When I booked at the Solar da Praia it was the beach front location that attracted me. I read some reviews that were a little off putting but booked anyway and I was very happy that I did.
Firstly, the location is excellent, literally 5 steps from the beach and 100 meters from the arrival pier. There are shops, cafes and restaurants surrounding the pousada and noise is not a problem except for one disco at the other end of the beach that pounds out the heavy base music until 4am. Why the owners of the hotels in Abroao allow this, I don’t know.
The reception that you receive is like meeting old friends again. We were welcomed immediately and made to feel like part of a family. This never stopped for our entire stay and they are to be congratulated for such first rate service. The reception area is like a comfortable living room in a house with big windows looking out in to the beach and soft chairs to relax in. Check in is easy and efficient with great advice about restaurants and excursions.
We booked room 7 which is a medium sized double room on the first floor facing the ocean. Breathtaking view at all times of the day and one of the big attractions of this stay. A comfortable bed and small but clean bathroom with a good shower. A fridge in the room keeps your drinks cold and there is plenty of storage space.
Some reviews mention the mosquitoes in the rooms and there are some of course. The island is 95% rainforest and the rooms have the original sliding windows that have gaps around the edges so mosquitoes can enter. However, the room had both blackout curtains and nets so, with a little help from towels, a reasonably secure night can be created. Of course, using repellent and fly spray also helps!
Breakfast is heavenly, with a delicious selection of fruits, breads, ham, cheese, fruit juice, coffee and spreads that just keep coming for as long as you wish. All served in the covered garden area next to the building with a wonderful view of the ocean and boats arriving and departing.
We weren’t in for a lot of the day with lots to do on the island but the tourist noise is minimal considering the amount who visit. In the evening there far less people and finding a restaurant is easy.
Overall, it was a perfect stay and totally recommended for anyone looking for an authentic Ilha Grande experience.