Rua de Joao Guita 2, Sesmarias, Portugal | (888) 551-4925
Set in quiet area overlooking the sea and away from the crowds
Beach within walking distance
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs are rarely crowded
Rooms have small balconies, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms with plenty of counter space
Rooftop lounge area has pretty views of the sea
Two on-site restaurants and summer barbecues
Two bars, one with live music, and the other by the pool
Free shuttle bus service to Albufeira
Rooms above the bar can be noisy
Room decor is bland
Outdoor pool can be chilly
Drinks are pricey
Fee for Wi-Fi and in-room safes
The Baia Grande is a solid upper-middle-range resort hotel overlooking the Atlantic, two miles from the center of Albufeira. Although the hotel is a little off the beaten track, there is a beach within a 10-minute walk, and there's a free bus into town. Facilities are extensive enough, and include two restaurants, bars, and pools (there's no fitness center or spa). Rooms are clean with modern bathrooms and some have ocean views, but they're not particularly large and decor is bland. Guests might also want to consider the similar Vila Gale Atlantico.
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Scene
Colorful, modern resort hotel with plenty of greenery
Passing under a quirky, colorful portico flanked by palm trees and through a double set of sliding doors, guests enter the cool confines of Baia Grande's lobby -- a bright spacious area with a polished granite floor, a long, sweeping marbled reception desk, and a generous spattering of potted plants and flowers. Built in 2000, the general styling is modern, although not particularly contemporary and some areas show a bit of wear. There's an emphasis on green hues with the occasional splash of color, which continues into the hallways. Clientele is a mix of hvacations from around the world, especially older couples, and families with children.
Location
Set overlooking the Atlantic, two miles from Albufeira town center
The Baia Grande is located two miles from the center of Albufeira on the Portuguese Algarve overlooking the Atlantic. The nearest airport is Faro, about a 40-minute drive away. The closest beach is Praia Da Doe, about a 10-minute walk. The hotel offers a shuttle service into Albufeira Town during the day, which also takes about 10 minutes.
Rooms
Clean, simply decorated rooms with balcony views
The hotel has 131 rooms, all of which are air-conditioned and decorated in a simple style with light wood furnishings and patterned fabrics. Sliding doors lead out onto small furnished balconies overlooking the sea or the parking lot. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs and minibars, while bathrooms provide hairdryers, make-up mirrors, and toiletries. Rooms are generally clean, but some could use a little modernizing. Wi-Fi comes with a fee, as does use of the in-room safe.
Features
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and summer barbecues
The hotel has a couple of dining options -- the Mermaid, which overlooks the pool, serves meals throughout the day, while La Carte Restaurant serves evening meals. Barbecues are held by the pool during the summer months. There are also two bars, one of which is outside, while the other features live music and sea views. The centerpiece of the hotel is the large outdoor pool, with a raised hot tub that becomes a fountain at night; beware, the pool can be a bit chilly. There is also an indoor pool and hot tub with an undersea theme, as well as a rooftop lounge area. Children enjoy the play area, which offers ping-pong, foosball, and chess.
