Vila Francesa Hotel

I happened on the Hotel Primavera because I wanted to stay in the lower elevation forest around Itatiaia National Park. It was recommended as a lower-cost option in what is a very high-priced part of Brazil. I can recommend them strongly. The cost was mid-range and would have been a good bargain for two. I negotiated the price to not include breakfast because they serve too late in the morning for bird-watching. The staff were very helpful, the room clean, AC good, pool refreshing, grounds very nicely kept. It's only a 5-min walk from all the shops, there is a market one block north and buses can get you to Itatiatia, Resende and other nearby spots. One thing though. I had to jump the fence to get out early in the morning of my departure. I couldn't hail any staff, even though I had been given a wake-up call. It's not the first time this has happened to me, so I can't really criticize too strongly. Hotel staff are not used to people wanting to leave the grounds at 6 a.m. and the real or perceived security needs make it a bit more challenging to come and go as one pleases.