Alfagar Cerro Malpique

There's not much to distinguish the Cerro Malpique from Albufeira's glut of aparthotels, except for a few shortcomings when it comes to fees and services. This hotel is divided into two buildings, one newer than the other, though both are dated. Guests check-in at the older building. The lobby is a long, narrow space with turquoise walls behind the white reception desk. A wicker sofa and a few chairs provide places for guests to sit, and tourist brochures are displayed on a rack. Large potted plants accent the courtyard between the two buildings, and there's an outdoor pool table for entertainment. Some rooms are accessed via exterior hallways and some are inside, though there's no elevator. The hotel is closed in the winter. It attracts mostly self-sufficient couples and families looking for reasonable rates in a good location. Groups also make their way here.  

This hotel is located on a hllltop in a quiet residential neighborhood just outside of Albufeira's old town. There's not much immediately around the hotel, but shops, restaurants, and pubs are within an easy walk (except for the steps that lead to the old town). Expect a five- to 15-minute walk depending on the destination. There's a beach in town, and lounge chairs can be rented on the sand. A car will be handy for those wanting to explore the Algarve's many quaint towns and family-friendly destinations. Zoomarine Algarve is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. It's a 45-minute drive to Lagos, and an hour to Sagres. Expect about a 35-minute drive to Faro Airport and a little over two hours to Lisbon and its airport. 

This apartment-style hotel offers studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, all with fully equipped kitchens. Studios accommodate two people in twin beds. They also have a sofa and dining table and chairs. Units in the older building are rather outdated and worn, with tube-style TVs, out-of-date fabrics on beds and windows, and appliances that look past their prime. Bathrooms show some mildew stains, but they are otherwise clean and have shower/tub combos. Only soap is provided. Apartments in the newer building are more colorful (perhaps too colorful for some guests), with purple sofas and bright pink tile plus yellow and pink drapery. Although they are newer, they still have a dated look and old tube TVs, but they do have air conditioning, which the other building does not have. Bathrooms feature brightly colored tiling. All units have a furnished balcony or terrace, some with nice views of the city and some of the sea. Keep in mind that daily housekeeping isn't available, and there is no Wi-Fi in the apartments, paid or otherwise. Noise can also be an issue as soundproofing is poor.

The hotel does not have much in the way of features, but it does have two outdoor pools, one at each building. The one at the older building is larger and has more deck space. Bright yellow lounge chairs surround it, and potted palm trees provide a little shade, as do bright yellow and blue umbrellas. The second pool is rectangular and suitable for swimming laps, although deck space and lounge chairs are limited. A whirlpool is adjacent, with a little more deck space. Some rooms look directly onto the pools and have their own lounge chairs. One of the pools has a bar. A sauna and Turkish bath are available, though they require a fee. Parking is free, and Wi-Fi is only available in one of the lobbies for a fee.