D8 Hotel Express

This hotel offers a convenient and generally positive experience, primarily highlighted by its excellent location near the beach and its friendly staff. Many guests found it to be a good value for money, especially for those seeking a practical base to rest after a day of sightseeing. While the hotel is recognized for its cleanliness and comfortable accommodations, a significant recurring theme is ongoing renovations that impact various facilities. It is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers and sightseers who prioritize location and service over luxury amenities. To ensure a satisfactory stay, it is advisable to confirm the current status of renovations and manage expectations regarding the availability and condition of certain facilities, as some guests noted discrepancies between online photos and the hotel's current state.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides several amenities, though their condition and availability are subject to mixed feedback. The Wi-Fi generally functions well in rooms, offering a reliable connection for most guests. Air conditioning units are present, with some guests finding them effective, while others reported them to be noisy or not cooling adequately. The pool area, located on the tenth floor, is a frequent point of contention; many reviews indicate it is undergoing extensive renovation, making it unusable, dirty, or significantly different from advertised photos, with a dilapidated deck and poor lighting at night. Parking is available but limited and rotational, often leading to guests needing to park on the street or a ramp, which raises some security concerns. While there are elevators, guests occasionally experienced one being out of service, causing delays or requiring use of stairs, particularly for pool access from the ninth floor.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be adequately clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. Daily housekeeping is generally provided, with towels changed regularly. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues such as old towels that are thin, worn, or stained, and some rooms were described as having a musty smell or visible mold and stained walls. Complaints about hot water consistency were common, with some guests experiencing only scalding or freezing water, or a complete lack of hot water. Noise levels from corridors, other guests, and particularly from ongoing renovations were also noted as disruptive, impacting the overall tranquility of the rooms. Some rooms also lacked sufficient power outlets or had old, inconveniently placed ones.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast service receives mixed but generally positive reviews. Most guests found the breakfast to be substantial and satisfying, with fresh options and the popular inclusion of tapioca, omelets, and crepiocas made to order. The staff in the breakfast area are often praised for their attentiveness and willingness to replenish items. However, some guests noted that the variety of options was limited or repetitive, and there were frequent issues with slow replenishment of food items, especially during peak hours, leading to shortages. The restaurant space is described as small for the number of guests, and some found the food quality of certain items, such as bread and fruit, to be inconsistent or below expectations. The hotel primarily offers breakfast, with no other meal services available.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of popular areas like Iracema and Meireles beaches. Guests appreciate being close to various restaurants, pharmacies, and markets, making it convenient for daily needs and exploring the city. The surrounding area is generally considered safe for walking, even at night. While the hotel is near the beach, some guests noted a slight uphill walk on the return. Parking remains a challenge due to limited, rotational spaces, often forcing guests to park on the street, which can be a concern for vehicle security. Despite this, the hotel's proximity to key attractions and amenities makes it a favorable choice for many visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpful demeanor. Guests frequently commend the reception team for their professionalism and efficiency during check-in and check-out processes. The housekeeping staff is also noted for their diligence in maintaining room cleanliness. Many guests reported positive interactions with staff members who went out of their way to assist with requests or provide local recommendations. However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies in problem-solving, particularly regarding recurring issues like hot water or room maintenance. Communication, especially via WhatsApp, was sometimes described as slow, and a few guests experienced a lack of proactive information regarding the hotel's ongoing renovations.

Additional Information
A significant and frequently mentioned aspect of the hotel is its ongoing renovation work, which impacts various areas, including the facade and the pool. Many guests expressed frustration at not being informed about these renovations prior to arrival, leading to unexpected noise, dust, and the unavailability of advertised facilities. Communication with the hotel is primarily conducted via WhatsApp, as there are no in-room telephones, which some guests found inconvenient for immediate assistance. The hotel's parking is rotational and limited, often requiring guests to park on the street, which can be a concern. Some guests who experienced unusable facilities, such as the pool, reported difficulties in obtaining partial refunds. Furthermore, the hotel's breakfast schedule, starting at 7:00 AM, was problematic for guests with early morning tours, as no exceptions were made for earlier service.