Rua Marques Praia e Monforte 40, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
In central Ponta Delgada, close to many restaurants and bars
Rooftop terrace with small pool and pretty views
Spacious, well-maintained rooms with small balconies and air-conditioning
Housed in 17th-century building with stained glass and atrium
Free buffet breakfast with hot and cold items
All-day restaurant serving Portuguese fare, and a pub
Small fitness center and kids' club
Free Wi-Fi
Some dated decor
Some past guests have complained of noise issues
Pool is small and mostly shaded
No proper spa and gym is poorly equipped
No on-site parking
The three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Talisman is a dated, 57-room property in the center of Ponta Delgada. Occupying a historic 17th-century building, there are some lovely traditional elements such as stained glass, ornamental ceilings, and a spiral staircase. Old-fashioned rooms are well-maintained, and outfitted with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and kettles. On-site features include a small, mostly shaded rooftop pool, all-day restaurant serving free breakfasts, plus seafood and Portuguese cuisine, and a small gym and kids' club. Views from the rooftop terrace are lovely. Note that there's no proper spa and some past guests have complained of noise issues. Travelers wanting something more modern might prefer the nearby Hotel Marina Atlantico, which is also closer to the ocean and has a small spa.
Scene
Traditional property housed in 17th-century building with quiet atmospere
Set in a charming building dating to the 17th century, the Hotel Talisman reflects its setting in the historic center of Ponta Delgada. Featuring old-fashioned decor throughout, guests can expect stained-glass skylights, gran chandeliers hanging from ornamental ceilings, and a spiral blue-marble staircase with gold trim. Lots of patterned carpet and chair upholstery, lamp wall sconces, and brass accents continue the traditional look, but it can feel more dated than quaint. The atmosphere is largely quiet and suitable for the crowd of primarily older couples that come here.
Location
Prime setting in the center of Ponta Delgada
The Hotel Talisman has a prime location in Ponta Delgada’s historic center, on the Sao Miguel Azores island. Travelers are a five-minute walk from the harbor, and a similar stroll from the Church of St. Sebastian. Along the pretty cobbled streets surrounding the hotel are a number of bars and restaurants. A rental car shop is nearby, but note that the hotel lacks free parking, and guests have reported difficulty finding parking close by. Expect a 10-minute drive to João Paulo II Airport, and it's just over a two-hour nonstop flight to Lisbon from there.
Rooms
Classic rooms with small, unfurnished balconies and flat-screen TVs
The 57 rooms at Hotel Talisman are all traditionally decorated and well-maintained, featuring a similar style across all units. Expect wood floors, primrose walls, simple wooden furniture that varies from classic to simple and more contemporary, and rust-colored bed runners and throw pillows. Some rooms have particularly dated patterned drapes and upholstered headboards. A few pieces of floral artwork hang on the walls. All rooms are spacious and have sliding glass doors that open to narrow, unfurnished balconies, as well as round tables with two chairs. Also standard are desks, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, kettles alongside free tea, mini-fridges, and safes. Beige bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Suites add sizable lounge areas and bathrobes.
Features
Rooftop terrace with small pool and free breakfast
Due to its central location, Hotel Talisman does not have much in the way of outdoor space, but it does have an attractive rooftop terrace with views over the city and mountains. Unfortunately, the pool is small and mostly shaded. Nevertheless, a handful of loungers provide sunbathing opportunities. There's no proper spa, but massaged can be arranged. Also on the downside, the small gym has just a few pieces of equipment. All rates include a hot and cold breakfast buffet with items such as baked beans, sausage, eggs, cold cheeses, cereal, vegetables, fruit, and yogurt. Juice and coffee are also provided. The restaurant also serves Portuguese fare and seafood for lunch and dinner, and mostly receives positive reviews. Sports One Pub has a range of beverages and occasional live music. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property.