Largo Jacinto D'Ayet no. 7, Albufeira, Portugal | (888) 399-9863
Overlooking picturesque golden sands of Praia dos Pescadores
Sleek public spaces and hip, contemporary atmosphere
Set in Albufeira's Old Town, close to restaurants and bars
Most rooms feature sea views from furnished balconies
Infinity-edge swimming pool with stunning panoramic vistas
Spa with sauna, steam room, gym, and whirlpool tub
Two bars and a restaurant with free breakfast
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Standard Rooms have dated furnishings
Complaints of noise issues from some rooms
Restaurant gets mixed reviews
Most bathrooms are small
Small pool
Daily fee for use of safes
Fitness room is small and has few machines
The 88-room Hotel Rocamar is a mid-range property with contemporary interiors overlooking Albufeira's picturesque Praia dos Pescadores. Panoramas from the hotel's infinity-edge pool are certainly impressive, and the views are shared by most of the guest rooms. There's a spa on-site with a sauna and steam room, and an on-site restaurant that serves a buffet breakfast included in room rates -- though food gets mixed reviews. Other shortcomings include dated Standard Room furnishings, small bathrooms, some complaints of noise issues, a small pool, and a tiny fitness room. Overall, however, it's certainly one of the hipper and better-looking hotels in the area. Rates at the nearby Belver Boa Vista Hotel & Spa are typically lower, though it offers less striking views.
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Scene
Seventies hotel with impressive contemporary makeover and young vibe
With its smart, whitewashed, and modern-looking facade, it certainly comes as a surprise that the Hotel Rocamar actually dates back to the mid-seventies. A 2010 renovation brought the property into the 21st-century, though Standard Rooms have dated wood furnishings and patterned bedspreads. The public spaces are the most modernly designed, particularly the lobby area outfitted in minimalist monochrome decor and red leather couches under hanging single flowers. An iPad station adds to the uber-contemporary vibe, which continues into the hotel's restaurant and sea-view terrace bar. Mostly younger couples and groups of friends populate the hotel, often hanging out on the panoramic pool terrace with stunning ocean vistas.
Location
Old Town Albufeira location overlooking gorgeous Praia dos Pescadores beach
The hotel is perched on a clifftop overlooking the west side of the sweeping and picturesque Praia dos Pescadores beach in the popular resort town of Albufeira. An elevator just yards from the hotel ferries guests to the beach below. While the immediate surrounds are mostly residential, it's a five-minute stroll to the numerous bars, restaurants, and shops of the Old Town. Don't expect too much in the way of nightlife in the area though; those looking for the most buzzing clubs and bars need to take a 10-minute cab to the famous "Strip". The hotel is about a 30- to 35-minute drive from Faro Airport.
Rooms
Dated Standard Rooms but modern Superior Rooms, most with furnished, sea-view balconies
The hotel has 88 rooms, 52 of which extend to balconies with superb sea views. Decor is far from uniform -- Standard Rooms have dated two-tone wood furnishings and patterned fabrics, while Superior Rooms have modern gray-and-white color schemes. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, while upgraded rooms add mini-fridges, bathrobes, and espresso machines. Use of in-room safes incurs a fee. Bathrooms across room categories are contemporary but most are a bit tight on space; they include wall-mounted hairdryers, high-end bath products, and most have shower/tub combos, though some only have tiny shower stalls.
Features
Modest spa area and outdoor pool with impressive panoramas
An adequate buffet breakfast is included in rates and served in the hotel's bright eatery, which features a sea-view terrace and is also open for lunch and dinner. Reports on the restaurant are mixed, however, with many suggesting that it's better to eat out at one of the many nearby dining options. The hotel's Glass Bar overlooks a seafront pedestrian walkway, while the Liquid Bar looks out onto the outdoor pool. The infinity pool is a popular spot for guests due to its stunning panoramas, but it's a bit small.
The hotel also has a small spa with sauna and steam rooms, a whirlpool tub, and various massage and beauty treatments. There's also a fitness room, but it's small and only has a few machines and free weights. Other amenities include a game room with a pool table and arcade games, as well as a computer and an iPad available for guest use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
