Very happy with the value of this stay, the half-board food options, and the staff!
Pros: Overall we ended up being very happy with the choice of hotel, and the value we received for all the fees. We had the half-board option, which we found worked out great for us. We were a family of 4 (parents, 2 adult children) 1. The staff are just great. From receptionists to drivers, to waiters, servers, managers. They regularly check up on you to see if youre pleased and how else they can help, always greet you with a large smile and are happy to answer any questions. Loved them going the extra mile in their job. 2. The meals: so many options and variety! Good quality, and options for all diets! Breakfast was repetitive every day (but so are 90% of other hotel breakfasts). On the bright side, there really was a lot to choose from: English breakfast, omelet prep section, pancakes, cereals, cakes, breads, yoghurt, fruits, juice and hot drinks, Prosecco). Dinner varied EVERY EVENING, with options ranging from fish (always), steak, pork, chicken, lamb, burgers, great cakes, pizza (great!). So overall, very happy with the quality and value of the food here. AND as mentioned, tstaff are very attentive, will keep asking you if you need anything, answer allergy questions, replenish drinks, clean every few minutes. The location: we were very happy with it. Its somewhat quiet and secluded, in a safe area. The more buzzier places, incl. Albufeira are a short and cheap Uber drive away. The hotel provides free beach shuttles to 2 different beaches (we liked both, they were quite distinct). The room: we had a large family room for 4, and frankly it was more like a mini apartment (kitchen with amenities, utensils, plates, mini fridge; spacious living room, one very large patio balcony, one smaller balcony overlooking the large pool, ensuite bedroom, and a separate shower/toilet). Overall hotel: ground floor(reception, dining area, bars, general area) is very modern. The bedrooms and especially the corridors were starting to seem a bit old, albeit still clean
Cons: Really couldnt think of many negatives. Im sure there are people who are very picky and can think of a few. We are well-traveled and often enjoy high-end 4* comfortable stays in different countries, and were mostly pleased. If something is important to you, just email them in advance asking for details and ask for assistance whilst there as well. One thing we didnt like was the laundry. So there is a small laundry room (I think 2 washing machines and 1 dryer). You have to pay for it, which says 5, but its in fact 10 (ie if detergent is included, which of course itd have to be). Better amenities would be needed for this- maybe a laundry service rather than self-service? or better machines? Or just tell people its 10 per load from the beginning). The Pool water some somewhat cold, we only swam once and actually preferred swimming in the sea (which even the end of Sep, and the beginning of Oct were great). Hope this was helpful for future guests; and again shoutout to all restaurant staff- the manager, waiters, servers, cooks. Thanks!