Holiday Inn Algarve - Armacao de Pera

Behind a row of tall floral-topped plinths and mature palms, the distinctive green Holiday Inn branding stands out on the gleaming whitewashed facade of this Algarve chain hotel. Formerly Hotel Garbe, the property showcases its 2016 renovation inside, where a  bright space features welcoming green and purple furnishing, undulating patterned rugs, and large windows overlooking tropical flowerbeds. Hallways are also freshly updated together with parts of the bar and restaurant areas -- though some of the property's more dated elements are also on display. The Boa Vista Bar, for instance, has dated striped and patterned seating alongside granite columns. The hotel extends to tiered sun and pool terraces directly overlooking a long stretch of sandy beach. The vibe is relaxed and peaceful, attracting predominantly older couples.

The hotel is located in the laid-back and relatively peaceful resort of Armacao de Pera, still an active fishing village albeit one characterized by numerous apartment blocks. The setting is particularly impressive, directly overlooking the sweeping golden sands of the resort's long beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Just outside the hotel is a pedestrianized footpath that leads to various local shops, restaurants, and bars in just minutes. The more traditional "old village" is toward the east end of the beach, about 15 minutes' walk from the hotel. Fishermen still keep their boats in this older area, and along the way is the 17th-century fort Fortaleza de Armação de Pêra. There's very little in the way of nightlife, but those looking for something more lively are a 20- to 30-minute drive from both Carvoeiro and Albufeira. Faro Airport is around 45 minutes away by car.

The hotel has 186 contemporary rooms, all of which are decorated in green and blue, with simple wood furnishings, green accent walls, and patterned carpets. Sea-facing rooms feature lovely views along the coast, some from small furnished balconies. However, plenty of rooms also face inland over the promenade and apartment blocks. Amenities include coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels; Wi-Fi is free of charge with registration, otherwise there's a daily fee. Tiled bathrooms are functional, with wall-mounted hairdryers, basic toiletries, and stall showers or shower/tub combos. Guests have suggested some areas of guest rooms, such as furnishings and bathrooms, are showing signs of age. One-bedroom Suites are also available with separate living spaces, which are roomy but feel a little under-decorated. 

The hotel has two restaurants on-site with food quality that's generally decent. One serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style, and the other offers an a la carte menu of Indian cooking -- both open to alfresco terraces with sea views. The indoor bar/lounge offers lots of seating and space for sipping cocktails, and is especially nice around sunset, with its wall of windows facing the ocean. An outdoor pool isn't quite big enough for swimming though it has a poolside bar and could hardly be nearer to the beach. The surrounding terraces are lined with sun loungers, but guests say these are in short supply and tend to be reserved very early in the day. A short path leads directly to the sandy beach. There are a game room with billiards and a bright gym with a handful of fairly modern cardio and weight machines. A hair salon and a small shop selling beach items and souvenirs are also on-site.