The Westin Algarve Salgados Beach Resort

"While the staff including front desk staff and PR manager were lovely and very accommodating including Martina, the overall experienced was soured for the following reasons. Booked the Marriott Algarve almost 11 months in advance being a brand new property and booked the presidential suite at a good rate. As the trip came closer, the Marriott Salgados cluster personnel started e mailing forcing a move to the Westin without providing any clear explanation as to why. Eventually after several back and forth messages, the Director of rooms participated in the communication and informed that Marriott is being shut down for the winter season and the only choice was to either move to a 3 bedroom suite at the Westin or cancel the booking. Firstly, don't accept bookings for the winter season if you can't keep the hotel open. Secondly, the Westin was nowhere near as nice. The room had climate control issues. It was either too hot when in heat mode or too cold in November. The bathrooms etc. are not 5 star caliber at all and neither are the finishes even though the hotel is categorized as a 5 star. I'm a titanium elite and lifetime platinum elite having stayed at several Marriott's globally. The director of rooms assured to personally address all issues during the visit in agreement for a transfer to Westin only to find out that he was on vacation when we arrived. Overall an okay experience with Westin but not what we were hoping form. Grounds and property is nice. I insisted that they transfer our booking to the W Algarve but they refused although W would've been more equivalent to the Marriott. The only other option they gave was to cancel and lose out on the great rate from 6 months ago. Westin is better location for beach in the summer but not in the Winter."

"Incredibly spacious and clean room with an incredible property just a short walk along a path to the beach. The food, along with the poolside service, was great. The waiters in the breakfast area were attentive and always willing to help. The whole resort felt very relaxing and comfortable, perfect for a quiet and enjoyable vacation. The only slight thing that seemed a bit strange is how anybody could walk into the buildings where the rooms are located. We did not have any issues, but we did find it odd that anybody could just walk into the buildings, especially those far away from the main lobby."

"We had a junior suite, which was spacious and exceptionally comfortable. Hotel grounds are beautiful and well-kept. All the hotel staff were wonderful, helpful and professional. We were especially impressed with Magdalin Rivas who offered several useful suggestions for taking full advantage of the area. We enjoyed the long boardwalk, which extends several kilometers close to the beach. We hope to return at a later date."