July 1st, 2018 is the date marking a new Azorean hotel standard, with the opening of the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores.
After the extensive renovation of Hotel Açores Atlântico, an emblematic property of the Bensaude Hotels Collection, located on the main avenue of Ponta Delgada facing the Atlantic, the new Grand Hotel promises to raise the bar of Azorean hospitality to new levels.
The Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico has a design of maritime inspiration, which comes from the century-old tradition of the Bensaude Group in the transport industry through its Insulana Shipping Company giving rise to the hotel concept. Influenced by its history, the maritime elements are present, showcasing the history of this company through a plethora of pieces, images and varied records throughout the hotel, with special emphasis on rare and unique pieces of great historical value. All these pieces come from the INSULANA estate that belonged to the Bensaude Group for almost 100 years and that represents, in all of its existence, more than a century of activity.
The Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is the result of a rebranding and repositioning of the new "Grand Hotel" brand that emerges, closely connected to the Atlantic Ocean and the history of the Azorean hotel industry that began within the Bensaude Group with Sociedade Terra Nostra more than 80 years ago.
At the architectural design level, the project was signed by renowned Azorean architect Gomes de Menezes, who has worked over the years on various Bensaude Group projects. Regarding interior design, the Grand Hotel had the collaboration of architect Paulo Lobo, who left his stamp of quality and taste in creating inviting and striking spaces.
The Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico also features an à la carte restaurant with its Chef's signature cuisine, named BALCONY. It overlooks the Ponta Delgada Marina with panoramic ocean views, the result of a complete remodeling of what was previously known as "Varanda do Atlântico." BALCONY offers dishes highlighting regional ingredients, with contemporary reinterpretations that will enhance the quality of the best fresh ingredients of the Azores Islands.
On the ground floor you can find VAPORE Bar & Lounge, a welcoming space influenced by maritime experiences and the theme of the hotel. We wanted a versatile space, with a terrace, that could meet the needs of our visitors, as well as those who live on São Miguel Island and want to sip a delicious late-afternoon drink or enjoy a light meal.
In terms of amenities, the Grand Hotel has a total of 140 rooms, 62 of which are City View, 18 Bay View, 50 Sea View, 5 Suites and 5 Junior Suites. It also provides 4 meeting rooms for conferences, events or banquets, with capacity up to 240 people, as well as small executive meeting rooms. It also features a heated indoor pool, gym, room service, laundry service and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
The Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is another example of the Bensaude Group's commitment to the Azores Islands and to the sustainability of the Azorean economy, creating 100 new jobs and a top-quality alternative for all those who choose the Azores Islands as a vacation, leisure or work destination.