Hotel Gaivota is located right in the heart of Ponta Delgada and only a short drive to the airport. The location has restaurants, grocery store, souvenir shops, etc. on the same block. You can easily walk and explore the town from this location. There are also spots to easily rent a car, go whale watching, island tours, etc.
We booked a one bedroom apartment and found the unit to be larger than expected. The room was spot less and very well kept. There were two air conditioners in the room for added comfort with the summer heat and humidity.
The provided breakfast was excellent. Lots of cold and warm choices. Plus fresh fruit, fresh juices and large expresso machines. The other option was to order a la cart options rather than the buffet. There was lots of seating as well.
All of the staff that we interacted with a warm, kind, patient and helpful.
For parking, there is no hotel parking but you can pay to park on the street or park underground at a nearby lot which had lots of spots.