Hotel Refugio Vista Serrana

My partner and I stayed here for 3 nights whilst in Brazil. We were attending a friends wedding in the Mairiporã area and wanted something out of the city. We hired a car whilst we were here and didn’t realise that the highway is apparently the most dangerous in Brazil! We didn’t find it that bad at all though. They just drive with no speed limit in mind. The hotel itself knew little English which was okay as we used Google Translate for anything important. It was their winter when we arrived so the nights were a little cold. Our room was very chilly so had the heater on most of the time. We spent one day by the pool here and the weather was great. The view is lovely except for the highway that runs on the other side of the valley. A bit unfortunate. They also had some sort of event or conference on over the weekend when we were here so the guests were quite loud until at least midnight. The food for breakfast, lunch and dinner are good as you have lots to choose from. As a gluten free vegetarian I was mostly on salads. Unfortunately that is the culture in Brazil! The hotel is nice but basic in most parts. Enjoyed our stay but I would say it is a little pricey for what you get.

We called Cecilia, from reservations and she was very kind. We stayed there only one night, but from arrival to departure, everything worked well. The hotel is simple and beautiful, the food is simple yet very good, and all the facilities are clean. The view from our window and from the pool is amazing. Everything works - the pools, jaccuzzis, toys for children... and the girls who monitor the little ones are very friendly. No complains. Strongly recommend it.

My stay at the hotel was supposed to be for just one night, for I was attending a wedding nearby and the bride and groom were kind enough to refer it to the guests, so we wouldn't have to drive back and forth to São Paulo, and therefore, could enjoy the party. But from the start, it was a lovely surprise. The staff was ever so friendly and helpful, greeting us and showing us around the place, that's a little like a labyrinth. Our room was clean and spacious - very simply decorated, yet funcional. Good pressure on the shower, comfortable bed, wifi service... Plus a great outdoor leisure area, with swimming pool, sun bathing area, jacuzzi, bar service and activities for kids - all with a great view from the mountain side. What I loved best was the spa treatment offered, with several kinds of massages - all for a very reasonable price and so good. The masseuses were just amazing, very friendly taking their time to explain the different techniques and executing them. Breakfast featured several options of bread, fruits, cakes - plus eggs and a selection of different coffee blends. Lunch was also offered in a buffet style, with plenty of greens, different options of pasta, rice, meats and garnishes, plus desserts. Very homely if not a tad expensive. It was a perfect escape from the city and a great spot to unwind and relax under the sun. I ended up staying the weekend ;)

We spent one night in Sao Paulo between flights from LIma to Campo Grande and spent it here. Its a relatively long taxi ride (about 40 minutes depending on traffic) from the airport to the hotel, which is set on the edge of a cliff above the freeway behind locked gates. Surprisingly though, you don't see or feel the freeway once you're inside. The hotel was under construction while we were there in mid August (hence the average rating), but our room was great (if a little on the small side) and the staff were lovely. No one spoke any English, but we got by with the help of Google Translate. Our stay was on a Friday night, and there was a buffet with many dishes for dinner.

What strikes you at this place is that its tucked away from the Highway and very quiet. The overall feel of the place is bit dull. Having said this, the location is fab. People are very nice (its a bit of struggle as only couple of them spoke bit of english). The rooms are average and with below average services. I would think twice to be here. I was told that this property used to be de-addiction center before it was turned into a resort.