Fodor's Expert Review Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

While the art deco decor is extremely pretty and the service as friendly as can be, the main reason to stay at the Azores’ first hotel (opened in 1935) is overnight guests’ complimentary after-hours access to the namesake botanical garden connected to the hotel, which includes round-the-clock use of the hot springs pool and two thermal Jacuzzis, all without the hectic daytime crowds. Guests have the choice of staying in either the original Art Deco wing or the Garden Wing added in the 1990s, which features similar rooms (mainly green- and tan-colored with leaf patterns on the carpets) but with lovely garden views; some also have private balconies or terraces. Every room comes with a gray bathrobe and towels that can be brought to the garden pools. There’s also a small spa with indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath if you choose to stay in. Though several restaurants are within walking distance, the in-house Terra Nostra Garden Restaurant is one of the best, and the outdoor Gardener Bar serves up tasty cocktails and snacks with terrific garden views.