Ouril Hotel Pontão stands out for its central location close to the sea, fair pricing and a decent breakfast. Rooms are clean but inconsistent, and night-time noise can be an issue depending on placement. A good choice if walkability matters and you choose your room carefully.
When the map promises more than the night delivers
In Santa Maria, many hotels play the location card. Ouril Hotel Pontão has it. The issue is that sometimes the location comes with a soundtrack included — and it’s not always a relaxing one.
What this hotel really is
Ouril Hotel Pontão is a mid-range urban hotel, correct and well maintained, designed more for practical stays than memorable experiences. It’s not new, but it’s looked after. It’s not modern, but it works.
You sleep, you have breakfast, you head out to explore… and you come back. No major complications, as long as you’re assigned the right room.
Location: the best part (and the worst)
It’s very close to both the sea and the centre of Santa Maria. In less than five minutes on foot you’re at the beach and on the main pedestrian street. For getting around on foot, it’s ideal.
The downside is that there’s a nightclub very close by, and some rooms — especially those facing the entrance — suffer from intense noise until well into the early hours, particularly at weekends. For some guests, it’s been genuinely unbearable.
Rooms: decent, but inconsistent
The rooms are clean and reasonable, with air conditioning (a bit outdated in some cases) and acceptable maintenance. That said, room quality varies noticeably from one to another.
Some ground-floor rooms are dark, others have impractical details (such as translucent glass doors that let light in all night). There’s no kettle, no basic crockery and no lift.
Breakfast and meals
Breakfast generally gets positive feedback: varied, decent and with made-to-order options like eggs. It can feel a bit repetitive if you stay several days, but it does the job.
Main meals are more divisive. Some guests find them acceptable, while others clearly recommend eating out, especially when it comes to drinks, where beach bars tend to do a better job.
Facilities and atmosphere
The hotel has a pool, a sunny terrace with pleasant views and a small gym that works without standing out. The overall atmosphere is calm… as long as outside noise doesn’t make its way into your room.
Staff are generally professional and helpful, though not always particularly warm. Still, reception usually responds well when issues are reported.
Things worth knowing before booking
– There is no lift.
– Night-time noise can be a serious issue depending on the room.
– Room quality is not consistent.
– It’s worth requesting a room away from the entrance and the nightclub.
Ouril Pontão works very well during the day. At night… it depends on where you sleep.
Who this hotel is for
If you’re looking for an excellent location, good value and you’re not particularly sensitive to noise — or you know how to request the right room — Ouril Hotel Pontão is a solid option. If deep, uninterrupted sleep is your priority, you’ll need to be very specific when booking… or consider alternatives.
