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Hotel Aeroflot Santa Maria beach, Sal

Santa Maria windsurf beach with Russia-style rooms

This hotel was set up to house the crews from the Russian state airline Aeroflot. In those days the Kremlin would not let aircrew loose in foreign parts just in case they ran away. Meanwhile South African Airways crews were lodged in the Morabessa at the other end of Santa Maria. Apparently they got on well when they met in the bistros in between, when the Russiams slipped from their KGB minders..

it is now in a nice position at the eastern end of Santa Maria on the beach front. But the service is very poor..When we visited no manager was available. Its clients are mostly those that have bought from a website without advice. Definitely not for the impatient. .

The hotel is now closed

This is the official version from Pravda.

"In 1989, Aeroflot, the Russian flagship air carrier was granted permission to construct and operate a hotel on the beach at Santa Maria. The facility relies on traffic between Moscow and Buenos Aires. Aeroflot intend to expand its operations on Sal. "

Of course both Aeroflot and South African Airways have now abandoned Sal and the hotel has been sold into private non-enterprise .

E from Sussex said

"My daughter booked me this on the Internet through Travel Republic because she said it was cheaper. When I get home I AM going to murder her"

C from Bordeaux liked it

" A wonderful location for wind and kite surfing right on the long sandy beach. My husband had his first attempts there. The restaurant offers local and international dishes with a lot of variety. We enjoyed the hours sitting peacefully beside the pool and on the beach. The staff are very helpful. We loved the Cape Verdean music."

S from Surrey found it good value

"Had a fab holiday in Cape Verde – great food and great weather – sad to be back at work today. The hotel was basic but very clean and very friendly staff – the rooms were small but fine for us - cleaned everyday. The food was basic but ok as it was included in the price (so we mainly ate breakfast there, we had lunch once and dinner once). It was located at the not so nice side of the beach – but only a 10min walk to the nicer sand. "

Z from Denmark liked the position

"The hotel was ok...the personnel were friendly,but the service isn`t the best. Beer was out of stock and they didn`t order any more. The pool was ok, but who needs it. The ocean and beach is perfect. The hotel is located about a km from the town centre."

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