My boyfriend and I stayed at the Blue Tree from May 23-26, 2005. Overall, Fortaleza was an OK experience. I had researched the Blue Tree through tripadvisor and through the NY Times article. We were shown to our room, which was clean, but significantly small as it was the end room on the floor. We had a balcony that looked to the ocean, but unfortunately a dead roach spoiled the impression. Another roach was spotted in the lobby that night. I can take most things, but not really roaches. The hotel is nice, friendly staff, etc, but a few blocks from the beach. We only paid 80 bucks a night, which is a great deal, but I think you could find a 4 star hotel beachfront for the same price. The problem with the beach in Fortaleza is that you cannot swim in the ocean. Ironically, all of the hotels line the polluted beach, and you need to take a 15-20 min cab ride to a beach where you can swim. The closest one being Prai du Futuro which is lovely. Fortaleza wasn't very safe at night, so we spent most evenings shuttling in taxis between the restaurants on the ocean and our hotel. Hardly anyone speaks English. Fortaleza does have the largest outdoor market in S.America- Mercado Central and it is an unbelievable place to shop for gifts/souvenirs. Brazil is a wonderful place once you get out of these larger cities. I would definitely recommend some of the smaller beaches in the area away from the city such as Cumbuco, Jericuocuara. These are indeed paradise. Fly into Fortaleza and travel along the coast. You will have a much better Brazilian Experience.