"This place is excellent quality in all areas. We were lucky and got a people carrier transfer with 1 other family so it took 30mins from Faro Apt. If it’s a coach with a few drop offs it’ll take a bit longer but don’t let that put you off. On arrival our room wasn’t ready but we knew this was going to be the case. We were checked in and given a map of the hotel, a free water bottle which we could fill up at multiple places around the site and told we’d be contacted via mobile when the room was ready. Our luggage was stored securely and we went for a drink at the bar.
Super Bock was the beer on tap and Sommersby Cider was available too. Cocktails were pre-made for ease and speed, weren’t amazing but still drinkable. Plenty choice of other drinks available too. While we were waiting, a shutter came up at the bar and people flocked around. We realised it was the snack bar so had a look. Usual stuff like burgers, ham and cheese toasties, hot dogs, chips, pizza. Also had cold sandwiches and salads as well as fruit and jelly. They had snacks that changed each day too, breaded cuttlefish, fish fingers, onion rings, chicken nuggets, chicken wings. All of these snacks were lovely. Much better quality of stuff than Spanish hotels I’ve stayed at. All of this stuff was wrapped as well so you could take it away to your room or round the pool, nice touch.
We didn’t have to wait long for our room and we were very impressed. I had requested a double bed and a quiet room and we ended up in Block D. Each block has 10 apartments and I think there were 8 or 9 blocks. D, E and F would be the quiet blocks I’d imagine. The apartments are made up of a lounge area that has 2 pull out single beds, a big TV, a table and 4 chairs, and a kitchen area with a small fridge, kettle, microwave and 2 hobs. Minimal cutlery but we didn’t prepare any food or drink in the room at all. The main bedroom had the double bed, large TV and sliding wardrobes with hangers and access to a free safe which was a nice touch. Both room had access to a balcony area and both rooms had a ceiling fan and air con which were both excellent. We could have had the room cleaned and made up each day. There were towels, hand soap, lotion and in the shower there was shampoo, conditioner and body wash which all smelt lovely. Beds were comfortable and extra pillows were available as well.
The hotel is kept really clean throughout which is down to hardworking staff and good management. On site there is a main pool, a shallow pool and a splash park. Pool was cold but they have been at every hotel we’ve been to. Once you’re in and moving you’re fine. They are quite strict about balls and inflatables not being allowed. Our kids are 14 and 12 and they enjoyed the splash park slides but probably better suited to slightly younger kids so mostly in the main pool. On check in you’re given tokens you can exchange for towels, hand the towels back and get your tokens back etc, no charge for this.
There was a good roster of activities for kids and adults to take part in. Entertainment staff were friendly and patient. There is a multi use court which you can book a 1hr slot for at reception which was good and well maintained. Also a table tennis table, a gym and an arcade room with arcade games, 2 pool tables and laundry facilities.
There is barely an hour in the day where food isn’t available at this hotel. Breakfast, then continental breakfast, then snack bar opens, then lunch, then dinner, then snack bar again. The choice was very good at meal times and again, the quality of the food provided was much better than AI hotels I’ve stayed at before. The pancakes at breakfast are as good as other reviews say. We tried a coffee with breakfast and each day it tasted like there was chocolate powder in the coffees we chose at the automated machines. Couldn’t understand that one. You can order a latte or cappuccino at the bar and they were really nice, propa ground coffee and steamed milk. Drinks with meals were plentiful too, Sangria was lovely.
We stayed during Halloween and the hotel really made an effort with decorating the place, even making spooky shapes out of fruit and bloody cocktails.
There is a beach about a 10min walk away if you turn left at the bottom of the street then right, which was nice with a few bars and cafes and souvenir shops down there. You walk past a few bars and cafes on the way too. If you turn right there are more shops, and a supermarket and also the bus stop if you wanted to see Albufiera. We paid about 9 euros on the bus to go and about 15 euros in a taxi to come back so to save the hassle I’d recommend just getting a taxi both ways.
The hotel bar itself was great, any queue’s there were, didn’t last long due to staff efficiency. The little pots of ice cream in the bar were Walls which again shows this hotel goes the extra mile on quality. Staff would allow you to order multiple drinks at a time which is great. Always football on as well, they do show English games but if your team isn’t shown, there is a sports bar 5mins away.
We’ve done a few AI inclusive holidays now and this place was definitely the best I’ve been to. You just have to look at the sheer volume of excellent reviews this place gets. I would recommend 3HB Humbria to anyone. Well done to all who work there."
