"The Jupiter Albufeira hotel is great!
We went as a couple and despite the majority of guests being families (as expected), we enjoyed ourselves. It would definitely be better as a family due to all the different family/children entertainment and activities. But we really enjoyed ourselfes.
The free shuttle bus to the old town&beach, and the variety of restaurants & bars added a great variety to our stay. They change the theming in the buffet restaurant each day, so it never feels to repetitive.
It’s a short walk to the strip, but long enough so you don’t hear any noise at night, and the Erin’s Isle pub is next door.
There is mini golf about 15mins walk away too.
Ubers are cheap and available. This was our main mode of transport,
I am Coeliac and the restaurant catered very well to my allergy. I was able to order the night before, some nights were better than others, USA had limited options. However, if you stay for 7 days or more you get a free visit to the other restaurants: Taberna (Brazil Rodizo themed), and Alecrim (Portugal fine dining). I would advise avoiding Alecrim as they didn’t really grasp the allergy and the menu was marked wrong. Taberna was great! I wasn’t able to have everything but I was able to have fries, rice, salad starter, mix of meats, pineapple and puddings. I was full!
The reception offer packed lunches - which we used twice for days out, this included water/fruit juice/sandwich (cheese only - they maybe able to adapt) / muffin / fruit.
On your arrival, you will need to let them know of your allergy and complete a form at reception and then the manager in the restaurant will give you an allergy guide for each meal.
At breakfast, there is a gluten free section to your immediate right with crossiants, gf bread & toaster and muffins. Breakfast options include cereal and fryup options.
The pools were lovely but they got busy quite fast. The quiet pool isn’t quiet. Its quieter than the main pool with no floats allowed and more adults do go there but everyday there were children jumping in the pools and the quiet pool tended to have younger children. There are no life guards at the quiet pool. The slides did have some lifeguard supervisory but it wasn’t consistent. The main pool has the benefit of the slides, swim up bar, activities like aerobics and the local cafe (no gf options).
Saying this we were able to get a sunbed each day at different points of the day.
I would say if you wanna be near the kids slides, you need to get down early as space is limited.
There are several bars including a rooftop bar (open 1900-2300). You can take drinks back to your room in a plastic cup. The rooftop pool does get busy. Its a shame it isn’t opened earlier. They have a cocktail machine so there is little delays. They also have kids and alcoholic slushes at the pool bar.
There is also an in house shop hotel but its very expensive. About 5/10mins away are several corner shops which are abit cheaper.
We found suncream and drinks are very expensive in Portugal. However, transport is very cheap.
We did not use the spa but they had some affordable options on. AI+ guests get free access in the evening.
Lifts are allocated when you press the button outside the lift - stopping people selecting all buttons inside the lifts. This meant lifts weren’t too busy! You may need to wait for the next one but honestly it’s the best lift situation we’ve dealt with.
We would return to this hotel due to the friendly service and great location."
