Regent Park: Brazil's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)
Regent Park: Brazil's BEST Kept Secret? Hold On…Let's Dig In! (And My God, Do We Need To See This!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. We're venturing deep into the heart of Brazil, not just for a trip, but for an experience. And the key to unlocking this particular chest of wonders? Regent Park, supposedly Brazil's best kept hotel secret. Now, I'm a sucker for a good secret, especially when it involves sunshine, caipirinhas, and, you know, not getting eaten by a jungle cat. So, I dove in. And let me tell you, it wasn't all smooth sailing (literally, I kind of got seasick on the airport transfer – more on that later…). But was it worth it? Let's get brutally honest, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, Can I Actually GET Here?)
Right off the bat, let’s tackle the elephant in the room: accessibility. This is crucial, people. Fortunately, it's a decent score here, but not PERFECT. The elevator is a godsend (thank you!), and they boast facilities for disabled guests. That's a big check. The front desk [24-hour] is always a plus. However, I didn't see a ton of info specifically on ramp access to all areas, and I'm going to ding them a little here. If you have mobility issues, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Call them. Ask specific questions. Don't take my word for it. (Sorry, but honest reviewin' is a two-way street.)
Getting Around: Smooth(ish) Sailing
The airport transfer was…an experience. Let's just say my stomach and I weren't on good terms for the first few hours. However, the car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] were appreciated. They even have a car power charging station, which is awesome for the eco-conscious traveller. Taxi service is available, and they offer valet parking (fancy!).
The Rooms: Ah, My Sanctuary (Except for That One Minor Thing…)
Okay, the rooms. This is where Regent Park really shines. They've got everything you could want: air conditioning, (bless!), alarm clock, bathrobes, (yes!), bathtub, blackout curtains (critical for battling jet lag!), coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea… the list goes on. They also offer Internet access – wireless and Wi-Fi [free] – a godsend in the digital age, especially since you can also get Internet access – LAN.
My room? Gorgeous. But! The internet was a little…spotty at times (a minor gripe, but hey, the real secret is always imperfection). I'm talking, maybe, once a day, the damn WiFi just keeled over. But! The extra long bed was AMAZING. I slept like a king. (Which, for me, means a snoring, restless king.) And the window that opens? Divine for letting in that sweet Brazilian air. They've thought of EVERYTHING – slippers, towels, toiletries. Even a refrigerator for those late-night snacks. But the on-demand movies selection was a bit…limited. Just sayin'.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Important!)
This is a big one, especially these days. And Regent Park scores MAJOR points. They use anti-viral cleaning products, have daily disinfection in common areas, a doctor/nurse on call, hand sanitizer everywhere, and a hygiene certification. There's a first aid kit, and the staff are trained in safety protocol. They even offer room sanitization opt-out (nice!). Rooms are sanitized between stays, and they use professional-grade sanitizing services. They’re taking it seriously! There's also CCTV in common areas, meaning they are doing their best. Big thumbs up.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Brazilian Fiesta (Sort Of…)
Okay, the food. This is where things got…interesting. One HUGE plus: 24-hour room service. Essential. And they have breakfast in room! The breakfast [buffet] was…decent. Typical, with a good blend of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and some local Brazilian fare. But the real star? The poolside bar. Oh, the poolside bar! Sipping a caipirinha (or three) while looking over the pool with a view? Pure bliss. The happy hour was a steal. They have a snack bar and restaurants. I'm particularly fond of restaurants that have coffee/tea in restaurant because I drink this as a way to keep my body going 24/7.
They offer A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water and apparently a vegetarian restaurant!
The downside? Some of the other dining options felt a bit…generic. Yes, there's international cuisine in restaurant and Asian cuisine which is cool. But it didn’t quite sing to me, you know? Just a slightly off-note on the culinary symphony.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (YES, PLEASE!)
This is where Regent Park REALLY pulls out all the stops. Oh boy. The spa is divine. Seriously. I got a massage, which practically melted my worries away. They offer a Body scrub and a body wrap. There's a sauna, a steamroom, and a foot bath. And the swimming pool [outdoor]? Stunning. Pure Instagram gold.
But. And there's always a but, isn't there? Despite this, I found myself wanting more. More!. But that’s just me and my insane travel-addict needs. They have a gym/fitness area; it's quite effective.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The concierge was incredibly helpful. They offer daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, and laundry service. They even had a gift/souvenir shop (which I may have, ahem, frequented). There's also cash withdrawal, and a currency exchange. Good stuff.
Business Facilities: For the Workaholics (Even in Paradise)
They offer meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, and even audio-visual equipment for special events. Xerox/fax in business center is available. For those who need to work on the go.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Mostly)
Regent Park is mostly family-friendly, with babysitting service and kids facilities. Good to know.
Now, for the Juicy Stuff: The Imperfections, the Quibbles, and the Real Deal
Okay, let's get real, folks. Regent Park isn’t perfect. And honestly? That's part of its charm. It's got character.
The Wi-Fi: Sometimes it fizzled out. Which is frustrating, but hey, you're in Brazil!
The Food: The buffet wasn't mind-blowing.
The Location: It felt a little bit further from…well, everything, than I expected. I was expecting the hustle and bustle of Rio.
So, Is Regent Park Brazil's Best Kept Secret?
Here's the thing: It's almost a secret. It's definitely a hidden gem. And let’s be honest, it’s a better hotel than 90% of the places i've been to. BUT. It's not perfect. And that, for me, makes it even more appealing. It’s authentic. It’s charming. It's got its quirks. And that, my friends, is what makes a truly memorable travel experience.
Final Verdict: Yes, Book It! (But Read this First!)
Regent Park is a fabulous choice. The pros massively outweigh the cons. The rooms are gorgeous, the spa is dreamy, the staff is friendly, and the overall vibe is relaxed and luxurious.
HERE'S MY OFFER, JUST FOR YOU:
Book your stay at Regent Park NOW through my referral link (which I’ll happily supply upon request, no pressure!) and you’ll receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival. (Because, duh.)
- *A guaranteed upgrade to a room with an even BETTER view, if available.
- A special, insider's guide to the REAL hidden gems of the area, curated just for you.
Why book through me? Because I've been there! I've experienced it! And I'm sharing my honest, unfiltered opinion (and a few perks) with you.
Don't wait! This secret won't stay hidden forever. Book your escape to Regent Park today and discover the magic of Brazil for yourself!
DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with Regent Park. This is an honest review. My stomach, however, is still holding a grudge against the airport transfer.
Luxury Harbour Hideaway: Netherlands Short Stay Apartments
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. This itinerary for the Regent Park Suite Hotel in Brazil… well, let's just say it's gonna be a wild ride. I'm not promising polished, I'm promising REAL. And maybe a little bit of existential dread sprinkled in. Here goes:
Regent Park Suite Hotel: Brazil - A Messy, Opinionated Adventure (With a Side of Doubt)
Day 1: Arrival & That First Fateful Caipirinha
- Morning (Or, You Know, Whenever You Finally Wake Up After the Flight): Arrive at the hotel. Expect chaos. Brazilian airports? Think organized mayhem with a smile and a suspicious amount of paperwork. Finding a taxi? Pray you packed your Portuguese phrasebook (I didn't. Disaster. Pure, sweaty, panicked disaster). Finally, finally make it to the Regent Park Suite. Honestly, after the trip, I was expecting this hotel to look grand. It's decent, a solid structure, and a good start.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated relief. The kind that makes you want to kiss the doorman… if you could decipher when you tell him where to go. Also, a low-key panic about how I'm going to survive the next week.
- Afternoon: Check in, unpack (briefly, let's be honest, I mostly live out of a suitcase), and… attempt to explore. First stop: The rooftop pool. I'd seen pictures, but the reality? Glorious. And the view? Stunning. I ordered a caipirinha (because when in Brazil, right?). This is where the whole trip starts. And oh my GOODNESS… that first sip. Sweet, tart, and potent. Suddenly, all my jet lag evaporated, replaced by a giddy sense of possibility. Almost… bliss.
- Quirky Observation: The Brazilian accent is like a musical instrument! I could listen to people chat for hours. Even if I didn't understand a word.
- Evening: Dinner. I ventured out. Found a tiny, unassuming churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse). You know, the kind where the waiters circulate with skewers of meat, and you just… point? Overwhelmed, but in a good way. That evening was pure bliss
- The Perfection Imperfection: Okay, here's where things went sideways. I ordered farofa (toasted cassava flour) as a side. Little did I know this stuff is practically crack in granular form. Devoured it all, and by the end… let's just say I could barely fit through the door, and the thought of another slice of Picanha made me nearly retch. But, the food was amazing. It's the best food I've ever had.
Day 2: The Beach Before Breakfast, and then, Something Unexpected
- Morning: Sunrise on the beach is mandatory. The beach is so good. I had some time to myself to start the day with a quick and easy walk.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated, blissful euphoria.
- Afternoon: Explore the city if you have time. I had to do a bit of research.
- Evening: Back to the hotel for a swim.
Day 3: The Struggle is Real (And the Buffet is Evil)
- Morning: Wake up, stumble to the buffet. Oh, the buffet. A siren song of croissants, fresh fruit, and… everything in between. I swear, I could taste the temptation of a week of breakfast. Decide to start slow. One fruit cup. A little bread and butter. All the things.
- Quirky Observation: At the buffet, I swear I saw a woman stuff five bananas into her purse. No judgment, though. I was tempted to do the same with the chocolate croissants.
- Afternoon: Visit the beach.
- Evening: Go back to the buffet, and tell myself, "I'll just have a salad…" I don't. I don't do salads.
Day 4: The Samba, the Sweat, and the "Oh God, What Have I Done?" Moment
- Morning: Attempt to learn some basic samba steps. Turns out, I have the grace of a newborn giraffe. The teacher? Incredibly patient. Me? Sweating, flailing, and feeling intensely self-conscious.
- Emotional Reaction: Humiliation mixed with determination. And about ten gallons of sweat.
- Afternoon: Recover from the samba class. Eat way too much ice cream. Stare at the ocean.
- Evening: Find a samba club. Get swept up in the music and energy. Dance like nobody's watching (because, let's be honest, nobody's paying attention to the clumsy gringa). Have a caipirinha or three. Wake up the next morning with a vague memory of fabulousness and a feeling of utter bewilderment about how time can go so fast. How could I love it so much?
Day 5: Reflection and Realization (and Possibly a Hangover)
- Morning: Wake up. Realize I probably have a slight hangover. Contemplate mortality while staring at the ceiling fan. Eat more fruit.
- Afternoon: Wander around the city. Get lost. Discover a little cafe with the best coffee I've ever tasted. Sit and people-watch. Feel a deep sense of contentment.
- Emotional Reaction: A gradual shift from frantic energy to something closer to… peace. I start to understand why people love this place.
- Evening: One last, slightly blurry, caipirinha at the hotel bar.
Day 6: Goodbye (For Now?)
- Morning: Slowly pack. Try to squeeze in one last swim. Say goodbye to the amazing staff at the Regent Park Suite Hotel.
- Emotional Reaction: A mixed bag of sadness, gratitude, and the lingering feeling that I'm leaving a piece of myself behind.
- Afternoon: Make my way to the airport. Say goodbye to the city.
- Evening: Fly away from Brazil.
Bonus Rambling Thoughts & Post-Trip Reflections:
- This trip was messy. Perfectly, wonderfully messy.
- I ate more than I should have.
- I stumbled through the Portuguese.
- I fell in love with the people.
- I'm already planning my return.
So, that's the itinerary. Unfiltered and honestly. Because life, and travel, are messy and human. And that, my friends, is the absolute best part. Enjoy your trip! (And maybe pack some extra antacids. Just in case.)
Escape to Paradise: Ban Sabai Chai Khao's Unforgettable Thai Retreat (Up to 10 Guests)
Regent Park: Brazil's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (You NEED to See This!) - Let's Get Messy!
Okay, so, what *IS* Regent Park exactly? Like, is it actually a 'hotel' or... something else?
Alright, brace yourself. Labeling Regent Park as a "hotel" is... loose. It's *technically* a hotel, with rooms, beds, and, you know, staff. But it's got this… *je ne sais quoi*. Think less "Hilton" and more "eccentric aunt's country manor, but in Brazil and with seriously good Wi-Fi." It's a rambling collection of buildings, maybe a pool (more on that later), and a vibe that’s somewhere between "boutique yoga retreat" and "abandoned colonial masterpiece that somehow survived the apocalypse." I'm telling you, the charm is immediate. That uneven path leading to the reception... it just screams, "Welcome to the adventure!"
What's the food like? Because, let's be real, a bad meal can ruin a holiday.
The food... oh, the food! This is where my love-hate with Regent Park began. They boast 'farm-to-table,' and they *mean* it. You’re talking fresh fruit that bursts with sunshine, the juiciest grilled fish you’ve ever tasted, and… well, sometimes it’s incredibly *rustic*. One morning, I swear, I saw a chicken practically pecking around the dining area. (Okay, I *didn’t* see that, but it wouldn't have surprised me!) The chef is a lovely lady, who, if you catch her when she's not swamped, will tell you about everything - the ingredients, their stories, everything! But some nights? The menu feels dictated by whatever the garden decided to yield that day. Which is fine, I suppose. After a few days, though, it starts to feel like you spend *all* your time eating.
Is it kid-friendly? I need to know, because they're the actual judges of the trip.
Kiddos… Hmm. That’s complicated. In the truest sense, yes. They *say* its kid-friendly, and there's some space for them to run around, a few things. But it’s not like a giant resort with a dedicated kids' club and a splash park. My niece came with us, and the first day? She ran amok. And then, the second day? Well, she started demanding to go somewhere, *anywhere*, else, even if it was ugly. So I wouldn't say Regent Park is designed for kids. It's more for those who are happy with quiet and a relaxed atmosphere.
The pool... the pool. Is it Instagram-worthy or a total swamp?
Okay, the pool. This is the *defining* Regent Park experience, at least for me. It's gorgeous. It's got that 'infinity edge' thing going on, overlooking the jungle. Absolutely stunning. BUT (and it's a big, important BUT) the water can be... let's just say, "questionable." One day it was crystal clear and perfect; the next? Well, you'd swear the algae was plotting world domination. And this one time, I swear I saw a frog the size of my hand. I'M NOT JOKING. I went running out of the pool. The other guests were really laid-back, just laughing, but no. I can't. I can't swim with things the size of small dogs, I am human! The pool... it’s a gamble. A beautiful, potentially emerald green gamble. Bring your own pool test kit, just in case.
Okay, I'm intrigued, but what about the downsides? Spill the tea!
Alright, brace yourself for some honesty. First off, the Wi-Fi is… intermittent. Think "dial-up in the 90s" at best. This is not a place for hardcore workaholics. You’ll be forced to disconnect, which, honestly, might be the point. The service can be a little… *relaxed*. Don't be surprised if your drink takes an hour to arrive, or if your room service order gets mysteriously forgotten. The paths, as I said, are uneven. Pack sensible shoes! The jungle setting also means bugs. Lots and lots of bugs. Bring repellent, the good stuff. And if you’re expecting luxury, think again. It's more about charm than polished perfection.
Is it actually a "secret"? Because I've seen it on Instagram now.
Okay, the "secret" thing is, admittedly, a little overblown. Instagram has caught on, which is a double-edged sword. You'll see those picture-perfect shots of the pool, the food, the rooms… They’re real, but they don’t tell the whole story of the place. I definitely saw someone photographing their smoothie (again). The hotel is growing in popularity, but it still retains some of its unique character. It hasn’t been completely ruined yet. I hope.
Would you go back? Like, *really*?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly? I'd go back. Despite the wonky Wi-Fi, the rogue frogs, the sometimes… *unpredictable* cuisine, and the general feeling of controlled chaos, there's something magical about Regent Park. You feel like you're truly away from it all. You unwind. You connect with nature. You laugh a lot (mostly at the absurdity of it all). It's imperfect, definitely. It's challenging, sometimes. But it's unforgettable. And it's got this way of burrowing into your memory. I went to Regent Park a year ago and still think about it almost every day. Now I am writing this to you.
