Standard rooms do not include a sea view; you have to request a superior room for a view. The view is quite nice - you see the neighboring island of Pico, and the mountain of the same name - Portugal's highest point. Service in the restaurant is not fantastic. Front desk service was good. Rates were a bit higher than anticipated - one of the most expensive pousadas we've visited.

Stayed a week in the room 116 on 1st floor. This "pousada" was a desilusion as I am familiar with the high standards of the "historical" pousada wich is the higer level in portuguese hotels (similar to a 5 star). I don't know other hotels in Faial island but this one is rated as number 1 (the best) and if the others are worse than this I don't want to try them...

LIKED
View
Balcony
Simpathy of reception staff
Architecture

DISLIKED
Lights in the room make impossible to reed a book at night in bed
Old fashion room key
Room to small for a "superior"
Noises from stairs and hall
Breakfast buffet very poor in variety
Toals in very bad shape
Bar prices (€8 for an irish coffe)
Over priced superior room (€180)
Some times had to wait to get the room key or to leave it at the reception

Next time in Faial island I will try the "Caravelas Hotel" on the city of Madalena in the island of Pico (8 km away, 30 minutes in ferry) on the other side of the canal.

Great location - you can walk to the ferry in minutes. Room was clean - bed was comfortable. There is a living room which I did not notice right away - with a computer for internet access with a 30 minute password you get from the desk. I had a room without a balcony - but it had a King size bed and a full bathtub - rooms with a balcony appeared to have a smallish shower only. After a week, the breakfast never varied - so that got tiring. Also, certain items such as cut fruit and water glasses did not seem to be replenished -- only one person worked the breakfast room - which was not quite enough to handle the work.

We spent 4 nights here and it's the nicest place to stay in Horta. The location is right in the centre by the famous marina. It really is worth getting a first floor room with a view, it's a stunning outloook over the walls of the old fort to the marina and beyond to Pico. These rooms have a terrace with table & chairs so you can really take advantage of it. The decor was neutral and contemporary, the bed was large and comfortable and the bathroom had great water pressure. All of the staff we dealt with were pleasant and pleased to help with reservations, information and taxis. The buffet breakfast had a good selection and the member of staff on duty will make a pot of tea if requested. The only possible criticism is that the pc available for guest use is an ancient model with a very slow internet connection.