Sao Rafael Suites

"The service, cleanliness, and food were all spectacular. The price I paid seemed reasonable. I will return with my family."

"After reading a lot of the reviews from other customers i was dubious about this hotel, but after spending a few days there i can honestly say that i had an amazing time! The rooms are spacious, the public areas are clean and tidy and the food is spot on, i honestly don't understand the negative comments that i have read, i have travelled a lot and this hotel is up there in the top 10 of my favorites. Whilst reading previous reviews i noticed a name that popped up many times, Richard, i was curious to meet him, and yes, its true, he is a really nice guy and definatley an asset to the company, anyone visiting this hotel should look him up, his knowledge of the area and advice on where to visit is spot on and he definitely made our stay more enjoyable! So, well done and keep up the good work Richard!"

"This is a difficult review as overall our family (inc 2 older teenagers) had a lovely 5 night break (away during the half-term in England). It’s difficult because whilst we had a great time together staying at the Nau Sao Rafael it would be unfair to dismiss previous reviewers comments. There were certainly positives such as the room size, ample indoor seating areas around the building and in the restaurant, nice pools etc what the resort really lacked was any real soul... It felt at times like it was a hotel chain (Premier Inn, Holiday Inn, Best Western etc) providing All Inclusive facilities rather than a holiday resort offering the fully inclusive experience eg , entertainment, activities, kids clubs etc. The excuse that it was out of season as well wouldn’t work as UK school holidays play a big part of business to resorts such as the Nau Sao Refael. Whilst our two teenagers wouldn’t have worried about kids clubs, entertainment etc I did feel for those parents with much younger children where that is much more important (for both the kids and the parents!). There were groups of (mainly male) golfers but we didn’t experience any issues or problems with them. One group sat near us did use the ‘F’ word a few times but I think they were in their own world and didn’t mean to cause offence to others. Also the staff were friendly and helpful but just didn’t seem completely motivated. And I would lay that at the door of the management rather than the staff themselves. They need to be incentivised and encouraged to want to be part of contributing to an overall positive environment rather than just ‘doing their job’. One exception to this would be Bruno on the bar who did a great job and was always bubbly and friendly. Perhaps he needs to be promoted to management?? The food was good enough for our 5 nights and a decent selection of drinks at the bar. The room was a good size as well (though some repair work on the balcony would be critical from both an aesthetically pleasing and safety perspective). Perhaps there needs to be some new management or a refresher for the existing management in how to offer the fully inclusive experience (and not just food and drink wise)? The Nau Sao Rafael needs to decide if it wants to be a true all-inclusive resort for all or a golfers hotel with beer and G&Ts on tap. It can’t really be both unfortunately…"