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Hotel Principal

2.5 star property
Hotel perfectly located for exploring Tarrafal

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Principal

Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi
Basic Room | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi
Hallway
Family Apartment, Mountain View | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi
Family Apartment, Mountain View | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
Rua Liceu, Tarrafal, Santiago, 7110
  • Place, lighthouse
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Tarrafal Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Tarrafal Camp
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Santiago Island (RAI-Praia Intl.)
    ‪72 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Comfort Double Room

Comfort Double Room | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Comfort Double Room

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Room

Basic Room | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Room, Non Smoking, Courtyard View

Basic Room, Non Smoking, Courtyard View | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Room, Non Smoking, Courtyard View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Triple Room

Family Triple Room | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Family Triple Room

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Studio Suite

Family Studio Suite | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Family Studio Suite

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Comfort Double Room

Comfort Double Room | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Comfort Double Room

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Quadruple Room

Family Quadruple Room | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Family Quadruple Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Comfort Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Comfort Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Comfort Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • Mountain view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Twin Bed and 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

  • City view
  • 249 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Comfort Studio Suite

Comfort Studio Suite | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Comfort Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking, City View

Basic Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking, City View | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking, City View

  • City view
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Apartment, Mountain View

Family Apartment, Mountain View | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Family Apartment, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • 495 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, City View

Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, City View | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, City View

  • City view
  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, Non Smoking

Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Twin Room, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Twin Room

Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Double or Twin Room

Basic Double or Twin Room | Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Double or Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Room

Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Tarrafal

City center stay.Within a 5-minute walk of this Tarrafal hotel, you'll find lighthouse and Tarrafal Beach. Tarrafal Camp is within 2 miles (3 km) and Serra da Malagueta Nature Park is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • lighthouse - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Tarrafal Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Tarrafal Camp - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • market - 33 min drive - 21.0 miles
  • Porto Madeira - 51 min drive - 27.3 miles

Getting around

  • Santiago Island (RAI-Praia Intl.) - 122 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria Grill Alto Mira - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Kabungo Beach Bar - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Mira Mar chez Mama - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Cafe Central tarrafal - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Cegonha - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Hotel Principal

Hotel perfectly located for exploring Tarrafal
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 beach bars and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A terrace, barbecue grills, and a vending machine are also featured at Hotel Principal. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Tarrafal hotel.

  • 14 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • 2 bars on the beach
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • ATM
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Lockers available
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Hotel Principal offers 14 accommodations. These individually decorated accommodations include desks. 32-inch Smart televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads. This Tarrafal hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices). Hair dryers, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 2 beach bars
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Shopping mall
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Low-height electrical outlets in bathroom
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch smart TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Limited room service
  • Meal delivery service

More

  • Desk
  • Individual decor
  • Laptop workspace
  • Mobile key entry
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Early check-in subject to availability

Contactless check-in available

Late check-in subject to availability

Late check-in fee for check-in between 10:00 AM and 1:00 AM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Late check-out subject to availability

A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours

To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

Guests driving to the property should contact this property in advance (e.g., directions)

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Hotel Principal

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: CVE 276.00 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 17 years of age.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Late check-in fee for check-in between 10:00 AM and 1:00 AM
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, cash, and mobile payments. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Hotel Principal Hotel

Hotel Principal Tarrafal

Hotel Principal Hotel Tarrafal

Frequently asked questions

How close is Hotel Principal to the airport?

Hotel Principal is 42 mi (122-min drive) away from the Santiago Island (RAI-Praia Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Principal?

As of Jun 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Principal on Jun 16, 2026 start from $62, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Hotel Principal have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Hotel Principal.

How close is Hotel Principal to the beach?

This hotel is a short 4-minute walk from Tarrafal Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Hotel Principal offer free breakfast?

Hotel Principal offers free continental breakfast every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Hotel Principal?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Hotel Principal?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Hotel Principal?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Hotel Principal have a pool?

Hotel Principal does not have a pool.

Does Hotel Principal have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Hotel Principal have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Hotel Principal to downtown Tarrafal?

Hotel Principal is 2.5 mi away from Tarrafal.

Hotel Principal Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Myriam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect stay

Nice clean room with balcony. All rooms have a Cabo Verde singer’s name instead of a number which is nice to learn more culture about the country. Good breakfast served on the rooftop. Friendly and helpful staff. Would definitely recommend this hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adilson paulo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jonas

Small, clean, efficient rooms. Noise was a major issue as rooms have no noise insulation to stop sounds from hallways. We could hear conversations in the hallway crystal clearly and we lost sleep over this until all guests were asleep. Breakfast was nice. They are trying their best. Nice location close to bakery and mini market.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Personalet
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

axel

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Sol de la chambre sale, salle d’eau-wc aveugle et sans aération (forte odeur),fuite au lavabo, lunette de wc déglinguée, pas d’eau chaude, pas wifi dans la chambre ( faible réception à la réception et bonne réception sur la terrasse du bar-piscine
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Fabrice

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hôtel à éviter, pas d'eau.

Je ne recommande pas cet hôtel, nous n'avons pas eu d'eau pendant 24h. Nous avons dû quitter cet hôtel et en trouver un autre en urgence afin de ne pas passer une seconde nuit sans eau.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

ABDELLAH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Bon rapport qualité/prix

Hôtel très correct, propre, bien situé et très proche de la plage de Tarrafal. Personnel sympathique et serviable. Chambre assez spacieuse avec une literie confortable. Mais, le petit déjeuner était médiocre et tous les jours on avait quasiment la même chose.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

marc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cerca de la playa de Tarrafal y de la estación de aluguers. Limpio y buen desayuno
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Séjour très sympathique personnel à l’écoute et à Disposition.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Julien

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kjetil

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Eva

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Esmael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025