Exceeded our Expectations!
Our initial interactions with Joao were easy -- his responsiveness to our wishes was prompt and thorough. Each guide on the various islands Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, and Faial knew their territory and shared so much expertise with us. They flexed when asked and went out of their way to accommodate us, adding side trips as time allowed. Even our driver Jorge surprised us with hand-wrapped souvenirs! Would use Kim-kim again in a heartbeat. Thank you so much.
Hotel Reviews
As Casas da Riberia Grande
Ribeira Grande
Definitely liked this locale. It was a bit challenging to get responses since the main hotel was in another spot and the corner apartment was noisy. It was clean and spacious enough for a couple.
Authenticity & Character
The nearby square was charming, and it was near places where we could eat and walk.
Staff
Didn't really have much interaction since the main hotel was in another place.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable and clean. Some of the kitchen amenities were not there, although there were instructions that they were. Notheing major.
Well-located, relatively quiet, and clean.
Authenticity & Character
It was fine. There is a problem with the name of one of the rooms, which could be offensive to some people.
Location
Liked the proximity to the ferry, the square, restaurants, and coffee shop.
Staff
Not much interaction with staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable overall. We had lots of extra space. The fan in the bathroom was very annoying, and it was attached to the light switch.
Azores Book Hotel
Angra do Heroísmo
This was the winner hotel of our trip! It was very interesting and just an enjoyable place to stay!
Authenticity & Character
Great character with the book theme.
Location
Ok, down the hill from the town -- in walking distance though.
Staff
Staff was very accommodating. A young waitress in the kitchen, having been asked for non-dairy options for coffee, proactively brought out some when we got to breakfast! Lots of people, but she remembered. Impressive. The breakfast buffet was great!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and very comfy.
Hotel Do Colégio
Ponta Delgada
Nice to see a different side of the island. Like all our stays, this was clean and comfortable.
Location
Great locale. Fun place to walk around and great restaurants.
Staff
Informative, respectful, and, of course, kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable.
Activity Reviews
In the Shadow of the Giant: A Half-Day Guided Tour of Pico
the Azores
This one was difficult. In hindsight, going from the airport to a tour was not the best call. It was windy and cold, and I personally wasn't dressed warmly enough, so I spent more time in the van than outside looking at things. Our guide was very good and tried to be as accommodating as possible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was kind, respectful and very knowledgable.
Transport
Roomy van and our guide was a safe driver.
Faial from Coast to Crater: A Full-Day Guided Discovery
Portugal
Our guide Pedro was exceptional! He was a great fit for our group since we shared many perspectives on ecology and the environment. He gave us a bonus experience to meet his mother and see her garden and the project he was working on. It totally enriched our trip!
Quality of Experience
Pedro's passion for the environment and for his work.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Safe driver and seeing his home project and meeting his mother was such a bonus.
Transport
We saw a lot and it definitely felt like a perspective that was real. . .not a canned tour.
São Jorge Flexible Explorer - Full-Day Guided Tour
Portugal
Once again, as with the previous tours, we had a guide who was passionate and knowledgeable about the environment and the history. He kept us engaged the entire trip.
Quality of Experience
It was a diverse tour, we again were invited into our guide's home to sample liqueurs made by his wife. A sense of being truly welcomed.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable, with a great sense of humor and clear pride in his work.
Between the Lava and the Sea - A Half-Day Guided Wine Experience on Pico
Pico Island
Weather-wise, Pico was a bit more welcoming on this half-day tour. We had the same guide as on our first half-day and we had a good sense of his style. The tour was not private, however, and it seemed a bit awkward for the man who did not know us or the guide. Our guide handled things really well in any case.
Quality of Experience
Some of this was repetitive, but we enjoyed the wine tasting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was very adept at creating cohesion in the group.
Half-Day Hiking Activity in Terceira
Portugal
This was by far the most physical day of the trip. Our guide was so responsive and good overall that we gladly hired him on for the rest of the day.
Quality of Experience
What a treat, he really knew what he was doing, appreciated the varied flora and paid good attention to our comfort/safety while hiking.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide!!
Transport
Safe and took us to varied terrain.
Local specialist: João Daniel
