Pousada Castanheira

We arrived here on the 23rd December 2023 and right from that moment the staff were brilliant. Friendly, helpful and really accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble. The location is perfect for the beach and all the shops. We were here for my sons wedding which was elsewhere, but the groom and groomsmen got ready here and again the staff were brilliant, were not bothered about us taking over the pool area to get ready and allowed our friends to join us who were not staying here. First class on all respects . Coffee on tap most of the time and food very nice

Once I landed in Natal after 1 AM, a cab was arranged ($100 R) to drive me to my lodging for the night – the Pousada Castanheira in Ponta Negra. The cab driver drove like a maniac, which was good considering how tired I was… until he recognized he did not know where he was going. His route had me increasingly concerned that I had made a poor choice – for the neighborhoods were getting quite torrid… he got out a couple of times to look closely at buildings in run down areas to see if this was it. Finally, after asking some other cab drivers, we rolled up at about 2:30 AM. I had sent word ahead that I would arrive late, but was worried that they may not have received my messages. When I pushed the buzzer, it wasn’t long before a light turned on and I was buzzed in the gate. No English was spoken at this early hour – he & I pantomimed our way thru some basics and soon I was rolled into room 101. I put my items down – plugged in the phone – and fell quickly asleep. The next Morning I was able to get a look around my room and the grounds. This Posada is literally a short block up hill from the main beach in town. As I sat having a coffee in the fine little breakfast nook, I could see and hear the commotion as the vendors brought their items down the beach. The street is a half-step up from being seedy, but once inside the gate, paradise looms. It seems that no two rooms are right next to each other - so you are walking up little flights of steps to little balconies and overlooks to find your retreat. The rooms are large as Pousada's go - with a nice sized bathroom with a walk-in shower. My room features a little Patio that looks down over the very nice pool area. Each evening there is a Happy Hour around the pool - I did not get a chance to participate but the little cabana area looks very inviting. The staff is very helpful in arranging for cabs and the like. This is an excellent location to experience the Daytona Beach-like feel of Natal -lots of energy and parties and music - but having this as a escape was highly appreciated. Only suggestion is that the Internet get bumped a bit so you would have stronger signal in each room. I had to sit by the pool or in the front lobby to get enough strength in order to do a little computer work. But that's a small setback for this otherwise gorgeous property. See if you don't agree after seeing the pictures!

If like me you prefer a cosy place rather than the impersonal big hotels, this place is for you. The pousada is in a very well located house near Morro do Careca in Natal, 30 meters from the beach. The owner and staff are very nice, the rooms are correct (without the usual mold smell you find in many Natal hotels). Breakfast is served in a nice room overlooking the ocean. Try the tapioca dishes. The whole pousada is covered with nice plants that help creating a relaxing atmosphere. The only negative point, that is a constant in my experiences in Natal is that the quality of cleaning could be better. There is free wifi, but the signal did not reach my room. Another important detail is location. I had chosen this place as an alternative to Praiamar hotel because in several sites (including TripAdvisor!) it seems to be very close to Praiamar. However the correct address is Rua da PraÇa rather than Rua da PraIa.