Hotel Indigo Albufeira

"We enjoyed our stay at this hotel in Albufeira. We had a decent room with a balcony overlooking the town. Enjoyed sitting out, particularly on an evening listening to the live music and sounds from the street (although Sweet Caroline got a bit tiresome after a few nights!) The noise into the early hours wasn’t really a problem for me, probably because I’m hard of hearing anyway and also took my own silicone ear plugs. Room was cleaned every day, all staff were friendly and helpful. I particularly found Gopal on reception very helpful, he sorted out a couple of issues for us in a kind and professional manner, nothing seemed too much trouble. The sun beds around the pool area are very comfortable and the attentive bar staff provided for a relaxing atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the small indoor hydrotherapy pool the soothing jets also very relaxing. Breakfast was excellent. Good choices, the food quality excellent particularly the healthy fruit and the not so health pastries! Great location to explore the local area, we particularly enjoyed a trip to Faro City using public transport and visiting some of the beautiful coves using Bolt. Nice beaches a short walk from the hotel too. Pleasant walk to the Marina area. All in all a lovely holiday."

"I booked her with some trepidation, I had read very mixed reviews, some very good and - you have probably read the not so good. Yes of course it is noisy from outside - it is in the middle of all the action, but that means everything you could want is right on the doorsteps. It is surrounded by bars, clubs, shops and a whole mix of restaurants. The beach is less than 5-minute walk. What struck me though, was that we didn't hear anyone staggering noisily back to their room (as you often get!). The heavy bedroom doors are obviously providing very good sound proofing, so we were really not bothered by noise at all. The standard room we chose is quite small, very little space for your things, hanging space very limited - but we managed!If we return, we would upgrade. Bonus to have efficient air-conditioning. Really good to have a decent size fridge and filtered water replenished every day. There is a coffee machine, no kettle, so we took a travel kettle. Yes, the bathroom is not the most private, but was ok, good sized shower, nice toiletries. We found everyone very friendly and helpful when we had a few issues. The breakfast room, buffet is small but intimate - indoor and outdoor seating. Excellent selection of food, from smoothie, fruit, yogurt, pastries, small choice of breads and a selection of freshly cooked food. Coffee machine offering all the usual for you to select. Plenty of loungers on the terrace, plus the raised area. The pool isn't the biggest, but was fine, lovely to have the stars to float on. I think that covers it, if I was to return to that area, I would certainly rebook."

"First things first, if you’re not going on a holiday where you plan to get drunk every night then do not stay here. It’s right on the strip and the music and noise goes on until 3am. We were on this sort of holiday and even I struggled. The rooms are nice, but odd. The shower and toilet are just in the room behind thin doors that don’t close properly. That’s not so much of an issue for the shower, but if you’re sharing a room you can hear everything going on in the toilet.. the sink is on the desk so most of it will get covered in water. I really don’t like when hotels demand you pay a deposit up front on arrival. It’s a really poor way to welcome guests by saying “we don’t trust you and you must give us more money after paying for your room to stay here”. They also take this money out rather than holding a card, why can’t they just keep a card on file if they want? Pool is nice and no issues with sunbeds, which are also more upmarket than the usual plastic ones. Some cleanliness issues with other areas of the hotel, the second lift that takes you from the pool down to ground level smelt awful for our entire trip. Also, be careful when ordering anything at the pool bar, as they just add a random tip on to anything you buy without telling you - which ranged from about 7-15%. Overall, I would not stay here again. And if you’re not going for a drinking holiday with mates, I can’t think of anywhere worse to stay."