Hotel Globo

In a city that's filled with mid-range hotels, the Hotel Globo is at least one of the more modern offerings to be found. That's not to say that there are tons of bells and whistles here, but for unfussy travelers, it makes a decent place to rest after exploring the Portimao area all day. This hotel is housed in a modern whitewashed eight-story building, and the lobby is crisp and bright, with a color scheme of black, red, and white. A red accent wall contrasts with the black tile floor, and there are plenty of black, white, and red sofas for guests who want to relax in the lobby. Large windows look out onto the street, and a long counter with bar stools provides a place for guests to sit and take in the view. A flat-screen TV on the wall offers entertainment. With its quiet location and limited amenities, this place mostly appeals to more mature couples, but some families and groups looking for an affordable place in town also make their way here. 

The Hotel Globo is located in the center of the small, bustling town of Portimao. It's not the Algarve's most characterful city, though the city center near the hotel is less touristy than areas near the beach. Next to the hotel is a hairdresser, a coffee shop, and a stationery and tobacconist shop. Also nearby are a post office, a booking kiosk for attractions, a pharmacy, and many shops. The Portimao railway station can be reached in 10 minutes on foot, and there is a pedestrian promenade along the river. Plenty of restaurants and shops are clustered all throughout downtown. Those seeking a town that's a little more prototypically quaint -- despite the hoards of British tourists -- can reach Alvor in 20 minutes by car. Praia da Rocha beach is a 15-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the hotel, and Praia dos Tres Irma is about a 20-minute drive. Faro Airport is about a 50-minute drive away, and it will take two-and-a-half hours to reach Lisbon and its airport. 

Rooms are small and simple, but bright, with hardwood floors, white walls, white clean-lined furniture, and white draperies. Bed toppers and accent pillows add splashes of color like red or turquoise, as does modern abstract art on the walls. Small flat-screen TVs are mounted on the wall as well. Other amenities include safes and air-conditioning, but Wi-Fi is only available for a fee and there are no electric kettles. Bathrooms are tiled and come with granite countertops, hairdryers, bidets, showers, and toiletries. Suites are a little larger and add a separate sitting area with a sofa bed and a tub/shower combo. Some rooms have views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Algarve's coast, and some look out over the city and river. 

There aren't many features at this hotel, and it's worth noting that all-inclusive rates here can be extremely restrictive when it comes to drinks. The restaurant serves all meals, including a breakfast buffet for a fee. Tables are topped with burgundy and white tablecloths, and views of the city are lovely. An adjacent bar also offers those views, and guests can lounge on black and white sofas or at tables while taking in the vistas. There's also a piano in the bar. Guests working out on cardio machines in the fitness center also are treated to panoramic views of the city. The small spa offers a sauna, steam bath, and Turkish bath, as well as massage services. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby but requires a fee in the rooms.