Casa Blu Guesthouse stands out for its central location and local feel, with a shared terrace and friendly hosts. However, reviews are polarized: some praise cleanliness and calm, others report damp, water cuts and poor maintenance. Book only if you confirm conditions and flexibility.
Two very different stories from the same place
Casa Blu Guesthouse seems to have two very distinct faces.
On one hand, some describe it as a pleasant colonial-style house, central yet relatively quiet, with a shared terrace and kind staff. Names like Eugénio come up as attentive hosts who give good advice and speak several languages. Doña Manuela is also mentioned fondly. For budget travellers, this sounds ideal.
On the other hand, there are harsh reviews mentioning damp and strong smells, no hot water, very low water pressure, unreliable wifi, a fridge that doesn’t cool properly, power cuts, days without water, irregular cleaning, badly smelling bedding and towels, and even cockroaches. At that point, this goes beyond “basic” and into genuinely bad experiences.
If you get the good version, you’ll enjoy it. If you get the bad one, it can ruin your island mood.
Walking distance to everything — its strongest point
The guesthouse is centrally located in Santa Maria, close to the main street. That means everything is within walking distance: beach, restaurants, bars and shops. The location is, without question, the most consistently praised aspect.
Use it as a base… if everything works
When things are running smoothly, Casa Blu works as a practical base: head to the beach, eat out, come back to rest and enjoy the shared terrace. It can also feel convenient for solo travellers thanks to its central position and nearby activity.
The big “if” is important here. Several reviews suggest the experience depends heavily on the actual condition of your room and whether there are issues with water, cleaning or general maintenance.
What to check before paying
Without dramatizing, but with common sense: confirm hot water and water pressure before booking, and ask what happens if there’s a problem. Check the current condition of the room (damp, ventilation, fan or air conditioning).
If you need to work online, assume the wifi may be unstable. If you’re travelling solo and concerned about night-time surroundings, note that one review mentions drunk or drug-affected people nearby at night.
If you decide to book, do so with clear cancellation conditions and, ideally, the option to change rooms quickly if needed.
When you just need sleep and a central spot
Casa Blu makes the most sense if your top priorities are location and price, and you can adapt if things aren’t perfect. If you’re looking for consistent comfort, cool nights and zero surprises, there are safer options in Santa Maria.
A good idea… when reality matches expectations
Casa Blu has something going for it: the right location, a local-house feel and hosts who, when present, seem to care. But the negative reviews point to structural issues, not minor inconveniences. The key question here isn’t “is it luxurious?” but “does everything actually work?”.
In Santa Maria, location can save a lot — but it shouldn’t have to save everything.
