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Hotel Principal

3.0 star property
3-star hotel perfect for exploring Tarrafal

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Photo gallery for Hotel Principal

2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace
Family Studio Suite | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace
Comfort Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace
Family Apartment, Mountain View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace
Family Studio Suite | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Basic Room

Basic Room | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Basic Room

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

View all photos for Comfort Double Room

Comfort Double Room | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Comfort Double Room

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Basic Room

Basic Room | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Basic Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, Non Smoking

2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Basic Twin Room, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Triple Room

Family Triple Room | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Family Triple Room

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

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

Basic Room, Non Smoking, Courtyard View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Basic Room, Non Smoking, Courtyard View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

Basic Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking, City View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

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

  • 151 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, Mountain View

Family Apartment, Mountain View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Family Apartment, Mountain View

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

View all photos for Comfort Studio Suite

Comfort Studio Suite | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Comfort Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Basic Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

Basic Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Basic Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

  • 249 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, City View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, City View

  • 129 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room

2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Basic Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Comfort Double Room

Comfort Double Room | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Comfort Double Room

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Comfort Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Comfort Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Comfort Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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

View all photos for Family Studio Suite

Family Studio Suite | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Family Studio Suite

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Quadruple Room

Family Quadruple Room | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Family Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Basic Room

2 bedrooms, individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace

Basic Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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
  • Serra da Malagueta Nature Park - 18 min drive - 10.5 miles
  • market - 33 min drive - 21.0 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Kabungo Beach Bar - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Churrasqueira Mangue Baxu - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Pizzeria Grill Alto Mira - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Buxios - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dunas Areia Preta - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Hotel Principal

3-star hotel perfect 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 3-star 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.

Languages

English, French, Portuguese

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  • Free WiFi
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Total with taxes and fees
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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)

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.
  • Cribs (infant 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.
  • Destination fee: CVE 276 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 14 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 Aug 22, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Principal on Sep 1, 2025 start from $43.62, excluding 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

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Adilson paulo

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

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

4/10 Poor

Fabrice

Traveled with family
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

6/10 Okay

ABDELLAH

Business traveler
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

8/10 Good

marc

Traveled with family
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

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