Algarve Hotel Tips by micas_pt Top 5 Page for this destination

Aparthotel Prainha: Prainha

Although this aparthotel claims to be classified as 4 stars, I didn’t enjoy it. I found it dirty and too small, and the service was very bad. When we complained about it, they didn’t care about us and tried to ignore things. Finally, we asked for the complaints book and they came up with several excuses not to hand us the book. At the end, we made a formal complaint on the mentioned book and went away.

The only good thing about these apartments is their exceptional location: Prainha is a fabulous beach.

Last time I went to these apartments was in September 2002, so it is possible that things might have changed meanwhile. I don’t feel like trying it again though, as my experience with in these apartments was very bad.

Comparison: about average

Theme: Other

Tivoli Arade: Portimão

Tivoli Arade is a comfortable 4 star hotel situated on the Marina. Rooms are big (actually they are studios), comfortable and clean. The rooms have the following facilities: TV, air conditioning, safe, refrigerator.

What pleased me the most in the room was the magnificent balcony: equipped with a table and 2 chairs it faced the marina and on the left it was the River Arade and the castle on the beach. At the end of the afternoon you could enjoy the fabulous golden tones of sunset on the beach and castle.

The room included breakfast, which was served on a different “wing” of the hotel. The breakfast room is situated near the reception desk, meaning that from our room till the restaurant it was short walk of about 5 to 10 minutes. If weather is ok, it is a pleasant walk, if it’s raining, you’d better drive.

Concerning breakfast, there is a great variety of choice, and everything I tried was excellent. There are tables on the esplanade for those who enjoy their breakfast by the sea. We did it a couple of days as the weather was sunny and it was such a great way to begin the day.

The hotel claims to have a private beach, although I may not account to its quality as I didn’t go to the hotel’s beach. The swimming pool is good.

This review refers to March 2005.

Comparison: about average

Theme: Hotel

Sol Flor da Rocha: Praia da Rocha

This is a SolMelia aparthotel. The apartments are very spacious and clean – the cleaning service is available everyday, as if you were on a hotel: they make up the bed and clean the rooms. Service is very good, as staff is friendly and available.

The apartments consist of 1 room with 2 beds, 1 complete bathroom and the kitchenette on the living/dinning room. On the living room, the sofa transforms in 2 single beds. There is also a balcony equipped with a table and 2 chairs. The T1 apartments are equipped for 4 persons – it has all you need if you pretend to use the kitchen and cook.

This hotel has 2 swimming pools: one for children and one for adults. Concerning children, there are activities aimed at children aged between 4 and 12, but I got the idea that this is only available during peak season.

The breakfast is included on the apartment price (which is not often seen) and it is served on the -1 floor, facing the swimming pool. About the variety and quality of breakfast: I’ve seen better but I’ve also seen worse. I’d say it is of medium quality, not my favourite hotel concerning breakfast, but nothing that I would complain about.

This aparthotel is situated about 5minutes walk from the beach and shops (Praia da Rocha).

This review refers to September 2005.

Comparison: about average

Theme: Other

Aqua Meia Praia: Nice decoration, ...

This hotel is some years old, ... is isn't exactly new nor luxurious, ...

My first impression was, i must say, bad. But it has a nice decoration and if you ask for a sea view room you can benefit from a wonderful balcony (see the photo).

Although i didn't try it, the swimming pool looks nice, ...

Unique Qualities: This hotel is just in front of the beach. Just cross the road and there you are!! Sand and sea, ...

The (continental) breakfast is very tasty!! :-)

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: 0.5 km east Lagos, in front of Meia Praia.

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.hotelaquameiapraia.com