We are just back from a week in this hotel , it was our first time in portugal and what a good experience to make us want to return again, as i said the only thing i didnt know about this hotel before i travelled was that i could hire towles for the pool free of charge, that would have saved me packing those big beach towles taking on so much room in my cases. Our room was not ready on arrival so we went to the bar for a club sandwich and a cool beer, the room was worth waiting for with pool view. it was near the lift which was convenient and not at all noisy. we rented a safe 2.50 euro each day, the fridge was to be the same rental but the one we got had no key so there was no charge, the breakfast was really good with plenty of choice except for that terrible toaster that takes so long, there are plenty of books to read as guests leave the books that they have read for others to use. the staff were friendly and great for directions and reccomodations for resturants in both the old town and the strip. the little train that stops outside the hotel is handy to see the area but a little rocky ride ,especially with the roadworks. the big supermarket on the right outside the hotel is excellent for anything and everything that you might need. We ate in the old town all the time and went to the Bank bar most nights to hear the excellent music. but take my advice leave your towles at home...........

We arrived at the hotel at about mid-day after a fantastic flight & transfer. We were told to come back at 2pm for our room. Two people had told us that they got their room late (about half 3) but we had no problems with this, the room was ready right on time!
When we got to the room we were shocked at how modern & clean it was. (We were expecting the same basic accomidation we have found in Grease) The view of the pool & sea was lovely, the bed cosy & the bathroom spotless.
The rooms were cleaned daily & the towels changed every day. Even our clothes were folded neatly for us each day!!
The pool area is lovely & there are plenty of sun loungers & shady areas if like me you burn easily!!
We couldn't fault breakfast - there is something for everyone. There was full english, toast, jams, fruit, continential, tea, coffee, juice, champers! Get there before 9am though to avoid the rush!
We did vist the spa area once but it was a bit spooky as we were the only people there. There are lots of little rooms down there but if it was a bit more busy it would be great.
The staff are all very friendly and cannot help you enough.
The hotel & the whole area is very clean - people always cleaning & no litter!
There is a train which takes you to the old town and the strip but if you are able to walk to the old town it is much quicker as the train goes from the hotel, to the strip then the old town & the train gets very hot inside!
Although I am 22 and my boyfriend is 27 we enjoyed the old town much more than the strip. A much better quality of food & drink in the old town!
There is a supermarket next door to the hotel with everything you could need & there are also some clothes shops there too.
The hotel next door does amazing cakes which are suprisingly cheap!
There is no fridge in your room - just a safe & a mini bar.
There is also a good hair dryer in each bathroom.
In the old town there are two great resturants, Bailote & Bravissimo - the best we tried.
The only down side to the hotel is the entertainment in the bar - if you sit outside you don't hear the dreadful singing too much though! That is not really a big issue though, the old town has plenty of entertainment for kids & adults!
A mixture of people were staying at the hotel, older couples, young couples, families, groups of friends.
Overall a perfect holiday for us - very relaxing. I just wish we could go back - I miss it already!

myself and my husband stayed here from the 19th june for 1 week.
we arrived early and told to come back at 2pm to check in, but when arrived back at this time were told our room wasnt ready for another 30min!.
we booked a sea view room which i am glad, as others on this site had mentioned about the busy road. the room was clean and tidy, but the beds are pushed together and are harsh on your back!. Breakfast is ok, but got boring as it was the same everyday.
the old town is far better than the new, we went to the strip once and was unimpressed but the clay oven [indian] just before you enter the strip was lovley.
the dog and duck bar is very overpriced, so is best to go to a bar instead.
make sure you get up early to get a desent sunbed, as by 8am they are nearly all gone. overall it was a nice hotel but have experienced better 4* hotels in the past and would prob not return

This is the third time I have stayed in Albufeira and having just returned from this hotel i would recommend it as a first class hotel. The staff are absolutely wonderful and nothing is a bother to them.

On arrival the receptionist noticed from my passport that it was my birthday, she wished me a happy birthday and by the time I had visited the supermarket for toiletries (5 min walk) there was a bottle of champagne and 2 glasses in our room. A very touching gesture which was greatly appreciated.

The old town is very near at hand, (10 minute walk) the locals are lovely if you choose to visit these small cafe's and restaurants as opposed to the various restaurants in the square.

If you want to do day trips go to Paradise Tours on the strip, you will find it after avoiding the timeshare touts!. The girl in here was very helpful and the tours are half the price of anywhere else. We went to Seville for 21 euros and the guide was fantastic.

The only thing that spoils this resort is the timeshare touts (who follow you up the street still talking to you and you end up being rude after the 6th time of being approached) There are a few beggars, men approaching you selling watches and offering hash but they do take no for an answer. There appeared to be a bigger police presence on the streets this year (walking around) than in other years.

I will definately be booking this hotel next year although maybe not with the same tour operator.