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The four star Hotel do Canal, which takes it name from from the narrow
channel between Faial and the neighbouring island of Pico, has perhaps one
of the most convenient locations in the port town of Horta, opposite the
harbour, just a stone's throw from the departure point for the ferries to Pico
and the whale watching boats and a short stagger from the famous Pete's
Sports Bar, much favoured by international yachting fraternity.
Opened in 2004 by the service orientated Bensaude hotel chain, the hotel has
already established a reputation as the place to stay on Faial. The stylish
décor and extremely comfortable rooms, coupled with the friendly, and
reasonably priced bar and restaurant make it an ideal base for exploring the
island or for joining an early morning whale watching expedition in a small
inflatable boat.
In total there are 103 rooms, including some suites, all arranged around a
landscaped central courtyard. Naturally each of the rooms has air-
conditioning, cable television and a minibar and the modern bathrooms have
hairdryers. Some rooms have view across the ocean whereas others face the
courtyard or the lush hills beyond the rooftops of the town.
The hotel has a fitness and beauty room as well as a sauna and steam room
so guests can revive themselves before tackling the rigours of an evening
stroll around the town perhaps to admire the wall paintings on the harbour left
as good luck tokens by the visiting yachtsmen and popping into Pete's Bar for
a quick drink and an update on the local news. Alternatively the terrace bar at
the hotel watching the lights of the marina could be an equally enticing
prospect.
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