AlvorMar – Apartamentos Turisticos

AlvorMar - Apartmentos Turisticos attracts a number of young couples, families with small children, and older guests, thanks to its affordable price, apartment-style privacy, and self-catering units. Much like its clientele, the hotel's decor spans through the generations, starting with it's well-maintained though dated reception area. Here, you'll find terra-cotta tile floors, polished natural-wood furniture, and puffy suede-style couches in burnt-orange and blue. Moving into the majority of the rooms, the decor becomes much more dated with flower-print bedding, a mix of mid-century furniture, painted backsplash, and nearly empty walls. Trips up to the top floor feel like time traveling thanks to a 2016 renovation that brought the floor to modern times with fresh, stylish rooms with distressed hardwood floors and white furniture and a contemporary pool area with sunny yellow loungers. 

AlvorMar is centrally located in the Algarve's quiet beach town of Alvor, about a 10-minute walk from the sand. Outside of the beach or hotel activities, there's not much happening in the area, but you'll still be within walking distance of all the necessities, including several restaurants, bars, ground transportation, shopping, taxis, ATM, and a pharmacy. There are also a mini-market and a larger supermarket within a five-minute walk from the hotel. Portimao and Portimao Airport are a five-minute drive north, while Faro Airport is under an hour. 

AlvorMar has 50 apartment-style rooms that range drastically in terms of decor, but are all well-outfitted and spacious. Non-renovated rooms have simple and dated decor consisting of patterned sheets, off-white walls with lamp wall sconces, natural-wood furniture, and terra-cotta tile floors. The 2016-renovated Premium One-Bedrooms and Premium Two-Bedrooms are located on the top floor, and outfitted in significantly more attractive and fresh decor. Expect light-wood floors, white or neutral-toned furniture, and pops of seafoam-green and blue for a relaxing vibe. 

All come with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen LED TVs with cable channels, every-day-but-Sunday cleaning service, and either a furnished balcony or terrace with sea or garden views. Request a room on higher floors for better views or a corner room for bigger balconies. Additionally, since these are self-catering units, expect a kitchen with a four-burner electric stove, oven, mini-fridge, electric kettle, and microwave. Inside the cabinets, you'll find all the cookware and cutlery needed to make a meal. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and bidets (except in renovated rooms), but no toiletries. 

AlvorMar's contemporary pool area is small but sparkling, featuring loungers, a hardwood deck, and both covered and sun-exposed areas. It's a heated saltwater pool that's not treated with chemicals, and is a favorite among guests. There's also a small, circular shallow pool for children. Other family-friendly amenities include an uncovered plastic playground and game room, plus highchairs and cribs on request. There is no full restaurant on-site, but a small snack bar on the top floor serves drinks and light bites. 

A lounge is filled with thick blue carpet, dated chairs, and a corner-mounted flat-screen TV, while a top-floor library room has modern decor, a good selection of books, a TV, and tons of natural light. Just outside from the library, there's a sundeck with a few tables and chairs set up, a mini-golf course, and nice sea views. Other features include a guest room available for late departures, 24-hour reception, and a small guest laundry room with washer, dryer, and ironing board. Free and reliable Wi-Fi is  available throughout.