Royal Horizon Ponta Sino

"Visually, the hotel is genuinely stunning and one of the newest on the island. But take a closer look and the cracks start showing literally. For such a recent property, there's already visible wear: small cracks in the walls, baseboards peeling off, and a gym that feels like it's been equipped with second-hand gear (missing buttons on machines, treadmills that only work about one time out of six). Honestly disappointing for the standing it's trying to project. The pool, on the other hand, is a real highlight and the sandy bottom is beautiful!! The beach is nice too, though I'll note we arrived the day after Hurricane Gonzalo, so conditions weren't the usual. Credit to the staff for working hard to get the beach back in shape. The staff situation: this is where it gets frustrating, and I see other reviews flagging the same issue. The staff just isn't at the level the hotel's standing suggests. There are definitely some stars, the head of the wine cellar in particular was excellent. But over our two-week stay, our room wasn't cleaned at least three times, we constantly had to chase housekeeping, and we had to repeatedly ask for towels. Also… There are thefts happening at the hotel and guests aren't being properly warned. One of my husband's swim shorts was taken while drying overnight. Another couple we met had several dozen euros stolen; not from the safe, but hidden in a pouch inside their suitcase under other items. When we reported it, we got a shrug and nothing more. My strong advice: put absolutely everything of value in the safe: medications, electronics, cash, all of it. Don't assume anything is safe just because it's tucked away. The buffet is good overall, no complaints on quality. The issue is that the menu barely changes, so after two weeks you've definitely done the rounds. A few things to know Cockroaches: You might see some big ones (ours the first night was enormous). These are part of the local ecosystem, not a sign the hotel is dirty. Still, worth a heads-up. Power cuts: Several outages during our stay, often around 2:30 AM, lasting about an hour. No AC is one thing, but the emergency exit lights that kick in are so bright you could probably see them from the moon. Guaranteed sleep killer. Location: Great spot. You can walk to Santa Maria along the beach or the road, or grab a taxi for about 5 € each way. The Cape Verdeans are warm and welcoming, a real highlight of the trip! The bars: since it's an all-inclusive, you'd expect quick access to drinks. In reality, expect 15 to 20 minutes of queuing per drink, sometimes longer. The reason: the same bartenders handle soft drinks (from fountains hooked to cubis) AND cocktails, so if you just want a soda you're stuck behind everyone ordering elaborate cocktails. Clear optimization problem. The reception bar is all-inclusive until 6 PM, then becomes paid. The main pool bar is massive but still only has two people making cocktails, so queues build fast. There's another smaller bar in a quieter corner by the pool we didn't test. After 6 PM there's only one bar left for all-inclusive, which gets packed. On the cocktails themselves: alcohol quality isn't the best, but the real issue is consistency. Order the same cocktail twice and you'll likely get different dosages, different rums, different tastes each time. The Eldorador club team: separately, I want to shout out the Eldorador animation team because none of the above is their fault. The whole crew was top, especially Timothé for the sports side and Lola for the activities and island discovery tours. Despite everything, we still had a great holiday; we explored the island, enjoyed the beach, visited Santa Maria three or four times, and soaked up the kindness of the Cape Verdean people. But if you're booking this hotel expecting the standing it advertises, go in with eyes open on the service, security, and bar logistics."

"We just returned from a fantastic week at this resort. Dreamy property with a sand pool and a postcard-perfect white beach. What really makes the difference, however, are the PEOPLE. Staff always very kind, helpful, and attentive to every need. A special thanks to the entertainment team led by Francesco, Ambra, Sophia, and Nicole: a guarantee signed by Francorosso! The girls were always kind, smiling, and super professional. They gave us a perfect week full of sports, relaxation, and culture, without ever being intrusive. Thanks also for the beautiful walk organized in Santa Maria, an experience we will carry in our hearts."

"Thanks to everyone for making me forget for a week the life and problems that await me at home. Enchanting place and wonderful staff, thanks to Micol, Ambra, Sofia, and Francesco. Hoping to see you again one day"