Eden Resort

This property consists of multicolored whitewashed apartments and villas with terra-cotta roofs situated on nicely maintained grounds dotted with palm trees and tropical vegetation. The vibe is thus more holiday village than hotel, which suits most guests who pass through the Eden Resort. Cobblestone walkways wind through the buildings, and there's also a small pond with fish. Ample parking is available next to the units. The lobby is simple and plain, with a beige tile floor, white walls, ceiling, and columns, and several turquoise sofas along the wall where guests can hang out. Check in take place at simple white tables, and signs advertise the spa, mini-market, and services. A long table displays tourist brochures. The pools -- the most active spots here -- are found in the middle of the property, with the buildings surrounding them. Families, especially those with young children, make up the majority of guests here, followed by couples and groups. As such, expect boisterous goings on around the pools and in the restaurant during high season.

The hotel is located on the top of a hill on the outskirts of Albufeira, overlooking the town and the nearby ocean. There's not much else in the neighborhood, and the drive to town takes about 10 minutes. Some guests opt to walk, which takes about 30 minutes (though roads have no sidewalks and are narrow and twisty), or take the free hotel shuttle. Albufeira has plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs, as well as its own cliff-flanked beach. The town's marina is also a 10-minute drive from the property, which is where excursions to various sea caves and dolphin tours depart. Expect about a 30-minute drive to the Faro Airport, and a little over a two-hour drive to Lisbon. 

Rooms here are apartments, townhouses, or villas, all with fully equipped kitchens. They come in one-, two-, three-, or four-bedroom configurations, and the four-bedroom villas have private pools. Interiors are modern and simple, with beige tile floors, clean-lined wood furniture, white walls, and neutral color schemes of beige and black accented by shades of red, blue, or green. Living rooms have sofa beds for additional sleeping space. They all have large furnished outdoor spaces overlooking the gardens and pools. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes. Fully equipped modern kitchens feature microwaves, stove tops and ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, toasters, and coffeemakers, plus everything needed for cooking and dining. Bathrooms also are modern and include showers, tubs, or shower/tub combos, bidets, and toiletries in large eco-friendly bottles. Hairdryers are available on request. Keep in mind that housekeeping isn't offered every day of the week, and there are no washers or dryers, which is a problem as the hotel offers no laundry room.

The three outdoor pools are the resort's most popular features. They include one for adults only and two that have sections for the little ones. Lounge chairs and umbrellas line the pool decks. The outdoor pools can be lively, bordering on loud, and there's another small pool indoors at the Adam & Eve Spa -- it's quieter. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows allows in plenty of natural light, and there are lounge chairs for guests who just want to relax poolside. The spa also offers massage, body, and facial treatments, as well as a sauna and Turkish bath. There is no fitness center, but guests can play tennis at the two on-site courts. In addition to two pools, the kids have their own outdoor space with slides, swings, and climbing structures. There's also an indoor kids' club with games, puzzles, and toys. An on-site mini-market provides travel essentials and other items. 

The hotel's on-site restaurant, Pecado, serves all meals buffet style. It's a bright, open space with seating indoors or out on the terrace, though food only gets mixed reviews and it can be crowded. All-inclusive and half-board rates are available. Bars include the Apple Bar, open year-round with outdoor seating in the warmer months. The Kiosk Bar is the place for watching TV or playing pool, foosball, and other games. The pool bar is open during the warmer months, serving drinks and snacks by the pool. 

There is plenty of free parking throughout the hotel, and a free shuttle runs to Albufeira and the beach. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.