We are a young couple from Denmark without kids (28 and 31). We just wanted a cheap holiday were we could relax, have some sun and eat well - and that was what we got.

We have just returned from a week at the Hotel Balaia Atlantico. The hotel is good choice if you like living comfortable. The rooms are nice and spotless clean, good view from the terrace and the full furnished kitchen is great - if you are planning on cooking yourself (micro own, full size oven, coffee-maker, toaster, fridge, freezer, cooker).

Now the warning - the atmosphere is boring. The Hotel is far from the town and the latest shuttle bus runs 8 o´clock in the evening so you have to take a taxi back to the hotel (only 7-8 Euro from Albufeira). We tried to walk to Albufeira one day but the traffic is terrible and there is not foot way all way.

We had booked a stay without pension which suited us very well - the food in the restaurant was boring and expensive and the people who stayed at the Hotel were either old age pensioners or young families with kids.

The entertainment at the Hotel was certainly for old people. So you do not really want to hang out in the Hotel bar.

We bought vegetables at the local marked, fresh fish from the local shop and the rest we got from the cheap supermarkets (SUPER or LIDEL) and cooked ourself - which saved us quit a lot of money. The tourists supermarkets are more expensive - so get a cap or bus to the local supermarket.

We eat out a couple of days but it was hard to find a good place to eat which did not have big football screens and Bangers & Mash, English Breakfast and so on on the menu .

If you like to be off the beaten track - this is the place. The Hotel offers a free- shuttle to the beach but you can actually walk to Ora beach (nicest beach). Its is a long walk but nice. You walk through orange and lemon plantation (not official road).

The receptionists were friendly but some gave a terrible service (the girl in the reception is OK). The first day we waited an hour for the free shuttle bus - because the guy in the reception pointed out the wrong place for pick up.

We took a bus from Faro airport to Albufeira - its really cheap. You can check times - google Eva buses.

This about the fourth time I have stayed at the Balaia but the first time I had taken my mother.

One of things that really attracts me to this hotel is the size of the rooms.

It had been 38 years that I have shared a bedroom with my mother and I had no intention of doing so whilst away.

The Balaia Atlantico is an Apart Hotel and i ended up sleeping in the lounge whilst mother had the bedroom.

It is almost like staying in a 1 bed flat and the couch in the lounge was made up specially for me by the staff.

The Towls are changed and the beds are made up on a daily basis .

The breakfast and evening meal are in the resturant whilst we had lunch in the sun by the pool bar.

The pool bar only provides limited snacks but we were quite happy with that.

The staff in the hotel are really friendly and make you feel at home.

We did hire a car which i feel is required because the hotel is out of the way but it does provide a daily bus to Albufeira.

All in all, i will carry on going to this hotel. ( Why change when you are happy)

My boyfriend and I booked this hotel over the internet not knowing what to expect at all. We looked at recent reviews and they all seemed good. The hotel was amazing from the outside with big palm trees and glass doors to the reception. The check in was easy and simple and the receptionist was helpful. The apartment was something we did not expect at all. A long hallway with the first room being the bedroom. Double built in wardrobes and desk with a lovely king size bed. The bathroom comprimised of a his and hers sinks, deep bath and power shower, toilet and bidet. Included were fresh face towels, bath towels and bidet towels. Then through into the living space. A small kitchenette with brand new cooker and hob, microwave and other kitchen facilities such as kettle, toaster and coffee machine, though I would advise to take a bottle opener as there is not one provided!!!! A large table to seat six and the living area of two large couches and a telly. The living space leads on to balcony doors and then the view is outstanding.
We would totally advise all travellers to go self catering and hire a car as it is so much cheaper than hiring the bikes from the hotel and it gives you freedom to see and eat practically anywhere in the Algarve. The hotel food is not so great but something quick and easy. Our main luxury was having the usage of indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi which is the ultimate chill out place. Lovely.
All in all it was one of our best holidays yet.

Jim and Louise

we had a great weeks holiday here . self catering for my wife,7 year old son and myself.the location is a little out of the way .consequentley a car is essential at this time of year because all restaurants nearby are closed .having said that we found the staff at reception very helpful at finding us places to eatin the evenings OLIOS DE AGUA a little fishing village 5mins drive from the hotel has a variety of quality restaurants both for fish & meat.the hotel itself is very modern & contempory ,with beautifully designed large apartments ,fully equipt with all mod cons .maid service daily .a shuttle runs every couple of hours into albufieraand surronding areas.its free .taxi back about 7 euros.very little to do in the evenings at the hotel ,entertainment at weekends only ! beer in hotel bar 3.50 euros cocktail 6euros great friendly bar staff always ready to test their english & chew the fat !!! hotel pool is closed as is the pool snackbar .the restaurant on the 5th floor is a bit hit & miss!!! buffet great with good selection table d'hote poor and expensive ! all in all a quiet holiday in a solid 4 star hotelthat we really enjoyed !!