The Azores, an archipelago of lush greenery and volcanic craters, recently appeared at the top of my travel wish list at the request of our Head of Barketing. So when we had the chance to visit São Miguel Island, I checked to see if there were any hotels we could use points at to offset some of the costs associated with pet travel. Enter the DoubleTree Hilton Lagoa, a dog friendly hotel that promised a high-end experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking locales.
Location & Accessibility: The Perfect Island Base
The Hilton DoubleTree Lagoa is situated on the southern coast of São Miguel, in the town of Lagoa, which turned out to be the ideal location for exploring the island. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Ponta Delgada Airport, making it incredibly convenient. An added bonus, it is right off a well maintained motorway which makes it easy to access some of the island’s most famous attractions—Sete Cidades, with its twin lakes, and Furnas, known for its geothermal hot springs.
For those looking to explore both the natural and cultural gems of São Miguel, Hilton DoubleTree Lagoa is the perfect base, providing easy access to hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and quaint seaside villages. We rented a car to get the most out of the island, and the hotel has ample parking, which is a plus.
Check-in Experience & Service: A Warm Azorean Welcome
Ahead of our stay, I emailed the front desk to let them know about our Head of Barketing, Peru, joining us. The pet guidelines are easily on their website: it's €25 per night, per pet. That’s right - I confirmed that two dogs can stay in a single room! This is one of the unique spots on the island that allow this.
From the moment I walked into the lobby, the warmth of the Azorean people shone through. The check-in process was seamless, and the staff immediately made me feel at home. They went out of their way to ensure I had all the info I needed to make the most of my stay with my four-legged friend.
What really stood out was their willingness to accommodate my requests, especially with where four-legged friends could set their paws. Dogs are permitted in the inside bar and outside dining areas on the ground floor and everywhere on the roof deck. The attention to detail made it clear that this wasn’t just another hotel stay—it felt pawsonal.
Room Accommodations: Where Comfort Meets Style
I mentioned we originally selected this dog friendly hotel so we could use our points to stay. DoubleTree hotels usually use less points per night. When we stayed it was 30,000 per night plus we got a free night for using my American Express Hilton credit card when booking 5 nights minimum. We also got a (p)upgrade along with free breakfast.
Our room was a peaceful retreat, designed with modern touches and a touch of Azorean charm. The balcony offered sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and every morning, I’d sip my coffee while watching the waves crash against the rugged coastline. The room itself was spacious, with a king-size bed that felt like sleeping on a cloud—just what Peru needed after a long day of travel.
The bathroom featured a rain shower and eco-friendly toiletries, which I really appreciated. Plus, there was a generous workspace with fast Wi-Fi, pawfect for those entrepreneurs who need to sneak in a bit of work while on vacation. The overall ambiance was one of serenity, a bit of an unexpected surprise for a DoubleTree but exactly what I would be hoping for in a luxury hotel.
Amenities & Facilities: Relaxation on Another Level
The amenities at DoubleTree Hilton Lagoa are nothing short of outstanding. The infinity pool was easily one of our favorite spots, offering stunning views of the ocean and mountains from our own daybed. I spent hours lounging there, taking in the serenity of the surroundings. If pools aren’t your thing, there is a spa. It was closed for repair while we were there, but most DoubleTrees wouldn’t dream of a spa to begin with! Would love to check it out next time along with the fitness center. It was well-equipped with brand-new machines but our leisurely schedule didn’t allow us much use of the space. Plus our four-legged friend had his own space to explore.
Outside the hotel and around the corner is one of the nicest dog parks I’ve seen in some time. Complete with a secure two-gate entryway, it had a dog waste receptacle, running water, and even agility courses for those pups that needed a full workout post or pre-travel. Having such a great amenity for traveling pet parents within sight of the hotel really made us feel like this place was pawfect for us.
Dining Experience: A Taste of the Azores
The hotel’s main restaurant, Frondoso which is a word that symbolizes the greenery of the Azores, offers a delightful mix of local Azorean dishes and international options. We couldn’t resist trying the Tomahawk steak for two - how often is that on the menu in a hotel? Breakfast was equally impressive, with an array of fruits, pastries, and made-to-order eggs.
We had a special experience of participating in one of their first wine and food pairing events hosted by the restaurant manager and wine specialist Mario. Reasonably priced at €100 each, we tried 5 wines across multiple dishes for flavor comparisons. That even included a pairing as bold as Port wine with fish- and it worked.
The staff really loved Peru coming down for breakfast, sitting outside, or when we wanted to enjoy a drink in the bar. Everywhere we went the staff was so warm and welcoming to him, it made us never want to leave the hotel.
Overall Experience: A Luxurious Escape to Nature at an Amazing Price Point
My stay at DoubleTree Hilton Lagoa was nothing short of spectacular. The blend of luxury, comfort, and the sheer beauty of the Azores made for an unforgettable experience. While this dog friendly hotel is still affordable I would highly recommend getting yourself to the Azores. You get so much more than you pay for—top-notch service, beautiful surroundings, and a relaxing atmosphere that’s hard to beat - all with your furry loved one by your side.
This article contains affiliate marketing links. As an affiliate, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. PadsPass was not compensated in anyway for this stay or writing this article.
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