What We Think
The Porto Grande is a comfortable hotel overlooking the central square right at the heart of Mindelo, cultural capital of São Vicente and the second largest city in the archipelago. They say if you want to understand Cape Verdean music, you come to Mindelo…
The guest rooms are simple but comfortable and are situated on two floors, either overlooking the square to the front of the hotel or the pool to the rear. Live music is played in the lobby bar some evenings, which attracts both locals and holidaymakers, and the outside seating area overlooking the square is a lovely spot to enjoy a drink. The hotel restaurant is excellent value for money serving a mix of international and traditional food.
During the day you can relax around the hotel swimming pool, use the facilities including a small gym, or take an easy 20 minute stroll to Mindelo beach. You might also want to take the chance to explore the city, with it’s plentiful shops, restaurants and layers of fascinating history, openly displayed in the colourful mix of architectural styles. N.B There is no lift at this hotel.
Our opinion: A slightly older style hotel, perfect for visitors wanting to experience the cultural life of Mindelo and a great base from which to explore the town. Please note that weekend evenings can be lively.
Local rating: 4*
