Boutique Hotel Varanda das Bromelias

The Boutique Hotel Varanda das Bromelias is a romantic, upscale property owned by a glass designer, and accordingly the decor is vibrant and colorful with plenty of artistic accents. Located at the top of a steep road, the entrance to the hotel is an unassuming brick driveway leading to a nondescript building with a stone exterior. Once inside, bright colors and whimsical accents are the norm. The lobby is eclectic, featuring cowhide rugs juxtaposed with striped recliners, tiled floors, huge indoor plants, pastel colored couches, and sturdy wooden furnishings. There are many additional common areas featuring cozy seating arrangements, day beds, rich carpets, fireplaces, and abundant windows. Interesting touches include stained glass windows and doors, artfully blown glass candlesticks, and hanging ornaments. Bright orange and red tables, walls, and couches are tastefully offset by others in neutral colors allowing the shared spaces to feel cheery but not overwhelming. There are also outdoor areas including a lovely patio and lush gardens. It's not uncommon for thoughtful extras such as candles and rose petals to be left as surprises for guests -- who are predominantly couples -- celebrating special occasions during their stays.

Located up a hill not quite a half-mile from downtown Gramado, greenery and forest surround the Boutique Hotel Varanda das Bromelias' residential Planalto neighborhood. The nearest restaurants are a five-minute walk downhill. Area attractions including the Blooming Clock Church, Mini Mundo, and Black Lake Park are all within a 20 minute walk or less, and Rotula das Bandeiras and Sao Pedro Church take 10 minutes to reach by foot. Gramado is surrounded by hills and mountains and popular outdoor activities include hiking and whitewater rafting. The closest airport is in Porto Alegre, which takes about two hours to reach by road depending on traffic.

The 17 rooms at the Boutique Hotel Varanda das Bromelias are quiet, well-kept, and romantic, and each one of them has its own style. Separated into three types -- Suites, Lofts, or Refuges --  all of the rooms have generous living spaces and modern features like 40-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also have lovely extras such as fireplaces, bi-level configurations, and balconies. Many of the rooms are artistically themed, with nods to artists like Salvador Dali and Egon Schiele, and the owner isn't afraid to use bold colors, like red or purple accent walls. That being said, like many hotels in Gramado, the avant garde aspects here are tempered by a mountain-lodge aesthetic, and many rooms have light hardwood floors, overstuffed love seats, wood-beam ceilings, and distressed wood accents throughout. White tile bathrooms have dark granite countertops and while some rooms have baths, others only have walk-in showers (so be sure to ask if you prefer a soaking tub). All rooms have toiletries and monogrammed towels as well as robes.

The free daily breakfast buffet is served in a lovely breakfast room and late risers will be pleased to know it's offered until late. Fresh fruits, juices, eggs, a selection of cold cuts, and homemade cakes are on the menu; cakes are also offered during the free daily tea service (which is frequently enjoyed by guests in their own rooms). There is no bar on-site and guests usually look elsewhere for lunch and dinner, though room service is available. The hotel has a full-service spa and a variety of services can be scheduled in its two treatment rooms; a sauna and whirlpool tubs are also available, as well as a small indoor pool. There are lounge chairs on the interior deck and patio furniture for those who wish to relax in the atrium but not the pool itself.The small fitness center includes a few cardio machines, a set of light dumbbells, ankle weights, mats, and a physioball. The fitness center oddly shares space with the game room, so that some people in the room are playing billiards while others are working out. Personal training and private Pilates classes can be arranged. Guests should know that a resort fee is added to the bill. Two computers are available in the lobby and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Valet parking is also provided for free and airport transportation can be arranged.