated. Anti-viral cleaning products were supposedly used, and there were signs of Daily disinfection in common areas. They had plenty of hand sanitizer stations. And the staff were definitely trained in safety protocol.
They tout a commitment to cleanliness, however I wasn't completely convinced. The room sanitization opt-out available seemed like a good thing, I did not see options beyond a single sign. There were lots of Hygiene certification documents, but it's hard to know what such certifications mean nowadays! Also, the Room sanitization between stays was something I did not see. I did see the Hot water linen and laundry washing and Sterilizing equipment, but I didn't get to check them for myself.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food
The restaurants were a mixed bag. The breakfasts? The Breakfast [buffet] was decent, with a good selection of Buffet in restaurant items, from Asian breakfast to Western breakfast. Plenty of Coffee/tea in restaurant to fuel the day. However, I had to specifically ask for essential condiments in my room.
I, however, was really looking for a taste of some authentic Brazilian cuisine. I asked the waiter, "do you have a Vegetarian restaurant?" "No senor!" Then I asked, "do you have a Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, or Asian cuisine in restaurant?" "No senor! We have a Bottle of water!" Alright then.
The Poolside bar was fantastic, offering a much-needed escape from the Belo Horizonte heat. And the Happy hour… well, let's just say it was happy. There was Poolside bar, Snack bar, and the drinks were well-priced. However, sometimes you had to flag the waiter like you were a shipwreck survivor trying to signal a passing plane. The quality of the Coffee shop left some to be desired.
There was a room service [24-hour] menu, which was a lifesaver on those nights when I was too exhausted to venture out. And if you're feeling fancy, they have A la carte in restaurant.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and… The Sauna Saga
This is where Sao Bento really shines! Body scrub and Body wrap? Yes please. The Fitness center was surprisingly well-equipped, allowing me to work off all those caipirinhas. The Gym/fitness area actually felt invigorating.
The Spa was a highlight! Seriously, the Massage was heavenly. The Sauna? That's where things got… interesting. The Spa/sauna area boasted a Steamroom, which was great, but the sauna itself was… small. And the placement of it within the larger space meant a few people kept wandering in while I was trying to relax. It felt less serene, more like rush hour at a metro station.
And the Pool with view? Absolutely stunning! The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.
Services and Conveniences: Hits and Misses
The Concierge was a godsend, navigating the language barrier (my Portuguese is… elementary, shall we say) to book tours and restaurants. They also offered Currency exchange, which was useful. Dry cleaning and Laundry service were available, and I definitely appreciated the Ironing service.
The Elevator was a must-have. Luggage storage came in handy, because I was leaving with way too many souvenirs.
However, the Convenience store was a bit sparse, and some of the promised services, like the Cash withdrawal through the hotel, didn’t always work. Invoice provided: Yep, no problem.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
The Family/child friendly aspect was evident, with a Babysitting service readily available. I spotted a dedicated Kids meal menu.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype? Maybe… But…
So, is Sao Bento Belo Horizonte the best hotel in Brazil? That’s a bold claim. It's got its strengths – the spa, the pool, the relatively central location, the staff who were generally friendly and tried their best.
However, there were also some areas that needed work. The inconsistencies in cleanliness, the occasional service hiccups, and the slightly dated room decor.
My verdict? Sao Bento is a solid choice. It's certainly not a disaster. It has a lot to offer, especially if you're looking for a relaxing break. If you're after a seamless, ultra-luxurious experience, you might consider other options. But if you're looking for a hotel with a bit of character that also holds its own, Sao Bento is definitely worth a look. Just be prepared for a little… adventure. And definitely book that massage!
Shenandoah Valley Getaway: Your Perfect New Market (VA) Quality Inn Escape!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly curated travel blog post. This is me, wrestling with a Belo Horizonte itinerary I hope will actually work, while simultaneously battling the urge to order another caipirinha. Hotel Sao Bento, here we come. God, I hope there's air conditioning.
Belo Horizonte: Operation Get Lost (and Hopefully Found…Eventually)
Day 1: Arrival & A Symphony of Sweat (and Satisfaction)
- Morning (or, let's be honest, Mid-Afternoon): Land in Confins Airport (CNF). Okay, first hurdle: the insane heat. Seriously, it feels like the air itself is trying to hug you. Find a taxi. Bargain. Don't be a sucker like I am 90% of the time. Aim for maybe 100-150 reais, depending on your negotiating skills and how much you wilt under the pressure.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried haggling in Brazil, I ended up paying more. I think the driver just saw the desperation in my sunburnt face. Lesson learned: practice your poker face (or, you know, learn some Portuguese).
- Late Afternoon: Arrive at Hotel Sao Bento. Pray the room doesn't look like the photos online (it almost always does… cries internally). Check in. Drop luggage. Collapse on the bed. Briefly consider giving up on everything and ordering room service (tempting).
- Evening: Venture out. Okay, deep breaths. First stop: Praça da Liberdade. This is a must-see. It's beautiful, with all those architectural designs, a stunning landscape. Get a feel for the city.
- Quirky Observation: Brazilians, they walk fast. Really fast. Like, I'm pretty sure they have a secret propulsion system hidden in their flip-flops.
- Dinner: Find a churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse). This is mandatory. Pile your plate high with every type of meat imaginable. Regret nothing. Wear stretchy pants.
- Emotional Reaction: Oh. My. God. The meat. So much meat. And the pão de queijo! If I could marry a bread, it would be Brazilian cheese bread.
- Night: Stroll back to the hotel. Maybe grab a late-night caipirinha at a bar. Or, let’s be honest, two caipirinhas. Just, be careful: they sneak up on you.
Day 2: Into the Heart of Minas Gerais (And My Own Personal Hell of Navigation)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Pray the coffee is strong. I need all the caffeine I can get.
- Mid-Morning: Attempt to navigate the public transport. This is where it gets tricky. The bus system… well, let’s just say it’s an adventure. Download a map app (like Moovit - the only thing that saved me).
- Afternoon: Head to the Mercado Central. This is where the real fun begins. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. Wander the stalls. Try everything. Buy things you don’t need. Get lost and love it.
- Messy Ramble: Seriously, the Mercado Central. It's a chaotic, glorious, beautiful mess. Every smell, every sight, every conversation is a memory. I'm just going to get lost in the chaos and just explore.
- Strongly Emotional Reaction: I love markets. I love the chaos, the sounds, the smells, the people. It's where you feel most alive.
- Late Afternoon: Visit the Museu Inimá de Paula. This museum shows a huge collection of drawings. And it's so beautiful.
- Evening: Dinner somewhere local. Ask a local for a recommendation – they know where the good stuff is.
- Opinionated Language: Don't fall for the obvious tourist traps. They're always overpriced and disappointing.
- Night: Stumble back to the hotel. Seriously, what amazing day.
Day 3: The Gold, The Glory, and the Glitch (Maybe)
- Morning: A day trip to Ouro Preto! This is the reason you came to Minas Gerais! It is absolutely essential! Organized transport (or, if you’re feeling brave, rent a car). The history, the architecture… it’s stunning.
- Imperfection: I'm a control freak when it comes to travel. The thought of not having a perfectly planned day fills me with dread. This is not my comfort zone.
- Day: Explore Ouro Preto. Get lost in the cobblestone streets. Visit the churches. Revel in the history.
- Emotional Reaction: Going to Ouro Preto made me really happy. It's a place that pulls you in and fills you with awe.
- Evening: Dinner in Ouro Preto. Find a restaurant with a view. Soak it all in.
- Late Evening: Return to Belo Horizonte. Pray you don't get a flat tire. Pray you don't get car sickness. Pray… just pray.
Day 4: The City of Music And Goodbyes (or, The Day I (Maybe) Learn Portuguese)
- Morning: Wander around.
- Mid-morning: Consider taking a Portuguese class. It would helpful and I need it.
- Afternoon: Do something you wanted to do but skipped. Maybe visit the Mineirão Stadium, if you follow football. Or just have another caipirinha.
- Late Afternoon: Final shopping. Buy souvenirs (mostly for myself).
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Find a restaurant with live music (Belo Horizonte has a great music scene). Savor the last Brazilian meal.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: I'm going to miss this place. The people, the food, the energy. I'm definitely coming back.
- Night: Pack. Set alarm. Lament the fact that this trip is over.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Check out. Taxi to airport. Heartbreaking goodbye to Brazil. Promise myself to learn Portuguese by the end of the year.
- Emotional Reaction: Ugh. The end is always the worst part.
- Flight: Consider starting a blog about traveling. And never, ever, wear white pants while eating churrasco.
So there you have it. My hopefully-mostly-accurate, definitely-messy, and probably-overly-emotional Belo Horizonte itinerary. Wish me luck. And, hey, if you see me, buy me a caipirinha. I probably need it.
Unbelievable Augusta Getaway: Staybridge Suites Awaits!
1. So, is Sao Bento REALLY the "BEST" Hotel in Belo Horizonte? (My therapist said I should start asking the BIG questions...)
Okay, first of all, "BEST" is subjective, right? Like, what's "best" for *me* might involve a bottomless supply of caipirinhas and a room service menu featuring only brigadeiros. Sao Bento… well, it HAS brigadeiros. That's a good start.
Look, the location is superb. Seriously, RIGHT in the heart of all the action. You're talking easy access to the Mercado Central (OMG, the food!), the Pampulha Lagoon, and that crazy-cool architecture… You're pretty much in the thick of things. That's a huge win. But "best"? Hmmm. I need more data. Let's see…
I'd say it's *among* the best, if you value location, and a certain… "Brazilian charm."
2. What's the vibe like? (I need to know if I can wear my pajamas to breakfast.)
Okay, about the pajamas… maybe skip those. Unless they're *fancy* pajamas. Think silk. The Sao Bento definitely leans towards "stylish tourist" rather than "backpacking hippie." The lobby is buzzing, always. Always a good sign! It's a mix of business travelers, families, and the occasional (hopefully well-behaved) backpacker.
It's lively. Friendly. They seem to actually *want* you to have a good time. Which, you know, is refreshing, sometimes. It's not stuffy, but it has a certain… *je ne sais quoi* that implies, "Put on a decent shirt, darling." I'd say you’ll be fine in jeans and a nice shirt.
3. The Rooms: Are they as incredible as the TripAdvisor reviews claim? (My expectations are dangerously high.)
Alright, let's get real. The rooms are… good. They're clean, the beds are comfy (YES!), and the AC works. That's essential in Belo Horizonte. Some of the reviews SWEAR they're magical, luxurious palaces of perfection. Let's just say, *manage your expectations.*
My experience? I got a room with a view of… another building. Not exactly a postcard moment. But, hey, the shower had great water pressure. And the mini-bar had *Guaraná Antarctica* (essential for survival in Brazil). So… not awful. I think the "incredible" part depends on your room selection, so I wouldn't be upset about asking to change rooms if yours has a less-than-stellar view.
4. The Breakfast: Is it a Belo Horizonte Breakfast Nirvana? (I live to eat.)
Okay, breakfast. Now we're talking. THIS is where Sao Bento shines. The breakfast buffet is legendary. Seriously. Brigadeiros? Check. Freshly squeezed juices? Check. Pão de queijo? DUH! Seriously though - eat all the pão de queijo. And the fruit – oh my god the fruit. It's a kaleidoscope of tropical deliciousness.
You know what I loved? The people watching. Seeing the locals enjoying the breakfast, the tourists piling their plates high… it’s a very happy thing. I'd say the breakfast alone is worth a visit. Just pace yourself – you'll want to experience all of it. Don't be that person that crashes and burns at 10 AM.
5. Okay, but what about the service? Is it friendly or… "Brazilian bureaucracy" friendly?
The service is generally excellent. The staff is genuinely friendly, and they try their best to help you. Of course, things sometimes move at *Brazilian Time*, but that's part of the charm, right? (Breathe. Relax. Order another caipirinha.)
I had one minor issue, and the staff dealt with it quickly and efficiently. They were super helpful, even when I was struggling with my terrible Portuguese. Now, it's important to remember that you're in a foreign country. Don't expect everything to always be perfect. But the Sao Bento staff is trying, and they really seem to care that you have a good experience.
6. The Pool: Is it as Instagrammable as it looks? (Priorities, people!)
Okay, the pool is…fine. It's a pool. It's usually crowded (or at least active with people around!), and it's definitely photogenic. But, honestly? After the chaotic energy of Belo Horizonte, I found it more relaxing to sit at the bar, and stare at my caipirinha.
Don’t get me wrong; it's a nice place to cool off. But it’s not the main reason to stay. If you're a serious pool person, maybe look at something else. If you just want somewhere to have a cocktail while you plot your day, then it serves its purpose perfectly.
7. Let's talk about a specific experience. Tell me a "Sao Bento Tale." (Spill the tea!)
Okay, fine. Here’s a doozy. One morning, I was *starving*. Breakfast was calling my name. I literally RAN from my room, practically a blur of bad hair and still-damp clothes, down to the buffet. I started piling PÃO DE QUEIJO (obviously), pastel de nata, fruit, juice - you name it. I was a woman on a mission.
And then… *disaster*. I dropped my plate. Not just a little wobble. Full-on, plate-shattering, food-splattering catastrophe. I froze. I stared at the mess. I think everyone in the room turned to look. My face, I’m sure, was the color of a ripe tomato. Mortified.
But - and this is the Sao Bento magic - the staff swooped in like a team of angels. They were *so* kind. They cleaned up the mess with impressive speed, gave me a fresh plate (and some sympathetic smiles), and even offered to replace anything I’d lost. It was… embarrassing, yes. But they handled it with such grace and humor. It's a memory I'll never forget. And it made me realize how much I appreciated the staff’s humanity and understanding. They turned what could have been a nightmare into a funny story (and, let's be honest, a good excuse for MORE pão de queijo).
8. Any downsides? (Because nothing's perfect...)
Stayin The Heart
