Far away from a 5 stars same-everywhere-chain, the Village Novo delivers the local experience.There are some issues in the facilities. In my room some of the light bulbs were not working, the pipe below the bathroom sink was leaking, hot water would be unpredictable, and the wifi unreliable, and there was no phone to call to reception. However, the bathroom and the room were spacious, comfortable, and very clean, you do not need much hot water in the tropics, the wifi did work most times and with a speed considerable better than in most 4 stars hotels I have stayed in. They serve a buffet breakfast and you can, besides, place special orders without being charge extra. The kitchen stays open most days and usually have a daily special with a local dish at about 20 Rials. The drinks are good and generous. But what really makes is not the beautiful, well renovated building nor the kitchen, but two other features: the location and the staff. The hotel is located right in the North end of Porto da Barra, you cross the street and can jump into one of the best beaches around the world: the fairly worldwide famous Praia da Barra. You are close to most touristic attractions, by walking or by no more than a 20R Uber ride. The staff, starting in the front desk, passing for the kitchen, the cleaning crew, the waiters, and ending with the owner, are suer friendly and always smiling and offering an outstanding hosting service. I will be back, next time in one if the rooms with a beach view.