Balaia Mar

"I went to albufeira for 7 nights and this hotel couldn’t have been better, they were incredibly nice and helpful and it is such a nice and clean place and would totally recommend visiting there 😊😊😊"

"I am currently staying at the Balaia Mar while our 2 bed apt (booked through air b &b) is perfect, well equipped, clean and very spacious I will not be returning due to atmosphere and rules at the pool area. We can not bring as much as a bottle of water to the pool without being pounced on by staff saying pool is extension of restaurant and only food/drink purchased there allowed. The bar is totally overpriced large water is €3, large beer is €5 which probably explains why the bar is empty every evening. The staff are friendly and smiling but will approach you every half an hour or so while laying on sunbeds offering cocktails/drinks, it is very annoying and does not lend to a relaxed day by the pool. Very disappointing."

"I stayed here recently and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. The hotel is old, outdated, and has zero charm. The rooms are small and while they’re somewhat clean, they’re crawling with bugs. Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to relax. The pool area is basically an extension of the restaurant, which explains why they’re so strict about outside food or drinks — but it’s still ridiculous. You’re not allowed to bring anything with you, not even a snack. They clearly just want to force you to buy their overpriced food and drinks, which aren’t worth it. Speaking of food: the breakfast was soggy and bland, and dinner on the first night was even worse. We didn’t bother going back after that. There is no atmosphere whatsoever. The hotel bar is the most depressing place I’ve ever been. The barman just stares at one of four TVs showing football. No music, no welcome, no vibe. We stayed for an hour just to play pool and it felt like a wake. The bed? Lumpy. The only thing that worked properly was the air conditioning — and that’s about the nicest thing I can say. For the money they charge, this place is a joke. Buggy, boring, and joyless. Avoid."