Review of Pestana Equador 4*

It's priced as a 5* hotel and wouldn't even deserve a 3* rating. Buffet: is very limited and food tasteless; even non alcoholic drinks are not included in full board; Room: is old and simple, no noise isolation at all, no light to read at night (after 6pm), wardrobe doors are cramped, minibar empty, no phone, slippers or bathrobe; Wi-Fi works but slowly … Bathroom: is unbelievable and needs urgent reform: shower is ridiculously small and not clean as it's gotten dark on the edges with time, tap is like 30years old and about to crack, shower doors don't close so bathroom gets like a lake after each shower, celling is dark due to humidity, only very basic toiletries provided (shampoo and shower gel from dispenser). I even had to go to the reception (no phone in the room) and ask for a bath rug. General areas: walkways and garden with very poor maintenance, swimming pool is nice just because it's beach front (although the beach is rocky and you can't really swim, just a dive near the shore) ; spa is way overpriced when compared to spas in other 4* hotels in São Tomé. The areas just (and I literally mean just) behind the hotel are filthy, with tons of garbage; Staff is nice in general however in my opinion they can get a bit annoying by pressing you with excursions and stuff; transfers to the island… there's only 2 boat transfers per day, if the time of your arrival is off, they will just make you wait… and that can be hours! I could understand the high price for a 4* hotel for the benefit of being in a barely inhabited island, and actually the relaxation there is the only plus I found. However taking into account the conditions, I feel that I was robbed! Even the island itself is beautiful with picture-perfect beaches however, all of them are rocky, some with no access and with strong currents making swimming very dangerous. Ilhéu das Rolas definitely deserves a visit but one day is enough. I don't recommend staying here at all!