I have to say the hotel is lovely the rooms are great, the food was great, the drinks were great, the cleaning staff and bar staff were wonderful as were the animation team. Underwhelmed by the entertainment.

The swimming pools are probably great in season, but were far too cold in October. The indoor pool was also cold, at least the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room could heat you up.

For older people like us, the trips to the beach are OK getting to. Three different ones one down a nice slope, one down a flight of steps apparently north of 120 although we didn't count them. Going over some slippery rocks at low tide we were able to get to the other beach with the slope, I only fell the once and got helped by a kind gentleman who helped me up as my wife stood there laughing her socks off. The third beach was also down a lot of steps, but we hadn't planned going up the steps we were going to walk the six kilometres to Vilamoura and catch the bus back. That was quite nice as we managed to have a nice pint of Guiness (OK 2).

The main trouble with all inclusive is you feel that having paid for your food and drink up front you feel reluctant to pay for stuff outside the hotel admittedly we didn't spend that much.

There is a bus stop with busses going to Faro via Vilamoura in one direction and Albufeira in the other. There is also an open top Hop-on Hop-off bus at a cost of 18€ which is for 48 hours so it allowed us to go in and out of Albufeira several times, the joy of that bus it stops right underneath the hotel entrance.

Just got back from our holiday.
Hotel RIU Guarana is one of four RIU hotels in the area, set on the cliffs in the village of Olhos D’Agua.
15 minutes walk down the road to the beach with shops and bars either side. Another way to a larger beach is down approximately down 125 steps which we did not attempt as my friend has walking problems.
The hotel is spotless and well decorated. The reception staff are very friendly and helpful. My friend needed a walk in shower and as I had left it until the day before travelling to ask if this was available we were told that they only have two with walk in showers and they were occupied. Within minutes of checking in another member of the reception team said that someone had just checked out and if we wouldn’t mind waiting about 45 mins until housekeeping cleaned the room it would be ours. Result! So time we had some lunch it was ready.
The bathroom was set up for a disabled person which was great for my friend.
Beautiful room not in the main building but adjacent. The view from our balcony was overlooking the shops with a sea view .
First impression of the dining room felt it was a bit like a canteen but in the evening the addition of tables clothes made it feel better.
The staff work tirelessly to clear and set up tables and keep dishes well stocked .Carla deserves a mention there.
Francesco head waiter does a great job overseeing the staff . We found him very helpful, friendly and courteous. Nothing like you are lead to believe from another review about him.
Not many head waiter clear tables!
The food is buffet style and the hot dishes are prepared in front of you. Plenty of choice please remember they are catering for several different nationalities so some may not be to your taste.
There was one other small restaurant open which served grill one night and Asian the next. We did go in on one occasion but felt the choice of grilled food was lacking compared with the main restaurant. Here they show you to a table and bring your drinks to you. Nice ambiance here and not so busy.
The animation team work very hard, trying to keep different nationalities entertained is challenging .
My only criticisms are that the pools are freezing so much so they held the Aquafit in the indoor pool apart from one day. It is such a shame as they are well maintained and look so inviting. After Aquafit I tried swimming but was so cold I had to get out.
The other criticism is that the pool bar and seating outside the restaurant and bar was full of smokers. Think if there was a separate area for non smokers this would be good.
We had a great stay and would return.

We have just returned from our 5th or 6th visit to this hotel.
I will get the negatives out the way first. The second time we visited we received a nice welcome back letter and a red Riu bag. The next few visits, nothing, it is very unusual not to receive a welcome back letter. Also, this time, no towel folding in the room, or decorative paper flowers. No toiletries in the bathroom, I even had to go out on the first day and buy a shower cap. It was these little things which put this hotel above all others. Please don't take anything else away, you will become like a standard 3 star.

The food here is excellent (and I am really fussy) . All the staff in all departments are outstanding, and I have to mention comments people have made on here about Francesco. Every day we had a chat with Francesco, and in all the years we have been coming here have never seen anything other than professionalism, courtesy and good manners from him. A lovely man who is good at his job.

Tui rep Liam deserves a 10/10 .

Entertainment team always work so hard, led by the very funny Matteo, I only have to look at this man to laugh, especially when he is in costume.