I have only been a mom for just over a year, but in that time, I’ve stayed in several hotels of a wide range of classes. So far, Octant Hotel Furnas was the most surprisingly baby-friendly! To be honest, I was largely expecting (and bracing myself for) dirty looks and snobby remarks from hotel staff and other guests for bringing a baby to such a nice hotel. But I was delighted to be wrong! They had the most baby- and parent-friendly items available to us, and everyone loved baby Iris. How could they not?
I will be completely honest with you: I was not planning to do hotel reviews on Half Full Passport, even though I loved doing them for my original brand, Quick Whit Travel. I need to be more discerning with my time and efforts now that I’m a single mom. This hotel, however, was so spectacular that I felt I had to include a review here! I did not get as many photos as I normally would have, had I planned on blogging about this experience from the beginning, but what I have below will give you a taste. For more, please visit their website here.
The Hotel
This is a small, intimate hotel located in Furnas, a village near the caldera and hot springs on São Miguel island in the Azores. It’s spread across only two floors, giving each guest enough personal attention to feel cared for specifically, instead of generically. We were welcomed with local iced tea and shown to cushy couches to wait while we were checked in. After a long night of travel and very little sleep, this was a very relaxing welcome!
The hotel itself is calming in its ambience and decor, almost spa-like. The wall behind the front desk was covered with an image of a waterfall–how peaceful. Iced tea, fruit, and other treats were available all day in the lobby. Just steps from the village of Furnas, it’s the ideal place to stay for anyone looking for a luxurious, welcoming experience with a personal touch.
Read on: 7 Reasons Why Single Parents Should Travel with Their Kids
The Room
Our room was beautiful, and calming. The bed was very comfortable, there were plenty of places to put things (a personal pet peeve of mine is a hotel room with no usable surfaces), and even with a crib, it was spacious. I loved the floor to ceiling windows—and equally loved the blackout curtains in the evenings. All in all, I felt completely at home in this room for our week-long stay. We received turn-down service every night, complete with a bedtime story for baby Iris, and a delicious welcome gift on our first night.
Keep reading: Your Guide to Getting a Baby Passport
The Bathroom
I do not expect American-sized bathrooms in European hotels, so I was surprised at how large this one was. The shower was massive, the towels were soft and luxurious, and there was so much counter space! The toiletries were luxury level as well, and they even provided baby-specific toiletries. I loved the massive shower with handheld and rainfall shower head options, which made it easy to bathe my daughter (she’s a bit of a messy eater).
Also this: What to Do on São Miguel Island, Azores, with a Baby
The Restaurant
Wow. This hotel had a spectacular breakfast, and it was included. It was basically the same every day, with some changes in the fresh fruits and veggies offered, but there was enough overall variety that I didn’t mind at all. From the local cheeses to the local breads, and from the made-to-order eggs to the pastries, even the pickiest eater can find something they’ll like! We had lattes and cappuccinos every day, too, so you know we started our days off right.
I also had my birthday dinner at the hotel restaurant, and it was fabulous. My husband and I often used to order a pizza and a salad, and split them. We usually ordered it for takeaway, but I wanted to have it at the restaurant that evening. It was a way to have dinner “with him” on my birthday.
More here: What to Know Before You Visit the Azores
The Thermal Pools and Gym
There are two pools on the property, one indoor and one outdoor, and both are thermal. We enjoyed them so much during our stay, both in the water as well as from the comfortable loungers on the side. The gym overlooks the indoor pool, and includes free weights, weight machines, a bench, and cardio equipment as well.
Related: The Top 3 Things Single Parents Need to Know about International Travel (with your own kids)
The Spa in Harmony
Happy birthday to me! When choosing a hotel for my special birthday trip, an onsite spa was one of my non-negotiable criterion. This one was amazing. I chose the “Azores in Colours” spa package, which included a body scrub, full body massage, and facial. It was just what this tired, weary, widowed, single mom needed to feel refreshed and revived on my first birthday without my precious husband.
After my incredible treatments, I was led to their relaxation area and given my choice of teas or spa water. The lounger was very comfortable, and I took some extra time to read for a little while. What a treat!
More here: Your Ultimate Guide to Self Care on Travel
Baby-friendly Surprises
I felt completely showered with kindness on behalf of my baby girl. The crib was so pretty, and there was a “lovey” waiting for her inside. In the bathroom was a baby bath tub, hooded baby towel, baby robe (adorable), and rubber Duckie! They even provided baby-specific toiletries for Iris. And every night with turn-down service, Iris received a one-page bedtime story: Pinocchio, The Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, and more! It was so sweet, so cute, and so kind. Iris was welcome, not just tolerated, and my mummy’s heart was utterly delighted.
Read next: What to Know about Visiting the Gorreana Tea Plantation, Azores
Want more? Check out my dedicated Portugal Page!
Love this post? Pin it for later!
WOW! What an incredible trip!
It really was! Can’t wait to share more!