Capricho Asturiano Ouro Preto: Brazil's Hidden Jewel You NEED to See!
Capricho Asturiano Ouro Preto: My Brain's Still Humming From the Beauty (and the Caipirinhas!)
Okay, listen up, because I just got back from Ouro Preto, and if you haven’t heard of it… well, you’re missing out. And if you’re thinking about going, STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING and get yourself booked into Capricho Asturiano. Seriously. I'm still sort of buzzing, like my brain's been doing the Samba for a week.
The Vibe: Look, Ouro Preto itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a cobblestone wonderland nestled in the mountains of Minas Gerais. It's all baroque architecture, winding streets, and a history that practically oozes from the walls. Capricho Asturiano? It's the perfect cherry on top. It's not some cold, clinical hotel. It’s got soul. It feels… authentic. Like you're actually staying in the heart of the story.
First Impressions (and a slight panic attack): Getting there is easy enough – thankfully, they have airport transfer services, because those cobbled streets look brutal for dragging a suitcase! The valet parking is a godsend once you're there. Now, the hotel itself… well, pulling up, my jaw actually dropped. It's a stunning colonial building. Beautiful! But honestly? Seeing that elevator…I was mildly stressed. I had a sudden fear of it being not enough for my stuff. The hotel has an elevator, which is a massive plus obviously, it would have been the end for me not having one.
Accessibility (and a little side-eye): Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always pay attention to this stuff. And while Capricho Asturiano does have facilities for disabled guests, I’d recommend calling beforehand and checking specifically. Some of those old buildings are just… tricky. I saw no wheelchair accessible restaurants and no wheelchair accessible anywhere else. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.
My Room: Paradise Found (and Then Lost, Briefly): Okay, let’s talk rooms. I had a "superior" (or something like that) and OMG. The air conditioning blasted gloriously. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after a long night. My room had a safe box, which I'd forgotten about (duh!). And let’s be honest – the free Wi-Fi was the ultimate win. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – that's a big deal and worked perfectly. My room had Air conditioning, Alarm clock and desk, desk, Hair dryer, Private bathroom (a MUST!), Safe Box, Seating area, shower, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, as well as free bottled water. So it was pretty close to perfect.
The bed was comfy. The linens were crisp. They even had bathrobes and slippers (fancy!). I loved the size of the beds – Extra long bed. Not to mention an interconnecting room(s) available, non-smoking as well.
The Bathroom: A Tiny Disaster – But in a Good Way: My personal bathroom was well-equipped with essentials, including slippers, shower and mirror, but I felt a little silly realizing there was no way I was taking a bath. No bathtub for me.
Internet (and My Addiction): Let's be real – I'm a slave to the internet. The Internet access – LAN was not what I expected, so good job, I had my phone to connect Internet access – wireless so I got connected to Wi-Fi [free] and the speeds were decent.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueled by Flavor! (and Regret):
Okay, THIS is where Capricho Asturiano truly shines. I spent half my time eating. No lies.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast [buffet] was a revelation. Forget your sad little continental breakfast. This was a feast, from Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. They had everything. Freshly baked bread, tropical fruits, cheeses, and eggs cooked to order. I went back for seconds… and thirds. My only regret? Not trying everything.
- Restaurants: They have a few restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant menu was a great option. The international cuisine in restaurant was to die for. The Vegetarian restaurant had some excellent options. Coffee/tea in restaurant was available, as well as Coffee shop and Desserts in restaurant. In a few words, the food's great.
- Poolside Bar vs. Happy Hour: I have a confession. I didn’t spend enough time at the poolside bar. I was too busy eating. But I did make it to Happy hour one evening, and those caipirinhas? Oh, my. I’m still dreaming of that perfect balance of sweetness and… well, you know. Pure bliss.
- Snack bar: I also did not spend enough time in the snack bar but I did get some food. This place did have everything.
- Room Service [24-hour]: I didn’t utilize the room service, but hey, it's there!
Ways to Relax: From Body Wraps to Steamrooms
Alright, let's talk about the spa… oh, yeah. This hotel? It knows how to pamper.
- Massages: I booked myself in for a massage, and it was heavenly. The therapists were fantastic. My knot-ridden shoulders basically melted. If you can, book one!
- Sauna and Steamroom: There’s a Sauna and Steamroom. This hotel has it all!
- Pool with view: And finally, the pool with a view. I’m not even a big pool person, but this one, overlooking the city… it was breathtaking. I could've stayed there all day.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuring in These Times:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I was impressed with the hygiene measures. They have anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas.
- First aid kit: They even have first aid kit and staff trained in safety protocol, which is very important.
- Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer was everywhere. I mean, I get it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: I felt safe and well taken care of.
Services and Conveniences: They’ve Thought of Everything!
- Concierge: The Concierge was super helpful, very friendly and arranged things.
- Currency exchange: There is a Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping: the Daily housekeeping was great and cleaned my room.
- Elevator: I’ve already mentioned the elevator, it's a huge plus!
- Laundry service: The Laundry service was good, and I made use of it.
- Luggage storage: The Luggage storage was a great help.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Did not utilize, but they exist!
- Safety deposit boxes: The Safety deposit boxes were helpful.
- 24-hour Service: I found Front desk [24-hour] was great.
- Car park [free of charge]: Also an important feature.
For the Kids (If You Have Them):
They’re Family/child friendly and have Babysitting service. However, I didn't see actual kids facilities, you should ask.
Getting Around:
The Car park [on-site] was a huge benefit, I also saw the Taxi service.
Other Perks (and a Minor Grumble):
- Souvenirs: They have a Gift/souvenir shop if you want to buy something.
- The Shrine: It has a Shrine. This adds a unique touch to the experience, making it different from the usual hotels.
The Imperfection: The One Thing They Could Improve:
I have one small gripe: the signage. It's not always super clear where things are located. But honestly? That's a tiny, tiny issue.
The Verdict: Capricho Asturiano is more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a gateway to the magic of Ouro Preto, a place where history, beauty, and genuine hospitality converge.
FINAL RATING: 9.5/10 (Would absolutely go back!)
MY OFFER: Escape to Ouro Preto – Your UNESCO Adventure Awaits!
Book your stay at Capricho Asturiano today and save 15% on your stay, plus receive:
- Complimentary Breakfast: Indulge in our legendary breakfast buffet to start your day!
- Free Caipirinha Voucher: Enjoy two refreshing caipirinhas at our poolside bar!
- A Guided Walking Tour of Ouro Preto: Discover the hidden gems of this
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this "itinerary" for Capricho Asturiano in Ouro Preto is less a meticulously planned schedule and more a… well, a glorious, chaotic, heart-on-your-sleeve adventure. Consider it a roadmap, sure, but one drawn by a caffeinated toddler with a crayon box and a serious case of wanderlust. Prepare for feels, folks. And maybe a slightly skewed sense of direction.
Day 1: Landing in Gold (and Maybe a Little Doubt)
- Morning (ish): Arrive in Belo Horizonte. After an eternity of a flight with the baby incessantly crying, I'm finally here. I've got a knot in my stomach, half excitement, half utter, unadulterated terror. This is Brazil. I'm attempting Portuguese. My phrasebook looks more like a ransom note, scrawled in panic. Grab a transfer to Ouro Preto. The drive? Stunning. Honestly, the rolling hills of Minas Gerais are immediately, undeniably, ridiculously gorgeous. The air smells like… something. I can’t quite place it. Freedom? Adventure? Maybe just eucalyptus.
- Afternoon: Check into Capricho Asturiano. First impressions? Okay, okay, breathe. It's… antique. Like, genuinely, gloriously, slightly creaky-floored antique. Think heavy wooden furniture, lace doilies, and a faint scent of old books and colonial charm. Oh, and the view from my balcony? Breathtaking. That first gasp of, "Oh my god, I'm actually here" kind of breathtaking. This is where that feeling grows. I can't shake it. A part of me is still expecting someone to yell "CUT!"
- Afternoon, Continued (and a Small Breakdown): Attempt to navigate the town. Immediately get lost. Repeatedly. Ouro Preto is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and steep hills. I’m convinced the locals must be incredibly fit. After a couple of wrong turns, end up in a tiny, brightly-lit shop selling local sweets. The woman behind the counter, bless her heart, barely speaks English but manages to convey, with expressive hand gestures and a generous sample of "doce de leite" (gods, it's incredible), exactly where to find the Praça Tiradentes (main square). Finally find the square! This is it. This is the core of the story. Everyone is buzzing. All the stories are real.
- Evening: Dinner at a charming restaurant with a view. Ordered something. No idea what it is. It's meat, vegetables, and rice. Delicious. A local musician serenades the tables with a mournful, beautiful melody (probably about lost love and the price of gold, I'm guessing). Drink too much Caipirinha. Feel ridiculously happy. Accidentally attempt to sing along, butchering the Portuguese. The local musicians are too polite to laugh, but I see the twinkle in their eyes.
Day 2: The Gold Rush (and My Lack of Glamour)
- Morning: Visit the Museu da Inconfidência (the museum of Conspiracy). Whoa. The history! The stories! The sheer weight of oppression and rebellion! It’s heavy stuff. I left feeling a little stunned, a little furious, and a profound respect for the people who fought for their freedom. Then take a good look again. And again.
- Morning, Continued: Find a local baker and purchase some of their freshly baked bread. Immediately devour it. With nothing because everything else is closed.
- Afternoon: The Mina (mine), the gold mine. Prepare for darkness, cramped spaces, and a serious appreciation for the miners who toiled in these conditions centuries ago. I feel claustrophobic at times, but the guide's stories… fascinating. The sheer audacity of human greed (and the ingenuity required to extract the gold) is both appalling and captivating. I try to imagine working here all day. This is where the story really begins - I could be one of the locals, I could feel like them. The idea of me being "me" starts to feel very hollow.
- Afternoon, Continued: Wander aimlessly through the cobblestone streets again. Get lost, but this time, it's less terrifying. End up stumbling upon a small church seemingly carved from gold. I just stand there, staring, completely overwhelmed. It does not become easier.
- Evening: Have the dinner of your life at a local restaurant. (Well, at least one of them). Meat, rice, beans, and french fries. Feel this overwhelming feeling of contentment. Eat the world.
Day 3: Churches, Churches, Everywhere (and Maybe a Spiritual Awakening?)
- Morning: Church hopping commences. Santa Maria is a must. It's ornate, overwhelming, and even, I think, a little bit beautiful. Each church feels like a journey through time, a testament to faith, artistry, and the enduring human spirit. Take a deep breath. Let the music surround you. Forget everything else.
- Afternoon: Find the best, most incredible churros. Buy another. Buy another. And another.
- Afternoon, Continued: Wander! More walking! That's a great way to get the most out of the experience.
- Evening: Pack. Eat. Say goodbye. Have a final Caipirinha, and hug the waiter.
Day (Departure):
- Morning: Leave Ouro Preto with a heart full of memories, a camera roll overflowing with photos (most of them blurry), and a deep, deep longing to return.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- The hills. They are relentless. Invest in comfortable shoes. And maybe a sherpa.
- The ice cream. Seriously, find the sorveteria (ice cream shop) and try the passionfruit. It's pure sunshine in a cone.
- The pace. Time seems to slow down here. Embrace it. Don't rush. Get lost in the moment. Let the chaos wash over you.
- The people. The warmth, the smiles, the genuine hospitality. They are the heart of Ouro Preto. Learn some Portuguese (even a few phrases) and try to connect. You won't regret it.
- I swear, the statues of saints are watching me. I can feel them… judging my questionable (but delicious) food choices.
- The whole experience feels a bit… surreal. Like a dream. A beautiful, slightly chaotic, gloriously messy dream. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
This, my friends, is not an itinerary. It's a confession. A love letter. A testament to the power of travel to break you down, build you back up, and leave you forever changed. Go. Get lost. And let Ouro Preto work its magic. Just, you know, bring comfy shoes. And maybe a translator app. And a whole heap of open-mindedness. You're going to need it.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bigc Home Awaits in Chiang Mai!
Capricho Asturiano Ouro Preto: You've Got Questions? I've Got (Unfiltered) Answers!
Alright, alright, settle down! You're thinking of trekking to Ouro Preto, huh? Good on ya! But first, let's get this straight – everyone's got the same questions, from the "where do I even start?!" to the "is it REALLY worth the hype?!" So, lean in, grab a caipirinha (or whatever fuels your soul), and let's bust some bubbles. Prepare for some ramblings. This is gonna be messy. You've been warned.
1. Exactly WHAT is Capricho Asturiano? Is it a hotel? A mythical creature? Tell me everything!
Okay, deep breaths. Capricho Asturiano is, at its core, a pousada (a charming, smaller hotel) in Ouro Preto. But it's way more than that. Think of it as a portal to another world. A REALLY beautiful, slightly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable world. Imagine cobbled streets, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and the constant, subtle hum of history. It's not just a place to flop in bed; it’s part of Ouro Preto itself. And seriously... finding it took me longer than I'd like to admit. The streets are a maze!
2. So, is the location good? Like, *really* good? I don't want to be stuck in the boonies!
Listen, *very* good doesn't even begin... it's stellar. Capricho Asturiano is smack-dab in the heart of Ouro Preto's historic center, which, let’s be honest, IS Ouro Preto. You are practically tripping over colonial-era gold mines and churches. You can wander out your door and BAM! History, architecture, and seriously delicious *pão de queijo* are all within spitting distance.
But here's the slightly less glamorous part: There are hills. Many hills. All the hills. My calves were screaming after the first day. If you’re not a fan of incline, maybe reconsider this beauty of a city. The upside? AMAZING views. Seriously, the panoramas are worth the leg burn.
3. What's the vibe? Is it...fancy? Relaxed? Should I bring my tiara?
Okay, ditch the tiara (unless you REALLY want to). Capricho Asturiano is charmingly rustic, not stuffy. Think "elegant with a touch of bohemian." I'm talking exposed stone walls, antique furniture, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to sip wine on a balcony and philosophical debates. And if I'm being honest, I definitely had morning breath once or twice... no judgement! It's friendly. The staff is super helpful, always with a smile and an eagerness to share tips. It feels like a warm hug, wrapped in a slightly run-down (in the BEST way possible) building.
4. The Rooms! Spill the beans! Are they worth the money? And really, how's the Wi-Fi?
The rooms are gorgeous! Seriously, they are. They're all unique, decorated with a mix of antiques and local art. I stayed in a room with a balcony overlooking the street, and honestly? Worth every single penny. Waking up to that view every morning was just… magical.
Now, the Wi-Fi. It's Brazil, okay? It's good enough to check your emails and post a few pictures. But don't expect lightning-fast streaming. You're there to explore, dammit! Put the phone down (I know, I know, easier said than done – I’m a total phone addict!), breathe in that Ouro Preto air, and soak it all in.
5. FOOD! Give me the lowdown on breakfast and anything else I can eat there!
Breakfast at Capricho Asturiano? Oh. My. Goodness. It is a FEAST. Fresh juices, fruits galore (the mangoes! The passionfruit!), freshly baked bread, cheeses, hams, and those tiny, perfect *pão de queijo* that are practically a religious experience. I ate so much, I practically waddled out of the breakfast room every day. (Don't judge me... I had a *very* active exploration schedule!) Honestly, just the breakfast alone is almost worth the price of admission. I swear, I almost cried when they ran out of papaya one day.
They don't have a full restaurant, per se, (at least when I went), but they often had snacks, and the staff can offer recommendation -- or even just call someone up to deliver food.
6. What's the best thing about Capricho Asturiano (besides breakfast!)? Favorite memory?
Okay, my most cherished memory? One evening, after a long day of exploring, I was sitting on the balcony of my room, sipping a local Cachaca, watching the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues. The sounds of the city drifted up – music, laughter, the distant clatter of dinner being prepared. It was… bliss. Pure, unadulterated, postcard-perfect bliss. I truly felt like I was living in a fairytale. The imperfections -- the slightly creaky floorboards in my room, the occasional power outage, the fact that I got lost in the city *every single day* -- they just added to the charm. I felt like I was stepping back in time. Yes, even with a creaky floor. I mean, everyone has to deal with that, right?
7. Any downsides? Be brutally honest.
Alright, alright, I'll keep it real. As amazing as it is, Capricho Asturiano IS an older building. So expect things like… less-than-perfect soundproofing (sometimes you can hear the street, or your neighbors), and maybe a wonky shower head. Also, you need to be prepared for the hills! And sometimes, service is… relaxed. Brazilian relaxed. (Not always a bad thing, to be honest. Embrace the "slow down" vibe!). And if you're not one for crowds, be warned that Ouro Preto gets busy, especially during peak season (which, honestly, is still worth it!).
8. Who is Capricho Asturiano NOT for? Let's be real!
