Best Hotels in São Miguel Island

Planning a trip and searching for the best hotels in São Miguel? As a local who’s explored every corner of this volcanic island, I’ve handpicked 22 stays that blend comfort, charm, and proximity to São Miguel’s hot springs, lakes, and trails. From Ponta Delgada’s vibrant marina to Furnas’ steamy pools, these hotels cater to every traveler—luxury seekers, budget adventurers, or families. My personal insights from staying at each will help you choose the perfect base for your Azorean adventure.

No time to read a long article? Here’s a summary

These are the best hotels in São Miguel island, per region:

• Ponta Delgada: Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel, NINE DOTS Azorean Art Boutique Hotel and Hotel Ponta Delgada.
• Ribeira Grande: Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort and the Hotel Verde Mar & SPA
• Furnas: Octant Furnas and the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
• Elsewhere: White Exclusive Suites & Villas and the SENSI Azores Nature and SPA are STUNNING.

Not sure where exactly you want to stay in the island? Then read my article about Where to Stay in São Miguel, as I breakdown the pros and cons of staying at different locations in the island.

Best Hotels in Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores islands. I don’t particularly like it (there’s too many drunk homeless people on the streets, to be honest), but I reckon that there are advantages to stay there – from the proximity to the airport to the abundance of restaurants. So these are the best hotels in Ponta Delgada:

Octant Ponta Delgada

My stay at Octant Ponta Delgada was unforgettable—sipping a cocktail at the rooftop bar as the sun dipped below the Atlantic felt like pure magic. The sleek rooms with ocean views made mornings special, and the staff’s warmth shone when they arranged a last-minute whale-watching tour. The indoor pool was a cozy retreat on rainy days, which are quite frequent in the Azores island. My only gripe? The breakfast lacked variety for a week-long stay. Amenities include a rooftop pool, a fantastic spa, a fitness center, restaurant, bar, and private parking.

Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel

When I stayed at Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel it felt like entering a secret garden in São Miguel island, a place where time stopped so that I could turn off the outside world. It’s hard to describe it any other way. Picture rooms with a garden terrace, and the opportunity to bathe and relax in a heated pool inside a pineapple greenhouse. It’s very, very unique :)

This hotel is a bit outside downtown, so you’ll need a car to explore Ponta Delgada.

Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico

Waking up to harbor views at the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico, a marina-front hotel in Ponta Delgada was a highlight :) The restaurant’s fresh limpets will give you a great taste of São Miguel, and the staff’s handwritten notes with local tips felt like a warm welcome. The indoor pool saved a rainy afternoon. WiFi was spotty in my room, though, which may be a problem if you have to work during your stay in São Miguel. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar, and private parking.

Azoris Royal Garden – Leisure & Conference Hotel

I usually don’t like staying at conference hotels (they feel too formal for my personal taste), but the Azoris Royal Garden – Leisure & Conference Hotel is quite different. The rooms are beautifully decorated and
the Japanese-style garden here was my morning sanctuary, sipping coffee amid koi ponds after a day exploring the island. Spacious family suites and an indoor pool kept my group happy, and the central location made downtown walks easy. The breakfast buffet got crowded, though, with slow restocking. The Azoris Royal Garden – Leisure & Conference Hotel is one of the best hotels in São Miguel for value, with indoor/outdoor pools, spa, fitness center, garden, restaurant, bar, and parking.

NINE DOTS Azorean Art Boutique Hotel

NINE DOTS Azorean Art Boutique Hotel felt like staying in a gallery, with vibrant Azorean paintings in my room and a subtle, elegant decor to go with it. The indoor pool looks extraordinary – like an ancient, Roman spa. Breakfast offered a lot of variety with a lovely courtyard garden to sit in.

Its location near Portas da Cidade was perfect for evening strolls to local cafes, and the staff’s tip for a hidden bakery was gold. A unique pick among the best hotels in São Miguel.

Hotel Ponta Delgada

The name of this hotel gives it away, as Hotel Ponta Delgada is one of the best hotels in Ponta Delgada :) This cozy hotel’s heated indoor pool was a lifesaver after a rainy hike, especially if you travel during the high season (when all the famous hotsprings in São Miguel are going to be packed). I personally really like the decor of this hotel, with a retro / vintage vibe that reasonates with me. Moreover, the staff shared their favorite São Miguel trails, adding a local touch that I most appreciated it. All and all, Hotel Ponta Delgada is one a great budget base for city explorers.

Hotel Gaivota Azores

Sipping coffee on my private balcony with marina views was a daily highlight at the Hotel Gaivota Azores, one of the best hotels in Ponta Delgada. Steps from Ponta Delgada’s restaurants, it felt like home, especially with the staff greeting me by name. Moreover, this hotel is perfect for couples or even young families, since it has different type of rooms and fantastic apartments with all the amenities for a comfortable stay.

The only thing I didn’t like was the street noise (I am a VERY light sleeper) but hey, you’re going to have this problem in all the central hotels in São Miguel.

Hotel Alcides

Hotel Alcides is budget gem by São Sebastião Church, offering cozy rooms and a breakfast with local honey that felt like an Azorean hug. And, because of its traditional decor, it felt like going to my parents home :)

Wandering Ponta Delgada’s historic streets was a breeze, but parking near the hotel was a bit tricky. The staff’s cafe recommendations were spot-on. Overall, Hotel Alcides steal for city lovers on a low bduget.

Best Hotels in São Miguel: Locations other than in Ponta Delgada

I’ve already mentioned on my article about Where to Stay in São Miguel that I don’t enjoy staying in Ponta Delgada. Therefore, I decided to include on this article hotels in São Miguel that are NOT located in Ponta Delgada :) Here they are:

White Exclusive Suites & Villas (Lagoa)

Photos don’t do justice to what is, in my opinion, THE most beautiful hotel in São Miguel. Perched on a cliff, the White Exclusive Suites & Villas has an elegant and timeless decor, which immediately makes us feel at peace.
My balcony’s Atlantic views were stunning, but so are the common areas. They also have different types of suites and an exquisite villa that can accommodate up to 6 people; all of them equipped with a small kitchenette where you can prepare light meals.

All and all, an extraordinary stay just 15 km away from São Miguel’s airport.

ANC Resort (Lagoa)

I don’t particularly like the room decor of the ANC Resort in Lagoa but honestly who cares when you have a fantastic outdoor pool surrounded by a lush tropical garden. You’re only using the bedrooms to sleep anyway :)

Besides, all studios and apartments at the ANC Resort have a fully equipped kitchenette, and the rooms and apartments also have either a small balcony or veranda, depending on the unit.

Moreover, ANC Resort is located just 5 minutes driving distance from one of the best restaurants in São Miguel, called Bar da Caloura.

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (Furnas)

Soaking in the iconic thermal pool of the Terra Nostra gardens (in my opinion, the most beautiful park in São Miguel) after public hours was a private luxury, with misty waters all to myself. As all the guests of Terra Nostra Garden Hotel can use the pool at any time of the day or night, this means that sometimes it can be noisy during the night. Moreover, the rooms, albeit classic in their decor, also feel a bit démodé.

Nonetheless and despite its flaws, staying at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is a classic experience to be had in São Miguel :)

Octant Furnas

What is there not to LOVE about the Octant Furnas? Located in my favourite place in the island (Furnas), this hotel is a dream come true. Picture a stylish and elegant hotel with stunning indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a Spa with 10 treatment rooms, floatbed, Shirodhara (massage with oils flow), Vichy Shower and Hydro Massage, Sauna, Hamam and a Fitness Center. Moreover, the Octant Furnas has a fantastic restaurant called TERRA where you can try gourmet dishes but also traditional Azorean food. So overall Yes, the Octant Furnas is terribly expensive but it is the perfect place for a romantic getaway in São Miguel island.

SENSI Azores Nature and SPA (Ginetes)

If White Exclusive Suites & Villas, then SENSI Azores Nature and SPA is a very close second. With a cozy (yet modern) countryside vibe, this hotel, located in the Southwest of São Miguel island (on the way from Ponta Delgada to Mosteiros), is truly spectacular.

The rooms are spacious and very comfortable, but the SENSI Azores Nature and SPA also has a romantic restaurant, a spa center (with sauna, steam room, hammam), an infinity pool, and free on-site parking. You will also be located just 10 minutes driving from Ponta da Ferraria, an incredible hot water natural pool.

Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort (Ribeira Grande)

I have stayed at the Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort twice and I am yet to find a single thing to dislike about this hotel. The rooms are beautifully decorated in sustainable materials – I especially liked the one where I stayed for a couple of nights, that had its own hot tub). There is a peaceful pool area, with shaded seating and breathtaking views of the ocean. Or, if you prefer, you have direct access (from the hotel) to one of the best beaches in the Azores, called Santa Bárbara.

Moreover, if you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian / vegan / gluten free etc), the Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort has a very accommodating restaurant, and breakfast has plenty of variety.

Hotel Verde Mar & SPA (Ribeira Grande)

We had an incredible stay at the Hotel Verde Mar & SPA. The location is perfect – a short walk to the Ribeira Grande’s center, close to a supermarket, and with easy access to explore all points of interest on the island.

The hotel itself is sleek and stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows in all the rooms and public spaces, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Our room was spacious, with a comfortable bed and a modern bathroom.

We enjoyed both the breakfast (varied, offering plenty of fresh fruits and local products) and the delicious cocktails. Overall, it felt like a great bargain for the quality offered, especially compared to other more expensive places on the island.

Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort (Vila Franca do Campo)

Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort is one of the oldest resorts in the Azores. There, you can choose between 2 restaurants that serve international cuisine and traditional Azorean dishes. There is also a bar near the pool, which is very convenient.

This resort has 2 tennis courts and a large garden with a small 17th-century chapel. There is also a games room with billiards and table tennis.

However, I have to be honest and tell you that the Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort has a few problems, namely the fact that the floor is covered in carpets (which is terrible for people with allergies like me!).