R2 Rio Calma

This hotel is celebrated for its grand architecture and expansive, meticulously maintained gardens and pool areas, which many guests describe as a true oasis. Its unique design, featuring a colonial style with striking columns and arches, creates a memorable atmosphere. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a tranquil and relaxing escape, as well as families who appreciate spacious accommodations and diverse pool options. For explorers, renting a car is highly recommended to fully experience the island, as the hotel serves as an excellent base. To enhance your stay, be mindful of ongoing construction in certain areas and consider managing expectations regarding dining service, as feedback on this aspect is quite varied.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of pools, including large, beautifully designed outdoor options and an infinity pool that offers stunning views. While some pools are heated, guests occasionally found the water temperature to be cooler than desired. The gardens are consistently praised for their beauty and meticulous upkeep, providing ample space for relaxation. A well-equipped gym is available for guests, though the spa receives mixed reviews, with some finding it outdated or noting that certain features were not operational, and access often incurs an additional cost. Wi-Fi is available but frequently reported as unreliable and comes with a daily fee, which many guests found inconvenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, noting that both common areas and individual rooms are kept spotless with daily housekeeping. Rooms are described as spacious and comfortable, providing ample living space. However, some guests found the room decor to be somewhat dated or rustic, and a few reported minor maintenance issues such as stiff wardrobes or plaster imperfections. While comfortable beds and good mattresses contribute to a restful sleep, some guests mentioned hard beds or the inconvenience of two single beds pushed together. A recurring concern is the lack of basic in-room amenities like a kettle or complimentary bottled water, and noise from other rooms or cleaning staff can occasionally be disruptive.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a buffet with a wide variety of options for both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is often highlighted for its extensive selection, including fresh fruit and yogurt, though the coffee machines are frequently criticized for being slow, causing long queues, or producing low-quality beverages. While many guests praised the food quality, noting fresh fish and meat options, others found the dishes to be bland, repetitive, or often served cold. The restaurant environment can be chaotic, with guests reporting difficulties finding clean tables, sufficient cutlery, or experiencing slow and overwhelmed service from staff, particularly during peak hours. It is important to note that even water is often charged for at dinner, unless on an all-inclusive plan.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is described as quiet and somewhat remote, making it an ideal choice for guests seeking a secluded getaway. However, this also means that a rental car is highly recommended for exploring the island and accessing nearby towns or attractions. While the hotel offers ample and convenient parking, direct beach access is not available; the nearest pebbly beach is about a 10-minute walk, and a white sand beach is approximately 15 minutes away. The hotel's own beach area is currently undergoing construction, impacting accessibility and causing some noise. Local amenities such as shops, supermarkets, and additional restaurants are limited and require a significant walk or a short drive.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the hotel's staff and service is mixed. Most guests found the staff to be friendly, helpful, and attentive, particularly highlighting the efficiency of the housekeeping team and the pleasant demeanor of some bar staff. Many appreciated the overall professionalism and willingness of staff to assist with requests. However, some guests reported instances of unresponsiveness, perceived rudeness, or staff appearing overwhelmed, especially in the restaurant and at the main reception desk, leading to long queues during check-in or when seeking assistance. Despite these occasional challenges, the dedication of many team members to providing a positive guest experience is frequently acknowledged.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of ongoing construction work, particularly in the lagoon and beach areas, which can result in noise during the day and the closure of some facilities like the mini-golf or certain bars. A unique and charming aspect of the hotel is the presence of friendly cats roaming the grounds, which are well-cared for and appreciated by many visitors. It is important to note that several amenities typically expected to be complimentary are subject to additional charges, including Wi-Fi, the use of the room safe, and even pool towels. The hotel's distinctive colonial architecture and extensive grounds are consistently highlighted as major draws, contributing significantly to its overall appeal.