We're two weeks back from Horta (Faial Azores) & the Pousada de Santa Cruz and miss it more each day. Our youngest daughter was married in Horta on 17 July and we used the Pousada as both a hotel for approximately 20 guests and the site of the Saturday night wedding reception. With menu suggestions from our daughter and son-in-law, Manager Ricardo Teixeira and his excellent staff planned and executed a delicious banquet for our 70 guests. The Pousada was most responsive to the special needs of a wedding, and our resident guests (a mixture of American and Portugese family of varied ages) were uniform in praising the hotel regardless of the level of room accomodation. From the water side the views of the harbor and Pico volcano (4 miles distant) are stunning, and even on the street side the usual street noise was of no consequence. (Note that "Sea Week" kicks off 1 August so that might not be the case with the large influx of sailors for this event.) The beautiful pool terrace served as the outdoor dance floor and the rear grounds of the Pousada were utilized for the cocktail hour. This was our first stay at a Pousada, managed by the Pestana Group (when off to Lisbon we stayed at the Pestana Palace, also excellent) and if this property and staff is any indication of the rest of the Pousadas throughout Portugal, you really should give them a try.

Be sure to ask for a harbor-view room and opt for the second floor for best views. Gorgeous pool, stylish rooms with balconies, and a perfect home base for exploring the yacht basin and the charming town of Horta. The reception staff is helpful and friendly. Free use of hotel computer.

We stayed for 3 nights in a room that had a view across to Pico. Very comfortable and the hotel staff were helpful and friendly. The hotel is quiet and has a pleasant lounge area with free internet access also.
Breakfasts were excellent and the dining room has an outlook to Pico and the harbour. We dined in the hotel on one evening. Whilst the food was good, it wasn't the best we had on Faial.
Hotel is convenient for the town/harbour and the beach at Porto Pim

This is a good Pousada. Nice people, good view from upper floor, mediocre breakfast of same old - same old , and downright lousey coffee, dreadful. Would be nice if they varied a bit, perhaps more fresh fruit . They should consider coffee upgrade or even offer extra cost expresso drinks.

I question the value received relative to nearby hotels.