So I really liked this place. It isn't the Ritz Carlton, but its location, staff, food and amenities make the Everest a great choice for any traveler who doesn't want to spend an arm and a leg on a hotel in Porto Alegre.

It was my first time in Porto Alegre, so I totally picked a hotel blindly. The first cool thing I noticed about The Everest is that it is perched up high upon a viaduct in the center of town and has very cool views of the city. I thought the location was great, right downtown, and I spent last night and today walking the city, seeing the shops and marketplaces, etc. Everything is close by!

The rooms are nice, for Brasil, and for this price range. If you're used to American hotels, then you'd think this place might be a little "old school"--the bathrooms could use some updating, brown-colored toilets, sinks, showers, etc. But other than that, pretty comfortable. They have a pretty good selection of English TV, which was nice before bed--even a handful of movie channels.

The breakfast buffet was impeccable! I've had more than my share of those crappy, "free" breakfast buffets in my travels. You know--bread, cereal, old bananas and bad eggs...but I was truly blown away at the free breakfast spread here. I ate like a king! Pão de queijo (cheese bread), pound cake, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and passion fruit juice is what I piled upon my table--there was much more at the buffet as well. A great breakfast, and I stuffed myself. What a departure from the norm when it comes to free breakfasts. The restaurant is on the top floor (16th) with great city views all around.

Finally, everyone on the staff here seemed really friendly and always willing to help with whatever I needed, be it directions, help with the internet, wake up calls, etc. Always a smile and a true spirit of service from everyone, from the folks at the breakfast buffet to the concierge.

Only nuisance was how loud the hotel doors are when people slam them here--woke me up a couple times. And I purchased WiFi internet for the room, or at least I was under the impression it worked in the room, but was unable to connect. (I was on the 7th floor). So I had to use my laptop in the lobby. No big whoop. Lobby is nice by the way--comfy sofas, shiny floors, big windows with lots of light, and a charming little open-area restaurent and snack bar.

All in all, if this hotel's price fits what you'd like to spend, I recommend The Everest. Great place. By the way, the women are way hot in this city too! Just thought I'd throw that in there! R Dub, out!