Frommer's Review
The Ocean Palace is the nicest of the top-end resorts strung along the ocean-side Via Costeira, and the only one of these resorts with a beach that is wholly free of rocks. From the outside, the architecture is kind of squat ziggurat, but the hotel makes up for it on the inside with a lovely sunlit lobby with terrific views of the sea. Rooms are good but not outstanding (nowhere as nice as those in the Manary Praia, for example), but then that's not where the hotel has put its energy. What really makes the Ocean Palace stand out are its amenities: a vast multi-level pool complex featuring two large pools and another five wading or whirlpools, some with waterside bar, all on a lovely palm-shaded deck looking out over the crashing waves of the Atlantic. In addition there's a children's play room, saunas, spa, top-quality weight room, tennis court, squash court, and more.
As for the rooms, the basic layout is long and narrow, with a pleasant modern decor, hardwood floors, firm queen-size beds (two twins also available), a very small desk area, and smallish tiled bathroom with shower only and lots of counter space. Superior rooms face back over the parking lot; avoid these. What you want are the luxo rooms, which face out over the ocean. Luxo rooms on floors 1-3 feature a balcony that, while smallish, is still large enough for a deck chair or hammock. On floors 4 and 5, the balconies shrink to standing room only. Floor 6 houses the hotel's 20 suites, which really aren't much bigger than the other rooms.
The hotel's 15 seaside bungalows were being gutted and rebuilt at the time of inspection, and could not be evaluated.
Facilities:
2 restaurants; 2 bars; 2 larger pools, 3 smaller pools; tennis courts; 2 Jacuzzis; game room; weight room; squash courts; small spa; sauna; business center; room service; laundry; 3rd floor nonsmoking; rooms for those with limited mobility
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
