Sao Vicente has 3 types of accommodations which in order of availability are: 1) self-catering accommodations 2) residencials and boutique hotels and 3) “full service” hotels.
The main difference between these 3 types are meals served. For the self-catering places, you need to take care of meals yourself, the residencials and boutique hotels serve breakfast only whereas the “full service” hotels serve all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
What to expect
- Small places with only a few guests
- Basic service
- A wide choice of self-catering places (including many inexpensive ones)
- Virtually no full service hotels
- 3 in Mindelo “IBIS”-style with very limited services
- 1 “resort” style with more services but set in isolation at the other end of the island (>40 min from kitesurf spot)
What not to expect
Service such as:
- Gym
- Childcare facilities
- Entertainment
- All-inclusive service
- Fast internet
- Video-channels
Tips
- If you look for place to stay at the kitesurf spot (Salamansa), be aware that the village is extremely primitive (no bars, no shops, most houses do not have toilets)
- If you are sensitive to noise, look for:
- a place off the main street or squares
- get an opinion about noise from dogs (many noisy homeless dogs in Mindelo)
- If the quality of beds is important to you (e.g. sensitive back) take care to select the right place for you (nearly all accommodations have beds mad of a thick wooden plank supporting a thin mattress; back support by chairs provided is very poor)
- The is a choice of places with beautiful views available
- It is hard to find places where the staff speak any English or French
- Standards of cleanliness are significantly lower than in Europe
- A lot of places do not have the availability of warm water
- Be careful with the location of the place. Mindelo is a hilly city. If the place is at a higher elevation:
- water pressure is most often an issue. (The speed of water coming out of the tap / shower will be very low)
- It may be a brisk walk from the center of town (with restaurants & shops)
- Most places advertising the availability of internet only have very slow internet speed.
- If you are vegetarian or vegan: consider a self-catering place. (The choice of vegan or vegetarian meals in restaurants and hotels is extremely limited)