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Where to Stay in Campinas

Where to Stay in Campinas

Campinas Sao Paulo, Brazil Travel Guide

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

Budget to Luxury Options

  • Hostels:

    Limited hostel options cater to budget travelers and students, often with dormitory rooms.

  • Hotels:

    Broad range from budget chains (Ibis) to mid-range (Vitória Hotel Concept) and luxury (Royal Palm Plaza Resort).

  • Pousadas:

    Smaller, family-run guesthouses on city outskirts, providing a personalized stay.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Apartments, studios, and houses via platforms like Booking.com or Vrbo, great for longer stays or groups.

Specialized Accommodation

  • Unique Local Options:

    Hotels incorporate local art and design, emphasizing modern amenities.

  • Homestay:

    Possible via language exchange or online platforms connecting with local hosts for cultural experience.

  • Camping:

    No dedicated spots in city; rural areas or nature reserves outside Campinas might have basic facilities.

  • Long-Stay:

    Serviced apartments and extended-stay hotels for longer visits.

Neighborhood Guide: Campinas

Each area has a distinct character, amenities, and proximity to attractions.

Cambuí

Pros
  • Safest and most desirable areas for residents and visitors.
  • Lively dining and nightlife.
  • Good central location.
  • Relatively close to Centro and Lagoa do Taquaral.
Cons
  • More expensive for places to stay and restaurants.
  • Parking can be challenging.
  • Can be noisy due to bars and restaurants.
  • Ambiance can be very lively, especially on weekends.

Nova Campinas / Gramado

Pros
  • Quiet, safe, luxurious residential areas.
  • Tree-lined streets, large houses, tranquil atmosphere.
  • Peaceful retreat from city bustle.
  • Is characterized by many green spaces.
Cons
  • Mainly residential, fewer immediate amenities.
  • May require more travel to main attractions.
  • Fewer immediate amenities within walking distance.
  • Very quiet and residential ambiance.

Centro City Center

Pros
  • Affordable accommodation, historical sites.
  • Well-connected by public transport.
  • Convenient for business.
  • Closest to historical sites and bus terminal.
Cons
  • Noisy and crowded during the day.
  • Safety concerns in some parts after dark.
  • Busy and noisy ambiance with commercial activity.
  • Becomes quieter but potentially less safe at night.

Additional Neighborhoods

Barão Geraldo

University vibe, diverse food options, local feel. Further from main attractions.

Taquaral

Great for park access (Parque Portugal) and outdoor recreation.

Booking Strategies for Your Stay

Effective booking strategies secure great accommodation at favorable rates.

Planning Your Booking

  • High Season (Dec-Feb): Book 3-6 months prior for preferred lodging and better rates.
  • The Quieter season: Booking a few weeks to 1-2 months in advance is generally adequate.
  • Walk-In Rates: Less common for chains. Possible slight negotiation for independent places during low season, especially for longer stays.
  • Price Fluctuations: Accommodation prices are highest during high season (summer, national holidays, major events).

Trusted Platforms

  • International Platforms: Widely used platforms include Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Airbnb, Vrbo.
  • Brazilian Platforms: Decolar.com is a popular Brazilian platform for flights and hotels.
  • Direct Booking: Many hotels a better rates or special packages for direct bookings made by means of their own websites.
  • Policies: Always check deposit and cancellation policies carefully before making a reservation.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top Picks by Budget
  • Budget: Hostels (if available), simple guesthouses, Ibis Budget.
  • Mid-Range: Vitória Lodging Concept, Go Inn Campinas, Travel Inn Cambuí, Mercure Campinas.
  • Luxury: Royal Palm Plaza Resort, Melia Campinas, Royal Palm Tower Anhanguera.
  • Family-Friendly: Royal Palm Plaza Resort, vacation rentals (apartments or houses).
Specialized Stays
  • Solo Traveler: Hostels for social atmosphere, well-located mid-range hotels.
  • Long-Stay: Serviced apartments or vacation rentals with kitchenettes.
  • Cultural Significance: Stay in Centro for heritage architecture (lodgings are modern).
  • More options: Use Agoda or check IHG Hotels.

Safety Reminder

General Safety

Cambuí, Nova Campinas, Gramado, and Barão Geraldo are generally safer. Exercise increased caution in the city center, especially after business hours and at night.

Considerations

Choose lodging with good reviews for security. Consider well-lit areas. Always remain aware of your surroundings, regardless of the neighborhood.

Transport at Night

Public transport is available, but private transport (ride-sharing or taxi) at night is often recommended for safety.

Explore Accommodation Options

Campinas provides diverse accommodation options tailored to every traveler's taste and budget.

Featured Stays

Luxury & Resorts
  • Royal Palm Plaza Vacation spot.
  • Melia Campinas.
  • Royal Palm Tower Anhanguera.
Mid-Range Comfort

These options provide a good balance of comfort, amenities, and value across the city.

  • Vitórian Inn Concept.
  • Go Inn Campinas.
  • Travel Inn Cambuí.
  • Mercure Campinas.

Practical Advice

For Families

Hotels with amenities like swimming pools, kids' clubs, or family suites are ideal. Vacation rentals with kitchens are also popular.

  • Royal Palm Plaza Resort (wide array of activities).
  • Vacation rentals (extra room and a kitchen).
For Solo Travelers

Hostels (where available) a social atmosphere. Well-located mid-range hotels in safe neighborhoods a convenience and security.

  • Hostels for social atmosphere.
  • Mid-range hotels in safe neighborhoods (Cambuí).
  • Good reviews for safety and public transport access.

Neighborhood Advantages

  • Cambuí:

    Lively area, great for dining and nightlife. Central location with good access.

  • Barão Geraldo:

    University atmosphere, a range of cuisine, local feel. Relatively safe.

  • Taquaral:

    Excellent for park access (Parque Portugal) and outdoor recreation.

  • Nova Campinas / Gramado:

    Quiet, safe, luxurious residential areas with many green spaces.

Booking Essentials

  • Advance Booking:

    During high season (Dec-Feb), book 3-6 months ahead. For other times, 1-2 months typically a selection.

  • Booking Platforms:

    Use global platforms like Booking.com or Agoda. Check direct hotel websites for special packages.

  • Cancellation Policies:

    Always review deposit and cancellation policies carefully. A lot of them have flexibility up to a certain point.

  • Seasonal Pricing:

    Prices are highest during high season and national holidays. Cheaper prices during winter, outside school breaks.

Long-Stay and Unique Options

Extended Stays

For longer visits, serviced apartments, extended-stay hotels, or vacation rentals via Airbnb or Vrbo a better value and amenities.

  • Kitchenettes.
  • Laundry facilities.
  • More space.
  • Cost-effective for long visits.
Historical Charm

Campinas's hotel scene a modern amenities, but staying in the Centro neighborhood places you amidst historical architecture.

  • Modern hotels in historic settings.
  • Immerse yourself in city's past.
  • Explore heritage buildings on foot.
  • Convenient access to cultural sites.

Other Accommodation Resources

Hotel Chains

Look for established chains like IHG Hotels for consistent quality and amenities.

Hostel Alternatives

For budget-friendly social stays, Hostelworld is a resource, though options in Campinas are limited.

Unique Stays

Consider TrustedHousesitters for another sort of accommodation, exchanging pet/house sitting for lodging.