"This hotel has the potential to be great, but the management clearly lacks the ability to run the property properly or train staff to meet basic hospitality standards. I am honestly surprised this hotel is rated 4.5 stars; in my opinion, it should not be rated higher than three stars.
The staff are unprofessional and poorly trained, and the hotel has numerous operational issues. It takes approximately 15 minutes for hot water to come through in the shower. Basic amenities were missing—there was not enough soap to shower properly, and no complimentary bottle of drinking water was provided.
My check-in experience was unacceptable. I was initially given a room that was clearly used and messy. No one accompanied me to the room or explained how anything worked. I then had to return to reception to report the issue, after which I was given another room—still not the room category I had booked. It was only the following day, after speaking directly with management, that I was finally moved to the room I had originally reserved.
Overall, the experience was extremely disappointing. Poor management, lack of training, and constant issues make this hotel feel chaotic and disorganized. At its current standard, this place is simply a disaster. It was that bad that I checked out one day before.."
"First off, the cleaning quality was very poor, I have images that I would wish to add to this review. From the walls, cobwebs all over the corner of the room, visible blood from previous tenant smashing mosquitoes on the wall, and small ants crawling all over our bedsheet. We paid for the pool, since my mother is an elderly so it’s safer than ocean water, yet we had to ask for it to be filled with water, which was never complete. Similiar to request we had for additional towels and fixing of in our room which was never filled. If the owner is reading this, don’t go yelling at your employees especially your cleaners being that they were walking around with all cleaning supply in hands no proper cart system in a huge hotel, wearing fliflops while cleaning, and all of them never smiled implying the harsh reality of their conditions - I gave it a 2 start because the holiday event we went too was lovely but not worth knowing your employees were working 18 hrs shift leaving at 2-3 am to return to work at 9 am the same day. This place is exploiting their workers with minimum support, fair wage and training. As a Cape Verdean born guest, it was disheartening seeing what blood and sweat kept a “hotel”, an illusion of rest and relaxation, alive. The man that owns this place needs a huge reality check. "
"Staff went above and beyond to help solve a problem I had. Room was clean and comfortable and hotel location was convenient, next to restaurants and grocery store. "
What's it like to stay at an apartment in Santa Cruz?
You'll find 11 accommodations in Santa Cruz. Though there aren't many apartments, we can help you search for accommodations that are similar. When you search for a place to stay on Expedia, you can filter by amenities you might find in an apartment like a kitchen. You can even filter by similar properties such as vacation homes, condos, or guest houses.
Why consider apartments instead of traditional hotels?
An apartment features a kitchen for convenient meals, and is often more spacious than a traditional hotel room. Apartments are a good option for couples looking to stay away from the tourist areas, but also for families who want the conveniences of home.
What's the top apartment I should consider for a stay in Santa Cruz?
Here's a top apartment in the area to consider: Villa Maris Ecolodge: Located in Maio, 21.5 mi/34.7 km away. Includes free WiFi and private patios. Free parking and onsite laundry facilities are on site.
What can I expect from the weather during my trip to Santa Cruz?
Weather is only one factor, but it can really affect your travel plans, especially if you are planning a longer stay in Santa Cruz. The hottest months are usually October and September with an average temp of 79°F, while the coldest months are February and March with an average of 72°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 10 inches.
What should I see in Santa Cruz?
Pedra Badejo Beach and Poilão Dam are a couple of lovely local spots to get outside and enjoy nature. While here, Pedra Badejo Municipal Mall and Porto Madeira are other places worth a visit.
What's the best way to get to and around Santa Cruz?
Knowing a bit about the transportation options can make your trip smoother when you get to your destination. Fly into Santiago Island (RAI-Praia Intl.), which is located 12.7 mi (20.5 km) from the city center. Otherwise, look for flights into Maio Island (MMO), which is 22.3 mi (35.9 km) away. If you'd like to venture out around the area, you may want to rent a car for your trip.