Aqua - Pópulo Eco Village

This hotel is fantastic, but I would suggest having a rental car if you stay here. It's ideal for getting to a lot of places on the island but staying very convenient to Ponta Delgada and the many restaurants there in the evening. We went out on excursions every day, and many tour operators picked us up directly at the hotel. We were on the island for eight days, so it was wonderful to have a big enough space to fit my family of five. They brought breakfast every day with fresh fruit and local dairy, which got us off on the right foot every time. My 13-year-old daughter slept on the pullout couch and judging by how hard it was to wake her up, I would say even that bed was surprisingly comfortable! The hotel was super responsive to our questions and requests. Due to the small size, there is not staff on hand all the time, but they are very responsive in ‎WhatsApp. One tip, if you are arriving via a redeye flight from the states, staff might not be available for check-in or communications until some point later in the morning. We went there to store our bags around 7:30 AM, and could not access the gates as we had not arranged to do so prior to our arrival. it was a short wait before staff arrived around 8 AM and we were able to store our bags accordingly. My suggestion would be to contact the hotel in advance to at least get a code to the gate so that you can pull your car in even if your room is not ready. There is a beach down the street that is very close walking distance!

Great location, parking attached. Quick drive into Ponta Delgada, public parking is very inexpensive. Staff was very nice and responsive, easy access to beach. Breakfast is included, generous portions, great breads and fresh fruit. Shower does not drain very well, and the pool is very small. Hot tub is not very full and lukewarm temperature.

Breakfast was excellent, fresh and plentiful and the apartment was clean, bright and had a nice view of the water

Staff was friendly and the correspondence through the app was great. Clean room and fresh towels every day. Breakfast was an added bonus. Would have given 5* but there is some upkeep to be done. Overall, I would stay there again.