Chez Maria Julia hotel review
Chez Maria Julia is a charming boutique hotel located in what seems to be a quiet and upscale neighbourhood, called Palmajeiro Baixo, about fifteen minutes from the airport. The hotel is built across three levels: the terrace where breakfast and drinks are served, the middle floor with the reception area and guest rooms, and the ground floor where the kitchen and open restaurant are located.
We arrived a little after 8 p.m., exhausted but excited. Check-in took longer than expected because some people in our group decided they wanted single rooms instead of sharing. Understandably, the staff had to reorganise everything at the last minute.
The lobby near the reception
My room was surprisingly spacious, which I appreciated immediately. It had a comfortable double bed, a small sitting area with a chair, a desk for working, and a television with cable. The bathroom was fairly standard, although I found the shower space a bit narrow.
There were a few small inconveniences. I wish the room had a kettle because nothing comforts me more than making tea in the evening. The entrance to the room also felt slightly dark, and the air conditioning remote was stuck to the entrance wall, which meant I had to walk there to turn it on or off.
The bed was very comfortable.
The view from my bed.
Still, the overall atmosphere of the hotel made up for those details. The decor was elegant without trying too hard — refined, clean, and calming. One thing I particularly loved about Chez Maria Julia was the sense of space. The hotel does not overwhelm you with unnecessary furniture or decorations. It is the kind of place that quietly encourages you to slow down. Everything feels open and breathable. The restaurant downstairs is large and airy, while the terrace upstairs creates the perfect relaxed setting for breakfast in the morning or drinks in the evening.
Every morning from 7 a.m., breakfast was served on the terrace, and honestly, it quickly became one of my favourite moments of the day.
The food was simple, homemade, and comforting in the best possible way. You could immediately tell everything was freshly prepared. Every morning, I happily returned to eat almost the same thing: tuna cachupa, a traditional dish made with beans and tuna, olive and tomato tapenade, cheese omelette, yoghurt with cereals, cakes, bread and fruits. Nothing overly elaborate, just satisfying food made with care. And somehow, that always tastes better.
Now let me talk about those fries. They were genuinely some of the best fries I have ever eaten in my life: fresh, crispy, perfectly golden. Not frozen fries pretending to have personality. Real fries. The beef itself was also well seasoned and flavorful without being heavy.
Although I truly enjoyed my stay at Chez Maria Julia, the experience was not entirely flawless. You could notice signs of wear and tear in certain parts of the room. During the day, the reception area often felt strangely empty, and the hallway lighting was almost nonexistent. At times, it gave the hotel a slightly deserted atmosphere. There was also a very young security guard at the entrance, and I found myself quietly wondering whether he could actually defend the place in case of trouble. Hopefully, we never had to find out.
What gives the hotel its charm, however, is the story behind it. Chez Maria Julia is a family-run business owned by a former celebrity chef, who once hosted a cooking show on television. She also happens to be the sister of a famous Cabo Verdean singer. In fact, he wrote a song called Maria Julia — a song I vividly remember dancing to as a teenager long before I ever imagined I would one day visit Cabo Verde myself. It is funny how life circles back sometimes.
Would I stay there again? Probably yes.
The location alone makes it worthwhile. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, nightlife, and the seaside, which makes evening strolls incredibly convenient. And while I am not entirely sure how it compares price-wise to other hotels in Praia, by Dakar standards, I found it more than reasonable.
More than anything, Chez Maria Julia felt human. Not perfect. Not overly luxurious. But warm, welcoming, and full of quiet character.
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