Botucatu's BEST Hotel? Excellence Plaza's SHOCKING Secret Revealed!
Botucatu's "Best" Hotel? Excellence Plaza's Dirty Little Secret (And My Own Disasters)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the Brazilian beans on the Excellence Plaza Hotel in Botucatu. You know, the one everyone gushes about. The supposed "best." And, yes, there's a shocking secret lurking beneath the polished surfaces… but first, let's wade through the marketing fluff and dig into the actual experience.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like My Bank Account After This Trip
They claim to be accessible. Yes, they have an elevator, which is a HUGE win. And they boast facilities for disabled guests. Good. But let's be real, I only glimpsed things from the lobby. I imagine it's not the breeziest experience navigating some of those sprawling areas if you're relying on a wheelchair, though. More research required.
Access: Well, getting there isn't particularly bad. Airport transfer is available – which is always a godsend. There's car parking [free of charge] which is excellent, and there's space for more, but it is not a huge space. I rented a car; the car park [on-site] was convenient, but good luck finding a free spot during peak hours.
On-Site Dining: From Bland to "Almost Burned My Tongue"
The marketing materials scream "culinary delight." I, skeptical me, went in with low expectations.
- Restaurants: Multiple! Great! They offer A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. Sounds great… until you try them.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard fare, kinda bland honestly. The Asian breakfast was… interesting. Not bad, not great, but different enough to wake me up. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was okay. Breakfast takeaway service would be a life saver, but they dont always have the food prepared for that.
- Poolside bar: This was actually a nice touch. Sipping a surprisingly decent caipirinha while watching the tiny Brazilian children splashing about was a highlight of my trip. The view of the pool was alright.
- Snack bar: Perfect for a quick bite, the sandwich I ordered was okay. The burger I ordered was not.
- Room service [24-hour]: I tried it once, late at night, and the food arrived suspiciously quickly. (I'm still not sure what was in that mysterious "soup".) They did do a Breakfast in room service which was pretty nice!
- Happy hour: I missed it. Because I was busy trying to sleep. (More on that later.)
The "Shocking Secret" (and It's Not Just the Mysterious Soup)
Okay, here it is. The Wi-Fi. It's a lie.
They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. And you think you get it! But it cuts out. Frequently. The Internet access – wireless is inconsistent, slow and frustrating. Forget about streaming anything or doing actual work if you get a Internet access – LAN connection, it barely works! Which, as a digital nomad, was a massive problem. I spent half my trip tethered to my phone, muttering under my breath. (They do have Internet services, but you need to buy them.)
(And yes, I did try the Wi-Fi in public areas, that was even worse.)
Things to Do & Ways to (Attempt to) Relax
This is where the hotel’s ambitions get ahead of its execution… slightly.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful, yes. Crowded? Absolutely. Finding a sun lounger was a competitive sport.
- Pool with view: Overlook from the restaurant, nice view.
- Gym/fitness center: Looked decent, didn't have time.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: All present. Looked nice, but the service in the spa seemed to be… slow.
- Massage: This was supposed to be amazing! I booked a massage to unwind after a grueling day of… well, trying to connect to the internet. The massage itself was decent, the Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath options looked tempting. But I swear, the therapist kept falling asleep. I’m not kidding. Snoring. During my massage. Embarrassing.
- For the Kids: They have Babysitting service which is great for couples! They also have Kids facilities, Kids meal which is again, very accomodating.
- Safety/Security Feature: There's CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property which did give me that sense of security.
Cleanliness and Safety: The "Clean but Clumsy" Approach
They're trying, bless their hearts.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: All checked. Impressive, in theory.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Which is comforting, but also made me wonder what they were disinfecting.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Difficult to enforce when people are fighting over sun loungers and trying to grab a coffee the same time.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: You can opt out of daily housekeeping, and I do feel like the room was clean.
My Room: A Tale of Two Beds (and a LOT of Noise)
They Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: All available
I booked a non-smoking room. The non-smoking rooms were great! I asked for a room away from the elevator and the street, and the staff did try to grant my wish. Good thing they did; the Soundproofing was decent, but not perfect. The real issue? The noise. The hotel seems to have a never-ending roster of events. Construction noise, shouting, general mayhem. The Smoke alarms were very sensitive, and I was thankful for it.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Why Did They Even Bother?"
- Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace: Very Useful.
- Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Outdoor venue for special events, Seminars: all pretty much the most important parts.
- Food delivery: This is essential!
- Gift/souvenir shop: Cute!
- Xerox/fax in business center: Really? In this day and age?
- Valet parking: Useful.
The Actual Shocking Secret (Drumroll…)
Okay, here it is. It's not the bad Wi-Fi (though that's close). It's the sheer inconsistency. One day, the service is prompt and pleasant. The next, you're dodging grumpy staff members. One meal is delicious, the next you're wondering if they've accidentally seasoned your food with sadness. They are at least trying to be helpful.
Final Verdict: Buyer (and Sleeper) Beware
Excellence Plaza Hotel in Botucatu isn't awful. It has potential. It has some genuinely nice features. But it’s also a bit…wonky. The Wi-Fi is a joke, the consistency is all over the place, and the "luxury" can feel a little forced. Would I stay there again? Probably. But I'd bring my own MiFi, earplugs, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Botucatu has plenty of options, perhaps I should explore them next time!
Escape to Paradise: WE Hostel Hat Yai - Your Thai Adventure Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, corporate-approved travel plan. Forget glossy brochures and perfect Instagram posts. This is real life, hitting the dusty, slightly sticky, maybe-smelling-of-cachaça road of São Paulo, starting at the Excellence Plaza Hotel in Botucatu. Let’s do this.
WARNING: May Contain Excessive Coffee Consumption, Mild Panic, and Questionable Life Choices. You've been warned.
The Botucatu Breakdown: A Gloriously Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of the "Brazilian Welcome"
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Touchdown Botucatu! Alright, so the flight was… well, let’s say the airline’s definition of “on time” and my definition of "on time" are two very different things. But Hey, the plane landed! And now, the glorious Excellence Plaza Hotel! Honestly, it looked better in the photos. But hey, the AC is blasting, and I'm alive. That's a win. Feeling: Exhaled a giant sigh of relief. "Survived the journey" feels like a solid accomplishment.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in Chaos (and the "Lost in Translation" Tango) The reception was friendly…mostly. My Portuguese? Not exactly a strong point. Mine is basically Google translate. And Google translate's Portuguese is… well, imagine a very confused parrot trying to order a pizza. The key card situation took a while. I swear, I think the receptionist thought I was trying to smuggle a small, furry pet in to my room. Ended up getting a room with a slightly questionable view of a dumpster, but honestly, after the flight, I wouldn't care if I was sleeping in a cardboard box. Feeling: Mildly bewildered. And incredibly thirsty. Where's the caipirinha machine?
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and Panic (the good kind) Okay, the room's…okay. Standard hotel fare. But wait! Is that a balcony? YES! A balcony overlooking… something. The dumpster is surprisingly cinematic. Mental note: Invest in better binoculars. Also - found the mini-bar. Hallelujah. Feeling: Initially underwhelmed but now, cautiously optimistic. Mini-bar = mood booster
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Botucatu Buzz Hunt. Time to explore! I decided to wander towards the "centro" - or at least, what I thought was the centro. Got gloriously lost almost immediately. This is the beauty of travel isn't it? Stumbled upon a local market selling… everything. From brightly colored fruit I didn't recognize to suspicious-looking meats, and the aroma of spices. Then, the street art! Walls are covered in vibrant murals. Just beautiful! The people were surprisingly patient with my terrible Portuguese. Bought a dreadful (but charming) souvenir. Feeling: Overwhelmed by the sensory input. And completely and utterly delighted.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Aperitivo Hour – Possibly the BEST Hour. Found a little boteco (a small bar) tucked away on a side street. Ordered a caipirinha because, when in Brazil… The bartender, bless his heart, seemed to understand my frantic hand gestures and managed to produce something delicious. The caipirinha was a welcome, and the sunset was simply stunning. Feeling: A tiny bit drunk, a tiny bit happy, entirely blissful.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner Delirium. Back to the hotel restaurant. Because convenience. The food was ok. I struggled with the menu. I’m starting to think “feijoada” is a national dish, based on how often its mentioned. But the waiters were incredibly friendly, which made it worthwhile. Feeling: Stuffed. And contemplating an early night.
Day 2: The Heart of Botucatu (and Avoiding the Tourist Traps)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Binge (the Sweet Side.) Hotel breakfast. You know the drill. Eggs, ham, bread… but the pão de queijo… Oh, the pão de queijo! They're addictive. I basically inhaled a small mountain of them. Feeling: Ready to face the world, fueled by cheese bread.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Parque do Varvito – A Geological Revelation. This is supposed to be a big deal. Geologically significant! I wandered around the (very green) park, tried to understand the geological process. Okay, okay. It was actually… kinda interesting. But mostly, I liked the shade. It's hot here, you know? Feeling: Mildly educated. And slightly sunburnt.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Adventure (and the Quest for the Authentic). Decided to ditch the hotel and find a genuine Brazilian lunch spot. Found a place that looked suspiciously empty. Great! That, of course, meant it was amazing, right? Wrong. It was… okay. But the experience was more important than the food. Right? Right? Feeling: Slightly regretful. And already planning my next meal.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Back to the Market and the Art. Went looking for more of the street art. Found a new market, and some AMAZING coffee. Spent way too long chatting with a local, probably butchering the language while trying to get tips. The tips were very helpful. This is the best part of travel. Feeling: Feeling very content.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Relaxation Station (Poolside Bliss - or at least, "Beside-the-Pool-Attempted-Bliss") The hotel pool! Yes! The dream of a perfect vacation. Except I'm not a pool person. The water was a little cold, the sun was unforgiving. But I sat there anyway. I read my book. I sipped my (watered down) caipirinha. It was… passable. Feeling: Content, but missing the market.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma, Round 2. Tried to look for somewhere new. But it was late, and I was tired. Ended up back at the hotel restaurant. They now knew my name. Well, they knew "the crazy lady who keeps ordering the same thing." Feeling: Mildly ashamed. But hey, at least I knew what to order.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Netflix in the room, and writing this. Tomorrow is likely to be the same (or slightly different). Feeling: Exhausted, but happy. And already dreaming of the next pão de queijo.
Day 3: The Great Escape (and the inevitable goodbyes)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions (and a farewell feast). More pão de queijo! I'm going to miss this. Feeling: Full of cheese bread and bittersweet longing.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Final Market Run. One last sweep of the market for souvenirs. Found a charming little ceramic… thing. The vendors, now recognizing me, waved and smiled as if they had known me forever. That’s the thing about being a tourist: you are a stranger initially, but eventually, you become a local. Feeling: Excited and happy that I made some sort of connection with people.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check Out (and a Moment of Melancholy) The obligatory check-out. Everything went smoothly for once! The staff was wonderful. Gave them a tip, told them I'd be back. Feeling: A pang of sadness. But also, anticipation for whatever awaits.
- 12:00 PM onwards: Departure and Reflections. Taxi to the airport (or whatever sort of vehicle I am using). Reflecting on Botucatu. It wasn't perfect. There were hiccups. There were language barriers. But it was real. It was messy. It was mine. And I'm already planning the next trip.
My Quirky Observations, Emotional Reactions, and Random Ramblings:
- The Coffee: Strong. Very strong. I may have developed a caffeine dependency. Worth it.
- The People: Incredibly welcoming, despite my linguistic ineptitude. They're also incredibly patient.
- The Pace: Relaxed. Very relaxed. Which is exactly what I needed.
- The Food: Mostly delicious. Some questionable choices. But that's the adventure, right?
- The Overall Vibe: It's Brazil. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the imperfections. Embrace the pão de queijo.
Final Verdict: Botucatu was awesome. Not the touristy kind, but the real kind. The one that reminds you why you travel in the first place.
And
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Excellence Plaza, Botucatu: FAQ & My Brain Dump
Is the Excellence Plaza really the "BEST" hotel in Botucatu? Ugh, the pressure!
Okay, so "best" is subjective, right? But, *sigh*, fine, let's just say for Botucatu, yeah, it kinda is. Look, I've stayed there a bunch. It's got the fancy lobby, the "art" (I'm using air quotes, some of it’s... questionable), and the pool that's always suspiciously empty (more on that later). It's comfortable, clean (mostly!), and the staff tries really hard. It's definitely not a dive. But honestly... the best? Depends on what you're looking for. Are you after luxury? Maybe. Authenticity? Probably not. Botucatu charm? Forget about it. But, it's a solid, reliable choice. You'll survive. You might even enjoy it. I did... most of the time.
What's the room situation like? Clean? Big? Any ghosts? (Asking for a friend...)
Alright, the rooms are... decent. They're not tiny shoeboxes, thankfully. I’ve had rooms with the view of the parking lot (a true Botucatu spectacle, I assure you), and also rooms that look out toward the... other buildings? Let's just say, the view isn't the main selling point. Cleanliness? Usually pretty good. I've found the occasional rogue hair in the bathroom, but hey, it could be mine. Don't judge me. And ghosts? Hmm... never *saw* one. But sometimes, at 3 AM, when the AC fan is humming like a dying alien spaceship, you kinda *feel* a presence. Maybe it's just my crippling caffeine addiction? Probably. But hey, pack a crucifix, just in case... you know, for your friend.
The pool! What's the deal? Is it a sparkling oasis or a murky swamp of regret?
Okay, the pool… Here’s where things get interesting. It *looks* lovely in the brochure. Seriously, pristine blue water, sun loungers perfectly aligned, the whole shebang. The reality? Well… let's just say it's often EMPTY. And I mean, COMPLETELY EMPTY. Not even a lonely rubber ducky. It freaks me out, actually. It makes me wonder, "Are they cleaning this thing?" or "Are they hiding something awful down there?!". (And then my brain goes off on wild tangents - like, the hotel staff are secretly experimenting with genetically modified fish to make the perfect Botucatu Piranhas! Okay, I need to STOP watching those documentaries.) Anyway, the few times I've *actually* gone in, the water seemed… okay. Maybe a *little* chlorine-y. But hey, at least it's not a murky swamp of regret, right? Though the lack of other people is definitely a slight mood dampener. Take a dip, but maybe bring a whistle to signal for help.
What about the food? Did you survive the breakfast buffet? (Pray for me.)
The breakfast buffet... Oh, the breakfast buffet. It's... an experience. Look, it's not *bad*. There's usually a selection of bread (mostly white, naturally), some fruit (sometimes looking a little past its prime), and the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (questionable consistency), bacon (crispy or rubbery, no in-between), and sausage (the mystery meat of the breakfast world). I do love the little pastries, though. Especially when they’re fresh. Beware the orange juice dispenser. Seriously, it’s evil. It’s like they somehow managed to water down sunshine. My advice? Stick to the coffee. It's surprisingly decent. And load up on the *pão de queijo* – those cheesy, fluffy little balls are a godsend, a little bit of heaven in Botucatu.
Is there a gym? (Gotta work off those *pão de queijo*!)
Yes, there IS a gym. A very small, VERY uninspiring gym. It has the bare essentials: a treadmill that probably hasn't been calibrated since the Clinton administration, a few rusty weights, and that weird multi-gym contraption that I never know how to use. (I'm convinced it's designed to torture you.) It's usually empty, which is good, because you don't want to be judged by other guests while you're desperately trying to figure out how to lift something heavier than your suitcase. Just don't expect a state-of-the-art facility. It's functional, I guess. If you're desperate. Otherwise, maybe just do some push-ups in your room… or go for a walk around the block. The air *is* cleaner outside!
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know, the modern world and all that.
Ah, yes, the Wi-Fi. It's... a mixed bag. Sometimes it's zippy and fast, and you can stream your favorite shows without a hitch. Other times... it’s like trying to connect to the internet using a dial-up modem from the early 90s. Prepare for moments of frustration, especially during peak hours (when everyone's trying to Instagram their breakfast buffet). Bring your patience. And maybe download some movies beforehand, just in case. You'll thank me later. Also, the signal can occasionally be stronger near the lobby. You've been warned.
Okay, the SHOCKING SECRET! Spill it! What's the deal?
Alright, alright, you want the SHOCKING SECRET, huh? Well... it’s not a secret, really. It's more of an *observation*. And really, it's not that shocking. But... here it is: The Excellence Plaza *sometimes* feels like it's stuck in the late 90s. The decor. The music in the lobby. The way the elevators *occasionally* hesitate. Not always, but sometimes. It's charming in a slightly… dated way, I guess? It’s like a time capsule of a certain era of hotel design. But… that’s about it. No ghosts, no aliens, (not the good kind, anyway) no secret underground tunnels. Sorry to disappoint! The biggest revelation for me, really… is the pool situation. And now I think I may have to find out why it's ALWAYS empty.
Any other tips or warnings for staying at the Excellence Plaza?
Okay, final words of wisdom:
- **Pack earplugs.** Just in case. The traffic in Botucatu at 3 AM can be surprisingly loud.
- **Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases.** It'll go a long way with the staff (and make you feel less like a clueless tourist).
- **Embrace the slightly-off vibe.** It's part of the charm! (Or maybe you'll decide it's just a bit weird.Stay By CityExcellence Plaza Hotel Botucatu (Sao Paulo) Brazil
Excellence Plaza Hotel Botucatu (Sao Paulo) Brazil
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