My initial reaction upon entering our room at Praia Azul in Natal was not positive. While the common areas - the pool, the breakfast area, the front desk and library - were outstanding, our room was, well, tired. The furniture was worn, soft furniture had sloppy slipcovers, our chairs were way to low for the only table etc. That said, I would still highly recommend Praia Azul. Like the other 2 hotels we stayed in while traveling in Brasil, it lacked some basic "luxuries" like a coffee pot, dressers or a single clock. What it did have was space and a wonderful location at the less crowded end of Ponta Negra beach. We reserved 2 rooms on the second floor of building 3 - the ones with the Panoramic views. Our 2 boys stayed in one and my husband and I the other. The boys had wireless internet, we did not. It was available in the lobby and there was a computer available to purchase minutes. Internet was spotty but I'm not sure it that was the hotel or Natal. The beach was a short walk downhill and was stunning. There are vendors all over the waterfront renting chairs and selling all kinds of things. Breakfast was great with lots of variety of fruit, meat and cheese and breads. There were also hot items like eggs, sausage and the ever present manioc. Staff at the front desk and housekeeping were friendly and helpful even with our little Portuguese. Our room was well cleaned each day and the common areas were spotless. Security was highly visible all over Natal. There was a locked door to the beach that you had to buzz to get in and out of. This door was locked for the night around 8:00 and then you had to go around to the main entrance where a guard was always posted. There was also gated parking. Each room had a separate bedroom with mirrored sliding doors (could have done without that in the morning). There were 2 small balconies. The main room included a TV (the boys had theirs in the bedroom) with a couple English channels, a couch, chair, extra twin bed and kitchenette with sink, microwave and small fridge. The shower was great! Praia Azul is at the end of the 1.5 mile boardwalk. There are many shops and restaurants within walking distance though we rented a car for half our week so we could visit a couple of other beaches. Since we got a special rate of about $80/room /night oceanfront including breakfast, I think we got a great deal. I grew to really enjoy the hotel and would stay there again when we are in Natal.
