Inns in São Tomé

Jason United States

First and foremost, this is a place that provides a high level of service (and management) for reasonable cost. Sao Tome can at times be a little bit daunting for travel (in some ways part of the fun). Few places accept credit cards, no viable international ATM I could find, so you have to research/budget and bring Euros or USD and do money exchanges with random people on the street. Reminded me of travel to Eastern Europe in the 1980s. This guest house, however, removes all of those stresses. They not only take credit card for the room and change money with you at a decent rate, they will also give you dobras against a credit card charge if you run out of the cash you brought. Easy and a big relief if you're stressed about managing your money. They offer airport transfers (the owner himself drove me in his own car because the country had otherwise run out of gasoline and he had a diesel SUV); they have an reasonable and upfront policy about extra charges for late check out, which takes into account the schedules of the TAP flights to Accra and Lisbon; they have a reasonable bar out back by the pool. I'm sure some of the higher end hotels in town offer many of these services, but at least double if not triple the price. I was very happy to find an affordable hotel that also provided these extra services and would stay here again based on that. They had to ration diesel for the generator at certain times of the day due to the fuel crisis in the country but again this was all stated up front with signs in multiple languages, and was a very rational solution to a problem outside of management's control. Apart from that, the room was nice and quiet and to be able to swim in the big pool at dusk and watch the bats circle around overhead was a memorable experience.

Lúcia Portugal

Simple accommodation, very spacious, with huge terrace overlooking the ocean. The staff was very kind and friendly, and available for any support needed. Location is perfect to see the sunrise over the ocean. Payment possible with MBway (portuguese system) or bank transfer which is very convenient. They have a restaurant but you need to pre-book for lunch or dinner.