Auramar Beach Resort

The Auramar was built in the '70s, and the decor in parts of the building seems not to have changed since. Interiors have brightly colored, dated furnishings, though rooms are more toned down. The lobby is a large and low-ceilinged space with tile floors, wood cladding on some walls, and an old-fashioned wooden rickshaw. There are dozens of lime-green and bright-orange armchairs that continue into the adjacent bar. The main restaurant is even more striking with orange-and-black checkered tiling, tables topped with orange tablecloths, and floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views. Outside is a bit more attractive, thanks to pristine pools, a lushly verdant lawn, and gorgeous sea views. The property attracts a crowd of mostly British tourists consisting of young families and older couples. Most guests are on the all-inclusive package and an animation team provides some entertainment, making the property a bit noisier than some peace-seeking travelers may like.

The hotel is located at the end of a narrow street that leads down to the coast. Guests at the Auramar can walk from the hotel’s grounds down to the Praia dos Aveiros, a pretty secluded cove with a sandy beach, in just a few minutes, but the route is down a steep flight of stairs, and likely not suitable for people with mobility difficulties. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the center of Albufeira, either along the beach or by road, but the hotel offers a free shuttle bus to the town and back a few times each day. There is not much in the way of bars, shops, or restaurants surrounding the hotel, but the old town has these in spades. Expect transfers to Faro Airport to take roughly 40 minutes by car, or transfers to Lisbon Portela Airport to take roughly two hours and 20 minutes.

The 287 rooms at the Auramar Beach Resort are bright, but basic and dated, with plain floor tiles, honey-toned wood furniture, generic artwork, and old-fashioned linens with either floral or striped prints. Still, all have furnished balconies, some of which are large and overlook the sea. Basic amenities include old tube-style TVs with few English-speaking channels, mini-fridges, and safes, although guests have to pay to use the latter. In-room Wi-Fi is not available. Some larger rooms are equipped with large kitchens with faux-granite worktops, two-burner stoves, microwaves, and cookware. These rooms also have dining sets, coffee tables, and sofa beds. Bathrooms across the board are small and showing signs of wear, particularly dirty grouting. They're equipped with shower/tub combos and bidet, but toiletries and hairdryers are not provided, so it’s worth remembering to bring these.

The majority of activities and features are set outside at this hotel, most notable being the direct access down to the beautiful and sandy stretch of beach. Another popular gathering area is the sunny terrace with two outdoor pools, loungers, and views of the sea. A separate, shallower pool is available for kids. Although there is also an indoor pool, it's small and set in a worn space. Sports facilities include ping-pong, tennis, mini-golf, and billiards. The gym on-site is small and with broken, run-down equipment. A sauna and steam room are available. Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the hotel’s restaurant, although food gets mixed reviews. All-inclusive or half-board packages can be purchased. Drinks and light snacks are available in the cavernous bar, where entertainment is also put on every night during high season. Free Wi-Fi is only accessible in the lobby.