The 17 best hotels in the Azores

The Nook is a modern, functional and well-decorated hostel – we wanted to use the word “lovely”, but we thought it was too much. It’s located at the bluest of buildings at the centre of Ponta Delgada, it has double rooms with a shared bathroom and economic dormitories where you can listen people from all over the world snore. It also includes the essential common areas – kitchen and living room – for you to strike the usual small talk “Where are you from? In which part of the island have you been?”.

This estate on São Miguel’s northern coast has been many things throughout history: a military fort, an orange farm and a tea plantation. But it is its past as the home of sculptor Luísa Constantina that has left the biggest mark. The cottages double as artistic residences and have welcomed the likes of musician Thurston Moore, of Sonic Youth. The estate is a prestigious piece of the Azores’ tourism scene and offers two types of accommodation: apartments or lofts.

This villa is located on the west coast of São Miguel, next to the Ferraria baths and halfway to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, in a quiet village far from the beaten path. Peace will not be lacking in this mansion surrounded by palm trees, which looks straight out of a period film. It has four bedrooms for a maximum capacity of eight people. The kitchen and living room are shared areas. Price upon request.

There are many beautiful and mysterious spots close to Lagoa das Furnas, but the west coast is one of the most intriguing. There, you can find the Senhora das Virtudes hermitage, the José do Canto forest, and Casa dos Barcos, a 19th-century Nordic-style building and the old pavilion where aristocrat José do Canto’s family kept its boats.

A stay at the most beautiful house in Sete Cidades, next to one of the Azores’ most beautiful lakes, is priceless. Or is it? Casa Grande, built in 1853, has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and can accommodate up to 10 guests. A palace that can be yours for a mere €300 a night, with one small detail: the house is only available to rent for a minimum of seven nights. Get your friends and family together and live like kings for a week. Look up “Casa Grande” on Airbnb.

Charming Blue hotel, in Vila do Porto, was inaugurated in 2016 and is a great starting point from where to explore the island. It has a good restaurant, Mesa D’Oito, a decent-sized pool, and snorkelling trips and bike rentals can also be arranged during your stay. 

Housed in a 16th-century fortress overlooking the bay and Pico, this hotel and national monument isn't a bad choice if you're after stunning views coupled with decent hiking trails and local restaurants. While there's much to discover elsewhere on the island, the hotel has an outdoor pool with some sun beds, an indoor lounge and a bar for when you want to chill out and do nothing for a few hours. 

With interiors inspired by the island's maritime history, this four-star hotel offers elegant contemporary rooms with wooden furnishings just moments from the beach. Along with enviable views of the bay and Pico Mountain, the hotel boasts a fitness centre, a sauna and a Turkish steam bath. On top of all of this, you're a 10-minute walk (if that) from Horta Marina – who could resist?

It has the name of a rural tourism venue (Bougainvillea’s corner), but the aspect and conditions of an aparthotel, with a rustic touch. One and two-bedroom are available at an affordable rate. Location-wise, the hotel is set on the mountains of Sao Jorge Island - in other words, expect gorgeous sweeping views while you're out on the terrace where you can take your pick of a hot tub or infinity pool. 

We recommend Aldeia da Fonte, six volcanic stone houses sitting on a cliff, which will certainly make you feel closer to the island’s whaling tradition than to its winery. The setting is charming and the views of the mountain will take your breath away.