Sea and land define the design ethos of this newly opened sleek hotel in Ponta Delgada. Boasting marina views from all of its 123 rooms and suites, large windows throughout also offer views of the old city. The friendly staff and indulgent breakfast spread along with a multitude of amenities at Azor Hotel attracts an international crowd.
LOCATION
A rooftop pool perfectly illustrates the contrasts of this hotel. Elevated above white lounge chairs and a bar, its trendy, small, black mosaic tiles look nothing like the surrounding baroque buildings. Indeed the entire rooftop lounge, supported by concrete pillars and rectangular open air concrete slabs, is abstract art compared to the whitewashed buildings and red tile roofs of the ancient buildings nearby. Merely 15 minutes walk to Ponta Delgada and 10 minutes from the airport, it is close to many of the architectural attractions, restaurants and bars of the capital.
DESIGN
While common areas like a lounge on certain floors are open and airy, other design elements get their cool factor from being cleverly concealed. A black wall in the breakfast dining room actually leads to banquet space. In rooms, bathroom doors slide both ways to become walls (all in shiny black), a recessed mantle stores trinkets and a closet hides behind curtains. Wood is used throughout to bring warmth to the space. Best of all a balcony looks out onto the marina, perfect for people watching.
BEST AMENITIES
Complimentary local non-alcoholic beverages (Kima passionfruit and laranjada) and water in the fridge set the tone of friendly service. The casino, bar, free private parking, and wine and cheese shop give the hotel a vibrant edge.
DINING
Breakfast dining spans three rooms and includes cold cuts, cheese, meat, fruit, bread, cakes, cereal as well as an omelette/crepe station. Wandering the set-up, speaking with the friendly wait staff and deciding on your feast, is a fun and delicious way to begin the morning. To take advantage of the Azores’ bounty of fresh seafood, at dinner, begin with the ultra fresh horseshoe mackerel served with olive tapenade and crisp croutons, followed by the delicate trygon fish served in mild broth and end with a slice of locally-grown São Miguel pineapple served with vanilla ice cream.
BOTTOM LINE
Unique features like the décor, amenities and dining along with a friendly staff make this an exceptional choice in Ponta Delgada, Azores.
This original travel article first appeared in the Winter 2017/18 issue of City Style and Living Magazine
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