colonial hotel de ilhabela

This is the second time we stayed at Colonial. Its customers are mainly divers going to scuba dive or snorkel at a small island right across the property. This place is not for everyone, but it’s got some nice things going for it. The ups: The location. If diving is your thing, this is the place. The hotel is about 3km south of the ferry boat, and on the same site of a competent diving operator. There is a small island practically swimming distance from the beach, which is a nice diving and snorkeling point. The operator also offers trips to some other islands an hour or so away and to shipwrecks. Divers stay here because they can go straight from their rooms to the boat. The view. Nice view of the channel and the island. But get a room on the second floor. Service. From the manager (Gil) to the cleaning staff, everyone is extremely informal, friendly, and accommodating. Kudos for them. The downs: The rooms. In our room, the air-conditioner was barely keeping the room comfortable (granted, it was a very hot weekend), the bathroom door creaked horribly, one of the outlets did not work, and the mattress sagged. But everything was clean. So-so: Breakfast. Not the best buffet breakfast we’ve had, but had most things people want. Could improve a bit.