Hotel Faro

The Hotel Faro is a simple property right in the heart of town. Along with its contemporary interiors and decent number of features, it makes for a fresh home base from which to explore, as well as a fine place to kick back and relax in the evening. This hotel in particular is popular with travelers looking to enjoy the city center's cultural activities and historic, yet youthful, energy. Inside, the hotel is entirely modern, with eye-catching planters arranged among low-slung minimalist couches in the bright lobby. It creates a sleek and sharp atmosphere that helps make this a solid choice for the area. Despite being in the city center, the hotel is quiet, and most guests are couples from all age groups.

The hotel is centrally located on a small traffic circle, within walking distance from all of the dining and attractions in Faro's Old Town area. The marina is just across the street, with the lagoon of the Ria Formosa stretching out to the horizon (which guests can explore by boat right from the marina). The picturesque town is filled with quaint cobblestone streets and cultural attractions such as the Archaeological Museum (a five-minute walk away), or Carmo Church (also a five-minute walk). Numerous local shops, restaurants, and bars are within walking distance. Faro Beach is about a 15-minute drive around the lagoon to the west, and the hotel offers a free shuttle there. The Faro train station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and Faro Airport is about a 10-minute drive away as well.

The hotel has 90 modern rooms with bright, pastel-accented decor and wood floors. Many have balconies with city or marina views. Each of the Standard Rooms has two twins or a double bed, with a small sitting area with a pair of gray chairs and a little table. These rooms are on the small side and lack desks; they only have narrow glass-topped tables beneath the wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. Decor in these lower categories is a bit minimalistic compared to higher-category rooms, which have soft-colored ornate accent walls and sleeker furniture that work together to create retro-contemporary spaces. Mini-fridges, air-conditioning, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs all come standard. Larger Superior Rooms have desks and chairs, while Suites add dining tables and Lavazza coffeemakers. Most of the bathrooms are covered in white marble tile, with bidets and shower/tub combos, though some are more contemporary and have details like walk-in showers and vessel sinks. 

The main feature of Hotel Faro is the Ria Formosa Lounge Bar and Restaurant on the rooftop, comprising a trendy indoor space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a great outdoor terrace with tables under sail canopies and views of the waterfront. It serves seafood and traditional Algarve cuisine, along with a free breakfast buffet. Next to the restaurant is a small rooftop pool that's fine for a quick dip. There's also an off-site Beach Club with an outdoor terrace that serves food and cocktails on Faro Beach. Guests can take a free shuttle there and back, or take a boat for an extra fee. Live entertainment is common on weekends at both restaurant locations. The spa has treatment rooms for the usual range of massages and facials, as well as a sauna, a chromotherapy shower, and a Turkish bath. Access to the spa facilities come at an extra fee for those in Standard Rooms (but are included with Deluxe Superior Rooms and Suites). There's also a small fitness room with modern cardio machines and weight training equipment. For business travelers, there are two meeting rooms and a business corner with printing services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and private parking is available for a fee.