The Vibe
The vibe at the Azor Hotel is remarkably sophisticated given its location in Ponta Delgada, capital of the Azores archipelago – a destination mainly known for its rugged, outdoorsy activities. The hotel’s modern aesthetic doesn’t feel out-of-place, however, thanks to the use of rustic materials like wood and stone, which pay homage to the natural beauty that defines the island.
The design is stylish and polished – think Edison bulb light installations, copper swivel chairs and decorative vintage bikes – but the ambiance is warm and unpretentious. Lots of floor-to-ceiling windows highlight the hotel’s lovely views of the city’s marina. The Azor Hotel’s down-to-earth coolness makes it a natural choice for the hip 20- and 30-somethings that are increasingly vacationing in this island hotspot.
The Rooms
Rooms continue the hotel’s Scandi-like design with clean lines, neutral-coloured furniture and lots of wood accents. Most rooms have balconies with views of the marina and all have ultra-soft beds fitted with equally soft white linens. Minibars are stocked with free non-alcoholic drinks like Kima passionfruit, a popular local soft drink.
Flat-screen TVs provide an individual WiFi signal for each room, while marble bathrooms come with Molton Brown bath products. At 35 m2, the Sea View Room offered plenty of space for us to both work and unwind in, or the Suites take things up a notch with handsome living areas, bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and 78 m2 of space.
The Features
The locally-focused dining programme at the Azor Hotel is top-notch, which means you don’t necessarily need to leave the hotel to get a sense of the Azores’ earthy cuisine. The lobby features a cute market with local cheese and ice cream (the Azores are a major producer of dairy products), along with Portuguese wine, cured meats and pastries.
The main dining room, À Terra, offers an impressive morning buffet focused on food sourced from regional farms, along with a well-curated a la carte dinner menu in the evening. There’s also a Whale Watching Bar on the top floor of the hotel, where guests can (and do!) spot whales off the coast during certain seasons. The sleek rooftop pool, designed with black mosaic tiles and artsy concrete installations, offers picturesque views over the city and harbour.
The Location
Azor Hotel is set a 15 minute walk from central Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores archipelago, located on São Miguel Island. Founded as a fishing village in the 16th century, Ponta Delgada is a charming traditional town with whitewashed buildings and a handful of historic sites, plus plenty of places to eat and drink. The hotel is located across from the city’s harbour, with downtown accessible via a lovely waterfront promenade.
Other nearby attractions include Populo Beach, which is less than a 10-minute drive away and Lagoa do Fogo, which is just under a 30-minute drive away. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Ponta Delgada airport.
Rooms start at $310 per night.
Av. Dr. João Bosco Mota Amaral, 4, 9500-771 Ponta Delgada, the Azores, Portugal, azorhotel.com
