Luna Clube Oceano

Luna Clube Oceano is situated on landscaped grounds with lawns, palms, and pine trees, and has a distinctive corrugated facade. That blend of pleasant and slightly dated styles characterizes this hotel, which has a few different styles throughout. Common areas are fresh and modern, and get good natural light, with lots of muted gray and beige hues alongside vintage inspired fabrics and seating, plus bold choices like wall-sized black-and-white murals. The look is more up-to-date than many apartment hotels in and around Albufeira (though rooms are homier and more humble). Guests make their way to nearby Alemaes Beach, or settle into the outdoor pool and two hot tubs on-site, though the lack of entertainment means that things stay quiet here. The hotel draws some families, but with its lack of kids' club and indoor pool it's not quite as good for families with kids as other properties in the area. Many guests are drawn to the hotel's location near the beach and the Avenida Sa Carneiro strip of bars.

The hotel sits on a small one-way street that leads directly to Alemaes Beach, a three-minute walk away. It's surrounded by apartments, plus a few shops and restaurants, and Jardim da Cachoeira garden is a two-minute walk away. Inatel Beach is about a three-minute drive or 10-minute walk, and Oura Beach is a five-minute drive or 15 minutes on foot from the hotel. The Strip -- which has tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs -- is a five-minute drive away, or a little under a 15-minute walk, while Albufeira's old town is a little under a 10-minute drive from the hotel. It features restaurants, shops, the historic Tower Clock, and Largo Cais Herculano walled wharf. A tourist train runs to the old town, and there's a stop nearby, on Avenida Sa Carneiro. Aquashow Park is one of the top Algarve water parks and Zoomarine Algarve features marine life and dolphin shows. Both are about 25 minutes by car from the hotel. Albufeira's train station is a little over a 10-minute drive away and Faro Airport is about 35 minutes away by car. Expect a two-hour-and-15-minute drive to Lisbon and its airport.

The spacious studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments have a homey, traditional look that's a bit disappointing compared to the rest of the hotel. Classic furniture has a whitewashed finish, and walls are largely bare, and a muted palette done in beige, brown, gray, and slate blue. There's ample natural light coming in through the large windows, and the units are clean and well maintained. Each apartment has a balcony, all with pool views. All apartments include kitchens with four-burner stovetops, microwaves, mid-size refrigerators, toasters, electric kettles, drip coffeemakers, cookware, and tableware. Unlike some other apartment hotels in the area, units here do not have ovens or dishwashers. Daily housekeeping is provided. All 77 apartments also have living and dining areas, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms are spacious, with lots of counter space around the sink. All come with make-up mirrors, hairdryers, bidets, and shower/tub combos. Rooms and public spaces at the Luna Club are all non-smoking. 

The features here are on par with most area competition, though everything is a bit more modern. However, it's worth noting that the lack of entertainment at night keeps things quiet -- too quiet for some guests. Luna Clube Oceano features an outdoor pool and children's pool, and there are rarely issues finding a sunbed. Two hot tubs are situated on a platform overlooking a sun terrace. There's also a pool bar in high season that scores positive marks from previous guests. Unlike some other properties in the area, the hotel has no kids' club or indoor pool. The simple fitness center overlooks the pool and has a weight machine and a few cardio machines, so it's only good for a basic workout. The decent-quality breakfast buffet (for a fee) includes a good range of hot and cold items. The restaurant also serves Portuguese cuisine for lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on buffets. Room service is available. The lounge bar has a big-screen TV and occasional live music. Also on-site are a beauty salon, lobby computer, self-service laundry room, and free parking. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public spaces.