The mid-range, 175-room Cerro Mar Atlantico Touristic Apartments is a quiet complex close to the Old Town (via lots of steps) in Albufeira, and a nine-minute walk from the beach. Although the low-frills apartments have decor that leans toward dated, they are large, bright, and well-equipped, featuring lounge areas and kitchens with ovens and washing machines. Decent facilities include a spa offering massage treatments, a sauna, and a Turkish bath, as well as a spacious gym, two swimming pools -- one set outdoors and one indoors -- and a restaurant serving regional and international fare. Travelers wanting to stay even closer to the town center might prefer the Hotel Baltum, although rooms aren't self-catering.
The mid-range, 175-room Cerro Mar Atlantico Touristic Apartments is a quiet complex close to the Old Town (via lots of steps) in Albufeira, and a nine-minute walk from the beach. Although the low-frills apartments have decor that leans toward dated, they are large, bright, and well-equipped, featuring lounge areas and kitchens with ovens and washing machines. Decent facilities include a spa offering massage treatments, a sauna, and a Turkish bath, as well as a spacious gym, two swimming pools -- one set outdoors and one indoors -- and a restaurant serving regional and international fare. Travelers wanting to stay even closer to the town center might prefer the Hotel Baltum, although rooms aren't self-catering.
The Alfagar Aldeamanto Turistico has plenty going for it, not least of all its fabulous clifftop setting and extensive, well-tended gardens. Self-catering apartments won't wow, but they serve their purpose, and many have sea views from their balconies. Facilities are excellent, especially the pools, and there's plenty to keep kids entertained. The location might feel a little off the beaten track, and there are cheaper options available, but the ocean vistas alone make this stand out from the competition. Facilities are shared with Alfagar II, which has more modern apartments but is a bit farther from (and with worse views of) the sea.
The Alfagar Aldeamanto Turistico has plenty going for it, not least of all its fabulous clifftop setting and extensive, well-tended gardens. Self-catering apartments won't wow, but they serve their purpose, and many have sea views from their balconies. Facilities are excellent, especially the pools, and there's plenty to keep kids entertained. The location might feel a little off the beaten track, and there are cheaper options available, but the ocean vistas alone make this stand out from the competition. Facilities are shared with Alfagar II, which has more modern apartments but is a bit farther from (and with worse views of) the sea.
The Varandas de Albufeira is a budget apartment-style party hotel that's underwhelming in most regards. It's a 15-minute walk to the closest beach and Albufeira's "strip," and a 10-minute car ride to Albufeira's Old Town. The 72 apartments are dated, with worn bathrooms, basic kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some feature glimpses of the sea. An outdoor pool hosts plenty of bachelor and bachelorette parties and has a separate kids' pool and poolside terrace. However, most guests agree the hotel's food is poor, and housekeeping is inconsistent. For an all-inclusive getaway, this won't break the bank, but the neighboring Solaqua Apartments has nicer rooms and mostly similar rates, though reportedly it's still within earshot of Varandas de Albufeira's noisy pool.
The Varandas de Albufeira is a budget apartment-style party hotel that's underwhelming in most regards. It's a 15-minute walk to the closest beach and Albufeira's "strip," and a 10-minute car ride to Albufeira's Old Town. The 72 apartments are dated, with worn bathrooms, basic kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some feature glimpses of the sea. An outdoor pool hosts plenty of bachelor and bachelorette parties and has a separate kids' pool and poolside terrace. However, most guests agree the hotel's food is poor, and housekeeping is inconsistent. For an all-inclusive getaway, this won't break the bank, but the neighboring Solaqua Apartments has nicer rooms and mostly similar rates, though reportedly it's still within earshot of Varandas de Albufeira's noisy pool.
The 344-room Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa is a three-pearl, family-friendly complex set just behind the scenic Santa Eulalia beach on the outskirts of Albufeira. On-site facilities are extensive, with four outdoor pools surrounded by wood decks and lounge chairs, multiple dining options with shaded terrace seating, and a large spa. The range of accommodation choices -- from sea-view rooms to apartments with kitchenettes -- is also impressive but decor looks dated in places. The property also includes two tennis courts, a kids' club, and a playground. All in all, rates are competitive for everything on offer, though for slightly cheaper self-catering accommodation check out the clifftop Alfagar Village - Alfagar Aldeamanto Turistico nearby.
The 344-room Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa is a three-pearl, family-friendly complex set just behind the scenic Santa Eulalia beach on the outskirts of Albufeira. On-site facilities are extensive, with four outdoor pools surrounded by wood decks and lounge chairs, multiple dining options with shaded terrace seating, and a large spa. The range of accommodation choices -- from sea-view rooms to apartments with kitchenettes -- is also impressive but decor looks dated in places. The property also includes two tennis courts, a kids' club, and a playground. All in all, rates are competitive for everything on offer, though for slightly cheaper self-catering accommodation check out the clifftop Alfagar Village - Alfagar Aldeamanto Turistico nearby.
Ouratlantico Apartments is a two-pearl apartment-style hotel that's a short walk from Oura Beach and the Avenida Sa Carneiro strip of restaurants and bars. Facilities here are extensive, including a large freeform outdoor pool, children's pool, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis court, and snack bar. A breakfast buffet is available for a fee, and there's a snack bar for lunch as well. The 72 spacious, dorm-like apartments all have full kitchens and sitting areas, but the look is dated. Wi-Fi is free in public spaces, though isn't available in rooms (along with air-conditioning, for the most part). Travelers willing to shell out a little extra money per night should consider the more modern, cheerful digs at the nearby Clube Praia da Oura, which is closer to the beach.
Ouratlantico Apartments is a two-pearl apartment-style hotel that's a short walk from Oura Beach and the Avenida Sa Carneiro strip of restaurants and bars. Facilities here are extensive, including a large freeform outdoor pool, children's pool, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis court, and snack bar. A breakfast buffet is available for a fee, and there's a snack bar for lunch as well. The 72 spacious, dorm-like apartments all have full kitchens and sitting areas, but the look is dated. Wi-Fi is free in public spaces, though isn't available in rooms (along with air-conditioning, for the most part). Travelers willing to shell out a little extra money per night should consider the more modern, cheerful digs at the nearby Clube Praia da Oura, which is closer to the beach.
The luxury, 154-suite Pine Cliffs Residence is a family-friendly property with direct access to the popular Falesia Beach and within walking distance to a handful of restaurants. The apartment-style rooms all feature well-equipped kitchenettes, dining and living areas, and private terraces, plus attractive hand-painted tile accents. On-site features are numerous, including six swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), 10 restaurants and bars (most open seasonally), a nine-hole golf course, fitness center, tennis courts, spa, water sports, and meeting and event facilities. Fees for in-room Wi-Fi, breakfast, and several leisure activities leave guests feeling nickel-and-dimed. Though it's more popular with couples, all travelers should consider the beachfront EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel, which has sleeker rooms with free Wi-Fi.
The luxury, 154-suite Pine Cliffs Residence is a family-friendly property with direct access to the popular Falesia Beach and within walking distance to a handful of restaurants. The apartment-style rooms all feature well-equipped kitchenettes, dining and living areas, and private terraces, plus attractive hand-painted tile accents. On-site features are numerous, including six swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), 10 restaurants and bars (most open seasonally), a nine-hole golf course, fitness center, tennis courts, spa, water sports, and meeting and event facilities. Fees for in-room Wi-Fi, breakfast, and several leisure activities leave guests feeling nickel-and-dimed. Though it's more popular with couples, all travelers should consider the beachfront EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel, which has sleeker rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Vila Recife is a two-pearl hotel within walking distance to both Albufeira's lively Old Town Strip and Fisherman's Beach. Plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs are within an easy walk, though the location means guests have to deal with some noise. The 92 guest rooms are simply decorated and come with basic amenities like air-conditioning and a mini-fridge, though they lack in-room Wi-Fi and only have twin bed configurations. On-site features are limited to a breakfast room, small bar, and outdoor swimming pool. The buffet breakfast is not included in all rates and doesn't receive great reviews. Travelers looking for a beachfront location should consider Alfamar Beach & Sport Resort, which has a lot more features like a spa and sports facilities.
Hotel Vila Recife is a two-pearl hotel within walking distance to both Albufeira's lively Old Town Strip and Fisherman's Beach. Plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs are within an easy walk, though the location means guests have to deal with some noise. The 92 guest rooms are simply decorated and come with basic amenities like air-conditioning and a mini-fridge, though they lack in-room Wi-Fi and only have twin bed configurations. On-site features are limited to a breakfast room, small bar, and outdoor swimming pool. The buffet breakfast is not included in all rates and doesn't receive great reviews. Travelers looking for a beachfront location should consider Alfamar Beach & Sport Resort, which has a lot more features like a spa and sports facilities.
Apartmentos Soldoiro is a budget property located a few minutes' walk uphill from the white-sand Algarve beach. The 90 studio and apartment-style rooms were last refurbished in 2010 and are pretty traditional and low on frills, though kept clean. Standard amenities include kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, plus all but one have a furnished balcony or terrace. Unfortunately, common areas badly need a refurbishment. Given the cheap nightly rate, inexpensive beer from the two bars on-site, and proximity to local nightlife, it's a popular pick with young groups of friends. As such, it can get a bit noisy at night. Beyond the bars and small outdoor pool, there's not a lot on offer here. Nearby, the all-inclusive Praia da Oura is still inexpensive but offers a bit more, including a huge swimming pool.
Apartmentos Soldoiro is a budget property located a few minutes' walk uphill from the white-sand Algarve beach. The 90 studio and apartment-style rooms were last refurbished in 2010 and are pretty traditional and low on frills, though kept clean. Standard amenities include kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, plus all but one have a furnished balcony or terrace. Unfortunately, common areas badly need a refurbishment. Given the cheap nightly rate, inexpensive beer from the two bars on-site, and proximity to local nightlife, it's a popular pick with young groups of friends. As such, it can get a bit noisy at night. Beyond the bars and small outdoor pool, there's not a lot on offer here. Nearby, the all-inclusive Praia da Oura is still inexpensive but offers a bit more, including a huge swimming pool.
This hotel is on the chicer end of this breed of resort hotel, with a real emphasis on modern design. This continues to the smartly minimalist rooms, many featuring sea views. The pool is nice but nothing special, and it could use a few more sun loungers. The location, five minutes from Albufeira's lively "Strip," is great, and the hotel offers direct access to a sandy beach. But be aware of the age restriction -- children must be at least 13 years old, which is a pro for some as it makes for a peaceful atmosphere. Guests traveling with young children may want to consider the similar Vila Gale Atlantico, but rooms at Aqua Pedra are generally sleeker.
This hotel is on the chicer end of this breed of resort hotel, with a real emphasis on modern design. This continues to the smartly minimalist rooms, many featuring sea views. The pool is nice but nothing special, and it could use a few more sun loungers. The location, five minutes from Albufeira's lively "Strip," is great, and the hotel offers direct access to a sandy beach. But be aware of the age restriction -- children must be at least 13 years old, which is a pro for some as it makes for a peaceful atmosphere. Guests traveling with young children may want to consider the similar Vila Gale Atlantico, but rooms at Aqua Pedra are generally sleeker.
The 217-room Pine Cliffs Hotel is a beautiful cliffside resort offering armloads of amenities and spectacular ocean views. Formerly the Sheraton Algarve, this five-pearl hilltop palazzo blends contemporary comfort with Old World details, thanks to a top-to-bottom renovation of rooms and public spaces. Elegant rooms and suites feature spacious modern bathrooms (some with soaking tubs) and furnished terraces overlooking the ocean or lush grounds. Multiple dining options include an outdoor Champagne bar and chic health food spot. And while six pools, elevator beach access, a nine-hole golf course, tennis, and a gleaming new spa are choice perks, there's an added price tag for just about everything, including breakfast and in-room Wi-Fi. Consider checking out the beachfront EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel, which includes free Wi-Fi at similar rates.
The 217-room Pine Cliffs Hotel is a beautiful cliffside resort offering armloads of amenities and spectacular ocean views. Formerly the Sheraton Algarve, this five-pearl hilltop palazzo blends contemporary comfort with Old World details, thanks to a top-to-bottom renovation of rooms and public spaces. Elegant rooms and suites feature spacious modern bathrooms (some with soaking tubs) and furnished terraces overlooking the ocean or lush grounds. Multiple dining options include an outdoor Champagne bar and chic health food spot. And while six pools, elevator beach access, a nine-hole golf course, tennis, and a gleaming new spa are choice perks, there's an added price tag for just about everything, including breakfast and in-room Wi-Fi. Consider checking out the beachfront EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel, which includes free Wi-Fi at similar rates.