Hotele niedaleko Cruz de Portugal, Silves

While there's no denying that the hotel is dated and some refurbishment would be welcome, all the essential elements were there. We slept well in a firm but comfy bed, WiFi was fast and reliable, Aircon efficient and the old fashioned looking shower was surprisingly fast and hot 👌 We only stayed for one night for a night out in Silves - a great little town with loads to explore and plenty of good restaurants and cafes - and we had a room with a huge terrace with a fabulous view of the town and castle. There is a good sized pool (plus kids pool) in a nice garden area, well sited to get full sun well into the afternoon. All in all we enjoyed our stay and would be happy to come again.

Stayed at Gramacho for 7 days , superb apartment overlooking the 4th hole, had breakfast at the clubhouse 10 euros, breakfast fine. Golf on all 4 courses was superb, alto, pinta , silves and gramacho. Must recommend a couple of places in Carvoeiro, the best restaurant for miles AL GALE, must try the Portuguese steak and flambé prawns. Plus the wonderful and friendly pub A BOA VIDA, the friendly family run pub, great service, music and a personal touch. They went out of there way to make us feel welcome and on 2 occasions ordered us taxis when none were available ( after 2am) Jennifer and her parents own a wonderful bar very welcoming to golfers, families and couples. Have to say next door the CARVOEIRO BAR is completely different, a little bit more lively although watch you change when getting served as 3 of our group got short changed by at least 40 euros overall, plus some dodgy characters hang around in and near the pub. The owner offered our group a free drink on arrival, which swayed us to go in a few times, whether he is involved in the dodgy bar staff not to sure. Be very wary !!!! Overall a superb time with a great group of friends. Highly recommend this part of Portugal for the golf, weather and hospitality.

The Oceano Atlantico hotel is conveniently located in the rather picturesque Praia da Rocha area of Algarve. It is within walking distance of the beach (it takes approximately 15-20 minutes at a leisurely pace to get there) and there is also a Lidl store nearby. There are a number of football pitches and pools in the vicinity of the hotel, so it is likely to meet the expectations of people who are sports buffs. There were no problems pertaining to the check-in and the staff members were polite and attentive, with everyone being conversant in English. The rooms, which are akin to mini apartments, are rather spacious and all the necessary amenities are to be found, including towels, shampoo, soap, etc. There was a very wide selection of TV channels and the Wi-Fi was fast and reliable. I enjoyed the quality of the food (the variety was good as well, but there weren’t that many confectionery desserts) and appreciated that the dinner was buffet-style, which tends to be my preference. A few of the meals appeared to be distinctly Portuguese. This hotel (while not necessarily as luxurious as some of the ones in Lisbon) is likely to appeal to many different travelers. I will definitely be happy to return!

Just returned from a 3 ball golf Trip. Played Faldo and O'connor twice each. First off, this place isn't perfect, but value for money you cannot have any complaints. We were more than satisfied. O'connor was a decent resort course. Tee boxes on some holes were poor and some of the bunkers are not up to scratch. Tee boxes do not stop you hitting a decent shot. Crap lie in a bunker with no sand?.... Move it! who cares, this isn't a professional tournament. Overall the O'connor is not bad. I wouldn't include it on my trip back if wasn't already part of the package but still good. Shout out David from Denmark who joined us on our last day and participated hugely in a 4 ball scramble. 9 under. Not bad Faldo Course. This course is fantastic. Much better maintained to that of the O'connor, although still some ropey tee boxes. Very tough course in 40 mph winds and even more difficult when still slightly drunk from the night before. This course I would Happily detour off and play again. True test of golf that will hurt complacency on the back 9 especially. Hole 10 the one of the toughest holes I have ever played. 495 yards par 4 that is usually into wind. We were very lucky with Buggies as clearly they do not have enough. On 2 occasions we got the last two buggies which meant anyone booking in their round after us, would have had to wait. Pace of play was always very good. Surprising really but only got stuck once on the Faldo after we caught up on the 12th hole. After a really poor 14th by us, everyone dispersed again and smooth sailing there on after. For the most part you feel like you are the only ones on the course. Shuttle service was good, although only one driver most days but wasn't really an issue. Resort itself - 2 bedroom apartment we stayed in was excellent. Really well looked after and modern throughout. Staff couldn't have been more helpful. Some more quieter than others and some clearly new to their jobs but the intent to help was always there. We managed to move one days golf and bring it forward as weather forecast for the Thursday looked miserable. Lady in pro shop was very helpful and happy to accommodate. Luckily we did as Thursdays weather was horrific. Food decent enough and not bad value for money. Lunch we had at resort but for dinners we went into Albufeira or Vilamoura. Top tip - Download Uber and use these for travel, much cheaper. Breakfast was nice. Lots to offer and no complaints here Negatives - No supermarket on site. For a self catering resort, this is stupid. Pool closed October. Not sure we would have made the pool anyway as weather wasn't the best. Location - Middle of nowhere. Will need cabs and Ubers for travel. Bunkers on O'connor in particular are poor. Tee boxes on both not great on some holes. Some cabagey rough areas around greens, not many. For all he negative reviews knocking about, I was very nervous about this place as it was me that picked and organised this trip. I didn't want to let the boys down

Booked a 3-night twin room to attend a friend's lecture in Lagoa. The hotel, or better, motel is excellent for those on wheels, not for those on foot. If you have disabilities find another town in the Algarve. Some sets of stairs do not have rails, you have to go round the entrance to physically 'get in'. The reception has only 1 staff member when off-season, be prepared and do it all online. Forget questions about taxis, transportation, and restaurant advice is really subjective. The room was very comfortable, the second door to a set of stairs (curled) with direct access to the car park/entry of the hotel area was not. Cold and humidity pass through the doors (front door leading to corridor inside as well), as doors need maintenance. Breakfast is good and varied, for all tastes, except gluten-free options. Internet signal very weak, had to use phone data package. Check-in is only at 4pm. Pro's. besides what I already mentioned: bus terminal 5 min walk, good restaurants each way 5 min walk (one is just next door), supermarket passing the roundabout, beds very comfortable. You can walk to the centre (10 min walk) but the town is without interest, unless you are there for an event, for those on foot, you can stay here and get to know other nearby cities in the Algarve by bus, as the terminal is so close, and it is not expensive to go around by bus.

Fantastic hotel. Rooms cleaned every day location great. Reception staff very helpful and always had a smile Big thank you to Thomas ( I think that’s his name) at reception. Almost every night we asked him for directions to restaurants/ bus stops etc and he was so good at explaining it to us. Lovely pool area small but quiet and relaxing Breakfast staff were fine but a simple smile in the morning would have been nice A bit “ grumpy “ to say the least. Umberto was just great. He’s the tall one. Always had the biggest smile for you when we walked in. Very very nice man. Would recommend this hotel. If I ever return to ALVOR , I will certainly return to this hotel. !!! Just to say the jet 2 rep was wonderful. I took ILL one morning and she went above and beyond to help me. Phoned later that day to check on me and also the following day too. Wish I could remember her name. So a big thank you to her !!!

My wife & I stayed at the Vale d’el Rei for 4 nights in early October. We visit the Algarve around twice a year and I have to say this is one of the best if not the best hotel we have stayed at in our many visits. First of all, the grounds the hotel sits in are extensive & immaculately kept. There are 2/3 pools, the main pool is salt water and heated during the colder months and is perfect for swimming in. There are enough sun beds, of good quality, to go round & we never once saw beds being reserved by the “crack of dawn brigade” Breakfast is served around the pool area & is a buffet style with plenty of good quality hot & cold options and all overseen by a very efficient & friendly staff who are constantly clearing, cleaning & replenishing food. A wonderful start to each day. We stayed in a suite, which was amazing value for money. It consisted of, an entrance area, a bathroom with overhead shower, a lounge with balcony off & a bedroom with a gigantic comfortable bed with good quality bed linen, double wardrobes with plenty of hangers and a safe that you didn’t have to pay extra to use. If there is a negative & I would have to search very hard for one, it’s that it’s a little remote. Although the hotel does provide a shuttle bus that runs into and from Carvoeiro several times a day. I would recommend you had a hire car which we always use when we visit the Algarve. This tiny negative would 1 million% not stop us visiting again & I have already enquired for our stay in 2024. Well done all at Vale d’el Rei, look forward to seeing you again next year.

Very good hotel. Very secluded, ideal for those seeking some peace. Nice area, great pool and well-kept golf course. Large, modern rooms with balcony / terrace. Worthwhile evening buffet. Enjoyed the time there.

I returned to this hotel having visited last year – at that time my review said ‘I think I have never stayed at a hotel that has delivered so well on my expectations’. However, although the location is still perfect, the swimming pool an oasis of calm, the staff super attentive and the rooms elegant and clean, some aspects have changed for the worse, since I was last here. Firstly the breakfast which, last year was a cordon bleu triumph is now a rather uninspiring buffet arrangement – where previously there were cooked breakfast items freshly made to order including eggs Bennedict, omelettes, bacon and sausages with smoked salmon and a huge choice of fresh fruit, cold meats and cheese. Secondly, families (with young children) from nearby ‘exclusive’ villas are now invited to share the breakfast service – from time to time shattering the calm and negating the ‘Adults Only’ claim – on TA and other booking sites. Word on the street is that this unique hotel will shortly be replaced by a Marriott – which, in itself, is a pity – however it would have been good if the previous standards could have been maintained until that time. This hotel is still lovely and the staff amazing but – to those of us lucky to have visited before – it’s just not the same Palmares Beach House hotel.