Nice average hotel in Punta Negra, the better part of Natal.
Good breakfast, good location, and good service
Web site seemed to indicate that they were located o th beach, but they are actually a few blocks from the beach. They have an arrangement with another hotel on the beach to share facilities. Boardwalk separates the other hotel o the beach, from the beach. All hotels on the boardwalk have solid walls from the boardwalk to ensure privacy; felt a little walled in.

Stayed three nights. Rooms were similar to other Holiday Inn Express properities in the U.S. Breakfast was of average quality. The location to the beach was convenient and the stafff was friendly although it took three requests to have extra towels delivered to the room. For the price, we feel that this was a very good value.

Staying at the HIE Natal was PERFECT!! What a great hotel for the value, points or cash. This hotel is located in an active part of town near plenty of restaurants in walking distance. Speaking of walking, I never felt unsafe or was told that I would not be safe walking around at night or near the hotel. Hotel is located in a very respectful, clean, functional area surrounded with plenty of options for activity. Walking distance to a very beautiful beach and all of the tourist shopping one will need on a vacation.
Although the rooms may be a little “basic” from what many US travelers are used to, I felt mine was in perfect order and suited my needs without compromise. Even though I happen to receive the BEST room in the hotel, other s I saw were set up the same. Oh, and I didn’t pay 1 penny for it!!!! Nothing like priority club points, platinum level, and a little help from the awesome front desk at check in. Room 1001 if you’re looking to book! Top floor, facing the beach, and 1 of only 2 rooms with a balcony!
Staff at hotel did EVERYTHING to assist us figure out or plans for the week and even made the calls to schedule some of our tourist trips. Day one, be sure and DO THE BUGGY RIDES!!! You will probably need a beach day after to recover but you will not regret spending the money. Many options on buggy companies but I just asked the hotel who they recommended, told them to book it, and had a buggy at the front door of the hotel at 9am the next morning. This is NOT for everyone so if you can’t handle a real bumpy ride with a lot of sand, sun, and pretty much a disregard for all personal safety….don’t go! If you decide you can handle it, bring cash, sun block, your secondary camera (to avoid sand and water damage)and sunglasses (not only for sunshine but to keep possible sand out of eyes). This ride was literally in the top 3 most awesome things I have done in my life so either I live a boring life or its real cool sh#@!! BTW, Sunblock is EXPENSIVE in Brazil, no joke!! I traveled the NE down to Rio and the cheapest I saw it was $25US for basic 30spf cream. I brought extra and sold each one for $15 over what I paid to the sellers on the beach and they were still able to make money on it because it costs so much… crazy….
Food is fantastic throughout Brazil and I NEVER went hungry. The only problem is it is expensive in most spots near the hotel so if you’re on a budget, you will have to explore like we did. Find the local spots that are full of others and you’re guaranteed the food will be great and cheap. Not sure how Brazilians afford to eat in most places. I rarely ate in the same place twice because I enjoy exploring new options but even with exchange rates, a regular meal with drinks (adult drinks) for two at many restaurants translates into a minimum of $100 US per dinner nightly! Even lunch at many locations for two was equal to $50-$75 US!!!! Portions are huge; food is great, but still not worth the cost on vacation. I got in the habit of checking the menu before sitting down and doing a quick exchange calculation.
Hotel does need meager improvements but none that I feel have a major affect on its value.
1. Fitness center is a joke and unsafe and breakfast needs more diversity.
2. B-fast is Brazilian style which is great but it lacked options at this HIE. Maybe I was spoiled by the amazing b-fast at the Holiday Inn Fortaleza the week earlier but I found it to be just as lame as the US version of the HIE breakfast…weak and uninteresting.
3.Internet is weak but you’re on vacation, get out of the room!
4.Room service didn’t sweep daily and I always brought sand back with me.

Natal is a GREAT city and is all of what many report plus some. I made a stop in Fortaleza, Joao Pessoa, and Rio along with many other visits to little cities while staying in these major ones. NONE of them compare to Natal especially Fortaleza (don’t bother)! If you have never been to Brazil and are having a tough time deciding, Natal is the spot and the HIE is the place to be in the mix.

Bedrooms needs some painting works
No tea in rooms except camomila ...
No French TV
You can just open the window for 10cm.
AC smells humidity in bedrooms
Breakfast only open till 10am, why not noon as there is no restaurant
Pool very small not very clear
Smoking level smell tobacco no AC in the corridor
No light in staircase
Hot water from time to time in your shower
Mini bar in room but empty
Doors are very noisy escpecialy during night time
Camera everywhere
Matress needs to be changed