Maresias has dozens of inns, from simple guesthouses to boutique hotels, and the photos almost always look the same: a blue pool, a tidy room, the beach in the background. What really makes a difference to your trip are a few details that don't always show up in the listing. This guide covers what to check before you book.
1. The real distance to the beach
"Close to the beach" can mean two minutes or twenty. Look for the distance in minutes on foot or in meters, and check it on the map. Within about a 10-minute walk, you can go back and forth to the sand several times a day without moving your car.
At Villa Blu, it's about a 10-minute walk (700 m) to Maresias beach.
2. Noise at night
Maresias is known for its nightlife. Places on the beachfront or on the main avenue are close to everything, but they live with bars, music and traffic until late, especially in summer and on holidays. If rest is the goal, choose a quiet street a few minutes from the beach.
Reviews offer a good clue: on Tripadvisor, the sleep quality rating shows how well guests slept. See also our guide on where to stay in Maresias.
3. What's included in the rate
Two nightly rates with the same price can add up very differently by the end of your trip. Check:
- Breakfast: included in every rate or only some?
- Parking: a guaranteed space at no extra cost? On a holiday, that makes a difference.
- Beach gear: towels, chairs and umbrellas save you from bringing (or buying) everything.
- Wi-Fi and air conditioning: in every room?
4. Facilities for rainy or cool days
The North Coast has cloudy days even in summer, and winters are cool. A heated pool, a sauna and covered common areas keep you busy even when the beach doesn't cooperate. If you're going between May and September, see what changes in Maresias in winter.
5. How to read reviews
The average rating matters, but also look at:
- Number of reviews: a 4.8 from 20 reviews says less than a 4.8 from 800.
- Recent dates: the inn today may be very different from the one five years ago.
- Ratings by category: cleanliness, service, location, sleep and value show where each place stands out.
- Replies from the inn: they show how the team handles problems.
6. Pets, children and accessibility
Rules vary a lot from one inn to another. If you're bringing your dog, get written confirmation that the place is pet friendly, and whether there's a size limit or a fee. Villa Blu does not accept pets (guide dogs are always welcome); see our tips for traveling with a pet.
With children, ask up to what age they stay free and whether extra beds are available. If someone in your group needs accessibility features, ask for room details: doorway, bathroom, steps.
7. Cancellation policy
Before you pay, read the cancellation and date-change rules. In Maresias, it's common to have different deadlines for high season and holidays, and cheaper non-refundable rates. Choose based on how likely your plans are to change.
8. Where to book
Booking apps help you compare, but they charge the inn a commission on every night. That's why many inns offer perks for direct bookings, through their website or WhatsApp. Before you commit, compare the final price on both channels. Learn the differences in booking direct vs. Booking.
Checklist before you book
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How many minutes on foot to the beach? | Determines whether you'll need the car |
| Is the street quiet at night? | The difference between resting or not |
| Are breakfast and parking included? | Changes the final cost of your trip |
| Is there a heated pool or sauna? | Something to do on cloudy days |
| What's the policy for pets and children? | Avoids surprises on arrival |
| What are the cancellation deadlines? | Protects you if your plans change |
| Are there perks for booking direct? | It may cost less than the app |
Who Villa Blu is (and isn't) for
It's for you if you want to truly unwind: quiet nights, a heated pool and sauna for cloudy days, a generous breakfast, your car parked in its space, and the beach, restaurants and village center within walking distance. Most of our guests are couples and small families.
It may not be for you if you insist on stepping out of your room straight onto the sand (it's a 10-minute walk), you're traveling with a pet (the inn does not accept pets) or you're looking for a playground and activities for older kids.
We'd rather say this up front: guests who arrive knowing what to expect enjoy their stay more, and that's where our 4.9 rating on Tripadvisor comes from.
Where Villa Blu fits in
Pousada Villa Blu is a family-run inn on Av. Guanabara, a quiet street about a 10-minute walk from the beach. It has a heated pool, a sauna, a sunset lookout, and breakfast and parking included, and it's rated 4.9 on Tripadvisor, with the Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2025 award. When you book direct, you get the lowest price, can pay in up to 6 interest-free installments and earn 3% cashback with Clube Villa Blu.
If it sounds right for your trip, see our rooms and available dates.