Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, AzoresSanta Barbara Eco-Beach Resort in Azores, Portugal has a corrected score of 3.4 ± 0.6 (thin evidence, no platform scores), ranked 3 of 5 hotels we score in Azores. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 4.6 before correction. Rooms from about $528 a night (cached, not a live quote).Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort is a small eco-resort on the north coast of São Miguel Island in the Azores, set in Ribeira Grande with direct access to a sandy surf beach. Villas and studios stand in green grounds facing the mountains and sea, and facilities include a swimming pool, wellness centre, restaurant, beach bar, private hot tubs, free WiFi and free parking. Guests praise the breakfast, local dinners and attentive staff. It suits travellers wanting a quiet, outdoorsy stay with surfing and walking on the doorstep. Rates start around $528 a night, so it is a considerable expense, and the remote north-coast location means town amenities are not close by.What stands out

Direct access to a sandy surf beach

Pool, spa and beach bar on site

Free parking and WiFi included

Praised breakfast and friendly staff

Watch out for

High nightly rates from about $528

Remote north-coast setting

Better-scored in Azores

Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores, Azores: 4.3 ± 0.3 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $266 a night. The Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores is a four-star hotel in the historic centre of Ponta Delgada, a few minutes' walk from the city's main attractions and restaurants, and…

Delta Hotels by Marriott Azores, Azores: 4.1 ± 0.3 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $266 a night. Delta Hotels by Marriott Azores is a modern hotel in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, overlooking the Atlantic and surrounding countryside.