Salinas do Maragogi All Inclusive Resort

This is an all-inclusive resort in the beach town of Maragogi in Alagoas (in the northeast of Brazil). It’s been around a long time and the property is very large. They have 12 buildings of rooms spread throughout the property. Many of the pools and restaurants are concentrated in one area of the resort, so if you’re in a unit that’s on the edge of the property (like I was), you’re pretty far away from most of the activities. That can be good if you’re looking for a more quiet location and they really ought to describe the upside of one unit over another, but they don’t.nAnother problem I had with the resort is that none of the restaurants have their hours of operation posted outside. They have an automated system—“Izi”—which works through WhatsApp which is supposed to have the hours, but Izi is not that Easy to use. I actually couldn’t even find the gym. Why can’t they post a map with the locations of the resort’s attractions? Or maybe they could give the guests a map to navigate this property?nThe resort seems to cater to families with children, which is fine, but I don’t have children, so if you prefer a more adult-oriented resort, this isn’t necessarily the place for you. Most of the staff are friendly, so that’s a plus.nThe food is all-you-can-eat and the drinks are all-you-can-drink, in theory. However, many times the servers will give you small portions of food or cocktails with light pours. This is probably at the instruction of management. I know I can get up a second time and a third time, but sometimes I’d like to just get what I want when I want it instead of it being decided for me. In fact, I had asked a bartender to pour a little more alcohol in a cocktail and he told me that he did. I didn’t want to argue, or be pushy, so I guess that’s my fault.nThe hotel is relatively expensive (though not the most expensive in this town). I didn’t hate it, but I don’t think I’d go back.

They advertise cancellable reservations, but make it nearly impossible to actually cancel. In the USA this behavior is disgusting. Only reserve with a credit card who can dispute the charge for you!

F-A-N-T-Á-S-T-I-C-O

Probably the best option in Maragogi. Paid 1200 reais a night in March. Great room with king size bed and soundproof windows. Buffet has a myriad of options, which I am not usually a fan of. I'm fond of focusing on fewer things and doing them really well. Cocktails were underwhelming. Beers were always cold. The region is absolutely gorgeous. Bad Wi-Fi, but who cares when you're there?

It's one of the top 10 hotel resorts in South America. The service is impeccable, you have food and drink of good quality all day long. The hotel is located in one of the most beautiful places of Brazilian coast. It's perfect for a family with kids.