Pousada Casas Brancas Hotel

, Cabo Frio, Brazil
Review this Hotel
Popular Travel Destinations

Recently Reviewed Hotels Around Cabo Frio

Pousada Casas Brancas Hotel

, Cabo Frio
Ave Bento Ribeiro Dantas 712 - Cabo Frio - Brazil Hotel Website | 24-2623-1458
249 Traveller

Reviews - Pousada Casas Brancas Hotel

Historical Traveller Reviews of Pousada Casas Brancas Hotel

Good but..........

from nddagwood
My husband and I found this to be a pleasant hotel. The views are outstanding, the staff friendly and the rooms reminiscent of what you would expect to find on Santorini or the coast of Italy. The rooms are very large with lovely views. The hotel has a wonderful feel. The spa is reasonably priced, easy to book and the staff is good - although the rooms are not tranquil b/c of all the noisy foot traffic just below the rooms. We had only one complaint which turned out to be a bigger issue than we realized - the bed. We slept very little b/c it was so uncomfortable. Our friend who was traveling with us had the same experience. The rock hard mattresses have got to be 20 years old and are actually painful to sleep on. Considering how expensive this hotel is, I can't believe they haven't invested in even average beds in the room. We loved everything else about his hotel from the restaurant on but wouldn't stay here again for the sole reason that we just can't get any sleep in those beds.

Awesome Buzious Get-Away

from carmodya
My wife and I spent five outstanding days here in September 2006. The pousada is a beautiful Brazilian colonial style, with comfortable rooms--be sure to get one that overlooks the water--and just a short walk to the Buzios town center. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the food and drinks were awesome, and the spa was also wonderful. We highly recommend Casas Brancas to anyone seeking an awesome beach get-away in Buzios!

Pousada Casas Brancas--Romantic Boutique Hotel

from BigBrion
We stayed at Pousada Casas Brancas in September 2006. This relatively small boutique hotel a short walk from the main street in Buzios is a beautiful hideaway. The public areas are very artful and serene and it is a pleasure dining and/or drinking outside in the assorted spots. We found the food there to be the best in Buzios and we dined at places highly-rated places like Cigalon. The outside staff during the day at the hotel is very good and speak English, as do most of the staff. There is not a lot of room for sunbathing in the common areas at the hotel itself ( maybe four chaise lounges and maybe 4 lounge-type pads by the pool ) but we really did not care--it is just such a nice space to be in. Some of the rooms did appear to have their own sunning areas so it never felt crowded in the public areas. Even when there was not a chaise lounge available, it was hard to drag ourselves away from the tables and other outdoor seating areas, with their beautiful views. The hotel is not right on a beach but that could be a benefit because its slightly loftier location provides beautiful views of town, the water , and distant mountains. There are many beaches in Buzios, some within walking distance from the hotel. The beaches have chairs and umbrellas to rent, as well as restaurants within walking distance so that you really will want to go and explore them. Our room was one of their larger suites ( number 21) which had a fairly well sized outdoor seating area. It was covered for shade, which we liked since it provided a shady hideway to nap or read. There are other rooms that have unshaded balconies which would be good if you want your own place to lay out in the sun. The decorating is rustic and simple chic...we liked it. The bathroom was not Four Season quality and perhaps needed a little updating but was good enough--if it were more of an ultra-bath, it might have seemed more like Vegas than Brazil. At night, the atmosphere is simply magical, with candles illuminating the outdoor verandas and indoor public area. I debated whether to rate the hotel Excellent or Above Average but decided to give it an Excellent when looking back on the overall experience. All in all, this hotel is a beautiful romantic hideaway and a good break from the fabulous and fun frenzy of Rio, which is 2.5 hours away by car. It is a nice to combine a 3 or 4 night stay here in conjunction with a trip to Rio for sheer relaxation.

Relaxing with a capital R

from A TripAdvisor Member
Stayed at Casas Brancas for our honeymoon in February. We had quite high hopes for the hotel after doing extensive research on different alternatives. But from the first minute we were overwhelmed. The service was polite and friendly, the pousada was lovely and the view was marvelous. But what was most stunnig at Casas Brancas was the ambiance; the calmness, the sounds, the music, the people, everything. A small hotel with few people(many of the couples who had an own terrace stayed there) so the pool and main terrace was almost privte. The pool was small and charming, but this isn't the kind of place were you wan't to see a olympic size pool. This is a perfect place to go and relax and get away from everything back home. We'll fly over the Atlantic again just for this place. Hopefully soon.

A special thanks to the staff

Fantastic - worth every cent and more!

from Nord1
We spent three fantastic days in this place and enjoyed the most fantastic service and quality in every way possible - from the view from our sea-view suite with private terrasse to the excellent dinner at the restaurant. The staff was extremely helpful, kind and serviceminded in every way.
The architecture and quality of the rooms and the pousada is superb - a sure style and good taste, the location of the place being best possible with the most fantastic view.
All facilites were great - from the hotel "lounge style" sitting-room, over restaurant and pool to the excellent spa treatment.
Can recommend this place in every way! Try it - it's not cheap - but it's worth every dollar!

t wait to go back - loved the view

from A TripAdvisor Member
I loved the view! We had a room with a private balcony. While at the pousada, we spent most of our time on our balcony. We also enjoyed the pool. The pool is a bit small but we were the only ones in it most of the time. The place was filled with romance. You are in walking distance to the beach and to town.

Absolutely stunning

from A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I stayed at Casas Brancas for 1 week for our honeymoon, and we could not have been more impressed. For the first 2 nights we were in a deluxe room, which was very charming with a juliet balcony overlooking the bay. The last 5 nights we stayed in one of their 2 large oceanview suites, and it was breathtaking. The pousada itself is the perfect mix of new-age and elegance. There were always fresh towels by the pool, soothing music played throughout...and when the sun went down, candles were lit and the mood of the place completely changed. Every detail is looked after...even flower petals in the toilet after the maids clean the rooms!

The breakfast buffet is lovely...lots of fruit, cheese and breads, and then your choice of an omelette, fried eggs etc. We ate dinner at the restaurant one evening, and it was one of our best meals in Buzios. The prices are very reasonable in keeping with the rest of the town, and the food and service was top notch. The hot chocolate dessert was especially delicious.

My husband had the Casas Brancas massage at the spa, and loved it. I had a manicure and pedicure but was a little dissappointed...nothing all that special. I would reccommend to stick with the spa services instead of the salon stuff.

The staff was very friendly and everyone at the front desk spoke English. If there was ever a language barrier, an English speaking staff member would quickly appear. I read on an earlier posting about the sewage smell. This is not a problem with the pousada, it is simply the water in Brazil. It is not potable, and as such, there is often an odour associated with the water. It's Brazil people, you have to go with it.

My husband and I found Casas Brancas incredibly romantic, just a 5 minute walk to the main drag...and a short drive in our rented buggy to all of the surrounding beaches. It is a bit pricey, but if you want to feel completely indulgent, it's worth every penny.

Not worth it for the price

from MNTravelPro
Casas Brancas generates a lot of buzz, but after a recent stay, I can't figure out why. The pousada has a number of very serious problems:

1. It is not on the beach! In fact, getting to the beach requires a very steep walk down a hill that would be difficult for many older patrons. Amazingly, the pousada does not have its own walkway to the harborfront.
2. The rooms are nice, and some have good views of the harbor. A few problems, though: the bathrooms are cramped, the bathrooms seem designed for very short people, and the air conditioners are loud and largely ineffective. By the way, you will use the air conditioner.
3. A huge problem: the pousada restaurant. It is horrid. My wife had a filet mignon that she specifically requested be medium rare. It was well done. She sent it back, and got another filet -- again, well done. This after the manager came to apologize! The wine list is not good, and our appetizers were disappointing. But at least the restaurant has a nice view.
4. The biggest problem of them all: the staff. This is the first hotel I have stayed in where the staff inspects your room and minibar before you even check out! The housekeeping began stripping our beds and towels from the bathroom before we had left the pousada. Some of the people at the front desk seem to have your typical pretentious attitude usually reserved for uppity establishments, and you don't get the impression that they are genuinely interested in the quality of your stay.
5. One good thing: the spa. A wonderful spa experience, and there is a woman from Argentina who works there who is simply fantastic. If the rest of the pousada had the same attitude as the spa, then I could recommend this establishment.

Overall, Brancas has a beautiful location, but they price is too high, it is nowhere near a beach, and the staff is indifferent. Choose a different pousada -- there are a thousand choices there.

How cool is this?

from Tastydogs
If you are in any doubt that this is not a boutique hotel then the fact it is called such does perhaps show the gym slip of strategy a bit too clearly & there are a couple of others trading like this in Buzios but I bet they are not as good. And as boutique hotels go (waitresses in white Mother Earth robes , other staff in tight black tee shirts with minimalist font). All accompanied by the wafting sound of Moby & assorted Brazilian jazzy tunes at exactly the right volume. Lots of wooden bowls (including a huge one in the bathroom that only just fits in with me & the china bowl as well) Very cool.

However that said, fellow world traveller, I loved this hotel & give the superior rooms (ask for 26) top marks. Roomy, light & airy but best of all amazing views over the bay, next to the pool . My only critique- also amazing views into the shower room from the living area with a clear glass window. Please…. I am middle age Anglo Saxon stock with much modesty & sunburn to hide

Really friendly staff again absolutely top notch & good at antici[pating needs (apart from the misery who wouldn’t post a post card because petty cash had no change for a 5 real note ). And all wonderfully multilingual. The hotel is arguably the best position in Buzios- you can walk to town in 5 minutes but it’s a 15 min walk to the nearest decent beach

Loved it. One of the best

Rustic Chic

from tws1086
We just spent three nights at Casas Brancas, and although we enjoyed our time there, the pousada could definitely use some improvements. Upon arrival, you are greeting by the wonderful, multilingual staff and shown the spectacular view. Then they show you the room. We had an ocean view room with a small terrace. The view was excellent but the room itself is in desperate need of some improvements. It was very small, no real closet space, a tiny bathroom and a "shower" which consisted of a pipe coming out of a wall. There was a large amount of mold in the shower and the towels are similar you would find at a two star hotel in the U.S. No curtain, no shower door. Definitely not for those seeking privacy. The air conditioning was old and extremely loud. At night, the room stunk of sewage. No idea why, but assume the plumbing has not been upgraded since the pousada was built in 1972. We also had an ant infestation problem, but the staff brought a can of spray. This likely happens in all rooms in Buzios so can't really complain about that.
The rest of the resort is very nice. The common areas are very trendy, the breakfast was delicious and the attached spa is top-notch-although I didn't find it cheap as others have posted. $100/hour for a massage seemed on the high side for Brazil. Overall I would highly recommend reserving a deluxe room if you stay here. We saw other rooms and they seemed to be nicer, while keeping their rustic charm. There are other pousadas on the same street with the same views. El Cazar and Villa D'Este are next door and were highly praised by other tourists we met while in Buzios. Despite what must seem like a negative review, the staff is excellent and made up for the disappointments. As long as you know what to expect, you will enjoy your stay at Casas Brancas.

Top Local Tips for Cabo Frio

Rent a Buggy, talk to people, relax You should rent a buggy for a day so that you can explore the area. Also, talk to people who live there to see their perspective of life. It's always nice to see what other parts of the world think and what they feel is important. Also, it's just nice to stay at the hotel and relax a few days there and go to their spa.

Water Taxis Take a tour of the beaches in a water taxi and see the turtles and get a great tan at the same time!

Open-air Pancakes There's an outdoor bar that serves up savoury and sweet panckaes that I would definitely recommend, especially for young couples and families with teenage kids.

(hotels)loading

Other names for Pousada Casas Brancas Hotel

  • casas brancas boutique hotel
  • casas brancas boutique
  • Address: Ave Bento Ribeiro Dantas 712 - Cabo Frio - Brazil
Travel Library Traveller Rating?
9.0/10

See All 249 reviews

Review this Hotel
Candid Traveller Photos
  •  Loading Image...
  •  Loading Image...
  •  Loading Image...
  •  Loading Image...
(hotels)loading

Hotels Near Pousada Casas Brancas Hotel