Top Pet-Friendly Stays in Recife, Brazil

Flat colado a praia de Boa Viagem is a strong pick for families who want the beach and a pool in the same stay. Boa Viagem Beach is a two-minute walk away, and the apartments are spacious, air-conditioned and fitted with full kitchens, with sea views. The residence has a year-round outdoor pool, a sun terrace, a sauna and a fitness centre, plus a restaurant, a bar and free private parking. A 9.8 rating from 13 reviews is excellent, and I would book it for a self-catering beach holiday.

Novotel Recife Marina has an infinity pool that looks out towards the ocean, and that is the first thing I would show families. Rooms are apartment-style and air-conditioned, with balconies and sea views, which gives parents and children room to spread out. A spa, a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bar complete the facilities, and pets are accepted. It works well for families who want comfort and a view without leaving the hotel. Guests rate it 9.2 out of 10 across more than 1,800 reviews.

Hotel Atlante Plaza is the beachfront Recife hotel I would suggest to a family who wants Boa Viagem beach at the door and a pool with a view. The rooftop pool and sun terrace give children a break from the sea, rooms are air-conditioned with modern amenities, and the restaurant and bar keep evenings in the hotel. Parents can use the spa and the fitness centre, pets are accepted, and the main shopping centre is a short drive away.

Nexos Motel Piedade admits adults only, so families travelling with children should look elsewhere in Recife. For couples it scores 9 out of 10 across 294 reviews, and the reasons are on the facilities list: soundproofed, air-conditioned apartments, a private pool, a spa bath and a hot tub. There is an on-site restaurant and free private parking, and pets are accepted. My advice: treat it as a private retreat for a night or two, not as a base for sightseeing.

Pousada Casuarinas is about 300 metres from Boa Viagem Beach, close enough for families to walk to the sand with buckets and spades. Back at the pousada, the outdoor pool and the small tropical garden with hammocks offer a quieter alternative to the busy beach, and parents can use the spa and wellness area. Rooms have a rustic décor, air-conditioning and private bathrooms, and some open onto a private patio. Pets are welcome. More than 800 guests rate it 8.9.

Flat Beach Class Executive is a beachfront apartment hotel with direct access to the sea, which is the main reason I would suggest it to families in Recife. The outdoor pool is open all year and sits beside a sun terrace and gardens, so children can switch between sand and water easily. Pets are accepted, there is a fitness centre, and the family-friendly restaurant serves Brazilian and international dishes. Guests rate it 7.9 out of 10 over 1,000 reviews.