Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort

"If you’re looking for a hotel with beautiful scenery but are willing to overlook a serious lack of service and communication, then this may be the hotel for you. Unfortunately, our experience was let down considerably by the housekeeping service and the lack of communication from reception. On four separate days, after our room had been cleaned, basic amenities such as coffee and sugar had not been replenished. We had to repeatedly contact reception or ask staff directly for these essentials. On several occasions, we even left notes in the room while we were out for the entire day, specifically asking for these items to be replenished, yet the notes were completely ignored. We raised the issue with reception at around 09:30 one morning. We were apologised to and assured that it would not happen again and that the matter would be discussed with the housekeeping team. Despite this, when we returned to our room that afternoon, the same issue had occurred again. On top of that, our shower mat had also not been replaced. We went back to reception that evening to complain again. Once again, we received an apology and were assured that a cleaner would attend our room at 09:00 the following morning. We were also told that someone would bring us a shower mat, which eventually arrived after 23:00, meaning we had to stay up late waiting for something that should have already been provided as part of the room service. The following morning, knowing that a cleaner was supposedly due at 09:00, we made sure we were up and out of the room early so that we would not be in their way. This was particularly frustrating as it was our final full day at the resort and we were due to check out at 02:00 the following morning, so we had really been looking forward to having a slower, more relaxed morning. Yet, unsurprisingly, by 13:00 our room still had not been cleaned. At this point, the issue was no longer simply about missing coffee, sugar or a shower mat. It was the complete lack of follow-through and communication. Reception repeatedly apologised, made promises that the issue would be resolved, and told us that they would speak to housekeeping, but those promises were not followed through. We continually found ourselves having to chase staff to ensure that basic aspects of room service were actually being completed. We are not normally people who complain, and we understand that occasionally things can be missed. However, when the same problem happens repeatedly, is reported to reception multiple times, and still isn’t resolved, it becomes extremely frustrating. At a resort marketed as 5-star, we would expect much better communication between reception and housekeeping, as well as a much higher standard of basic service. The buffet restaurant itself is spacious and has a lovely view overlooking the adults-only pool. Unfortunately, the food was often only lukewarm and would be cold by the time you had walked around the buffet, found what you wanted and sat down. There is a good variety available at lunch and dinner, but the breakfast selection is largely the same every day and becomes very repetitive after a few days. We also found the dining arrangements unnecessarily restrictive for a 5-star resort. You shouldn’t have to choose between having a later breakfast and an earlier dinner. If you choose breakfast between 10:00 and 11:00, you cannot have dinner until 20:00 at the earliest unless you book one of the other restaurants. If you want to eat dinner earlier, between 18:00 and 19:45, you have to have breakfast between 07:30 and 09:30. This feels unnecessarily restrictive, particularly when staying at a resort where you are paying a premium to relax and enjoy yourself. The outside bar also closes at 19:00, meaning everyone is then directed to a tent opposite reception. There is only one bar serving this area, and after 20:00 the queues can be 5–10 minutes long just to get a drink. The nearest toilets to the entertainment area are also a couple of minutes’ walk away, which isn’t particularly convenient. Overall, despite the aesthetically pleasing surroundings and some positive aspects of the resort, we simply cannot see how this qualifies as a 5-star experience. We normally stay in 4-star hotels and, unfortunately, the level of service and communication here was considerably worse than anywhere else we have stayed. The biggest disappointment was the housekeeping. Having to repeatedly ask for basic amenities, leave notes that were ignored, report the same issue to reception several times and still not have the problem resolved is simply not acceptable at this level of hotel. We don’t normally complain, but when you are paying the prices expected of a 5-star resort, you expect the basics to be done without having to constantly chase staff. Unfortunately, the repeated lack of service from housekeeping and the poor communication from reception caused unnecessary stress and frustration throughout our stay. For us, the experience does not justify the price, and we certainly would not return. We would advise others to consider whether their money might be better spent elsewhere."

"Location amazing, 1st time here and cant wait to come again. Atmosphere vibrant and friendly, we had a premium family interconnecting room just perfect for myself husband, daughter, husband and Grandad child. Great value for money. The Roadtic restaurant was a winner for us and we have dined here several times, we have had waiter Akash twice, he has been very attentive friendly and polite and the food is beautiful."

"Just got back from a four night stay at the Trivoli hotel. A great time had by all. One of the standout moments in this hotel was the service received by Joseph, the head chef who went above and beyond to cater for my personal needs with something that wasn’t available on the menu at the time. Joseph delivered the food personally to me at our table and took some time to talk to us! Having checked the reviews prior to our trip we noticed there were various negative reviews on line but we would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a good value all inclusive hotel."