We stayed at the Jatiuca Resort last spring, 2009. Although it has taken awhile to write a review, we have only good memories of the hotel. We had a great time at Jatiuca and in Maceio. Certainly, Jatiuca is the best hotel in Maceio.

We stayed in the Flat Apartments, which are separate from the main hotel by about a block walk. The Flats are also spot on the beach. The short walk separating the two ares of the hotel is very well landscaped and a pleasure to walk. The Flats have their own small lobby and concierge. The two bedroom suite we had on a high floor in the Flat was very large on two floors. Bathrooms were not huge but they were well maintained, as were the rooms. This is not Four Seasons luxury, but the hotel is very comfortable, clean, well kept and certainly a luxury option for the area. Our room had direct views to the ocean which were beautiful. Of note, at night, when standing on the balcony and looking out to the sea, with the moon shining on the ocean, it looked like you were on a cruise ship at sea. It was hypnotic. Very nice.

The facilities of the hotel are very good. Large pool at the main hotel which is well maintained. Not too crowded. Nice low music in the back ground. A few activities during the day if you were interested, like water aerobics, etc. The entire hotel is beautifully landscaped. Huge trees, great flowers. Very tropical. Nice small stream running through the hotel area filled with large fish and turtles. We traveled with our two pre teens and they had a great time at the hotel.

The beach at the hotel is very nice. Very long and wide. Good comfortable beach loungers and large umbrellas. You can lay in front of the Flat or the main hotel. As at other Brazilian beaches, there are some vendors selling fresh coconut, juice, water, etc. The vendors were very low key. The coconuts in the areas were delicious. We did not have any problems with debris or pollution in the water. The water is a very pretty aqua color. Good waves, not too rough but fun. The water was warm. Late in the day people generally moved from the beach to the pool but even then the pool was not crowded.

If you stay in the Flats you can take bkfst either there or in the main hotel. The bkfst room at the Flat is very nice, not too large, sunny. The offerings are good but the bkfst at the main hotel has much more on offer and is located in a very large pretty dining room facing the sea. Many options to choose from, very good coffee. Like a typical Brazilian bkfst but with many more choices. Fresh eggs and waffles are made for you and there is a man preparing fresh tapiocas, which were great. Service all through the hotel if very friendly. However, remember that English is very limited among the staff, and in most all of Maceio. Spanish will get you pretty far. A few words of Portuguese help a lot. We never had a real problem communicating. The people throughout Maceio were very friendly. We met no other Americans during our stay in the city. We felt safe throughout our stay.

Take a tour of the city for a couple of hours, the downtown area has some interesting sights. Close to the city there are some outstanding beaches and other areas to see. Hiring a driver for the day is not expensive, or you can rent a car.

The food in Maceio was surprisingly good. Many restaurant options. We did not have a bad meal there. There is a VEJA online guide to Maceio and that has a lot of information on restaurants, etc. Great shrimp and seafood dishes everywhere.

We also spent time up the coast, in Sao Migule dos Milagres at a pousada there. About a 90 minute easy drive north. That was outstanding. Simply incredible beaches and views. Warm water. Turquoise blue. Again, very friendly people.

As a destination to add to Rio, or all by itself, Maceio is terrific. It doesn't have the nightlife, shopping or goings on that Rio does but it is much smaller, safer and fun. Adding Maceio to some days in Rio is a good option or its a good destination all by itself. Yet, travel north or south too and get out of the city to some beautiful areas. There are good air connections to Maceio and the airport there is new, easy to use and very modern. If you want a self contained resort and something near luxury, Jatiuca is your best bet. We had a great time.

The hotel has a large garden and lake, just on the beach. You can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Good service, food and rooms. Lake side rooms has a fantastic sea view including other beaches. The green are to walk and the location is perfect!

We choose Maceió for a small trip, only 4 days. We wanted a hotel with a good location AND a good beach. Jatiuca has both.
We choose the - MEIA PENSÃO - system (breakfast and dinner included). They have 2 restaurants, and take a breakfast looking to the green sea of Maceió has no price.
The hotel is really clean, people who work there are always with a good humor, and if you want something (like - I want a cab!!) they make it happen.
We saw a lot of families with kids. They have a clubinho for the children.

I can't stop talking about this place. I was not supposed to go there but a last minute addition was well worth it. The flight was not convinient to my schedule but once I reached I was mesmerised by the whole place. I just loved it.
The hotel location is the best in Maceio. It's got good security and it's very own private beach. I had a room overlooking the swimming pool and the beach across it, what else could I ask for ?
The Caparinha's are really cheap and they can really get you high. The Bar tender by the pool was friendly and the hotel overall service is warm as the weather. If you need to forget your worries in life this is the place to be.