"Spent 6 nights here end of June. Was worried as the previous reviews are mixed but I need not worry. Yes few niggles but this wouldn't put me off coming back.
First impressions on arrival, mixed. Opposite the reception is a graffiti, abandoned hotel building which is a shame. The 2 lady receptionists were not over friendly, but later in stay we spoke to a very helpful gent, Edward, (Eduardo) who couldn't do enough, which made up for it when we wanted bus transport to Faro, which is well worth a visit and often overlooked.
The studio was very clean but small and the bird poo on the balcony was bit off putting but could have been there for a while. Outside table and chairs. Housekeeping great.
Lovely views and studio/shower room was clean and pleasant toiletries. Bed was very hard and micro pillows. Air Con was efficient albeit noisy but didn't bother us, a dodgy looking smoke detector which I mentioned. Sorry but Kitchenette was a let down, Microwave had seen better days, on a dodgy bracket and we had to buy our own mugs, what was provided was basic, small tea cups and no glasses, no sponge or wash up liquid. Luckily there was a nice Spar 10 min walk away so bought cloths etc and filled up handy fridge with provisions. Kitchen and counter could do with an upgrade and furniture was definitely still from the 80's, as is the hotel, it was clean and sufficed.
The hotel itself is charming in a retro way which we quite liked, no corporate blandness. The location is lovely and beautiful skies and views. lots of birdlife, swifts or swallows swooping in and out of hotel and underground car park. There were a family of cats too which were resident in and around the grounds.
Waiting staff were lovely and Mohammed at breakfast was delightful. The breakfast buffet was very enjoyable and all you needed, nice coffee machine and replenished frequently and very clean and hygenic, a nice dining area, nicely set out. I must commend the pool snack menu it was excellent and the salads and burgers so good and value for money as is the bar. The outdoor seating area is shaded and the Wednesday night entertainment, a singer with his guitar was excellent., a perfect setting and ambience.
The pool area was lovely & very clean it is a cold water pool and plenty of shade and sun beds. Felt a little Tender Loving Care required of the other patio areas near the pools, was underused and maybe a few table, chairs or outdoor seating/ fire pit/gazebo would benefit to take in lovely view.
A free shuttle bus was a must and driver accommodating. If bus got busy then they did lay on another.
Hotel is located on outskirts of Vilamoura, good for golfers as near premium courses a handy nearby bus stop and we frequented a great Sports Resort, Browns, accessed by stairs down at back of hotel. Highly recommend their bar and serve very good value, excellent food. We went 3 evenings as we didn't actually use the hotel dinner menu only bar menu which hotel still serves into the evening.
Yes we would definitely visit again, request a poolside studio, its 3 star with mainly 5 star service, Clean and no frills but I would much rather stay here as its value for money as its a hotel which a nice family friendly vibe. Thank you."
