Luna Miramar Club

With its crisp white facade combining Art Deco-style curves, a terra-cotta roof, and steel-gray accents, the Luna Miramar makes for one of the more attractive hotels in the area. Stepping inside, it's clear that aesthetics are a priority, with a smart reception area characterized by contemporary furnishings, cool minimalist decor, and attractive splashes of color. A polished black granite stairway leads up to a bright and uncluttered lounge bar featuring rotating exhibitions of local artists -- and flat-screen TVs with sporting events. Formerly the Luna Pérola do Algarve and totally renovated in 2014, this U-shaped property comprises two wings that overlook a circular restaurant and pool terrace. While there's little in the way of gardens, the outside space is dotted with mature palms and looks out over pine trees of the adjacent parkland. Clientele consists mainly of families and couples, though despite the hotel's policy restricting bachelor/bachelorette parties, some guests have complained of noisy groups.

While the immediate surrounds are not particularly attractive or interesting, the hotel is located equidistant between Albufeira's charming Old Town and the renowned nightlife hub of "The Strip" -- both a five- to 10-minute drive away or about a 20-minute walk. There is a supermarket and shopping mall located right opposite the hotel, as well as a few restaurants and bars a short stroll away. Praia do Inatel's long stretch of sandy beach is about 15 minutes away on foot or a five-minute drive, and the hotel also offers free shuttle service to Pescadores Beach. Faro Airport is around 30 to 40 minutes away by car.

The complex has 120 studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, all of which have lounge areas, kitchenettes, and furnished balconies or terraces (some with distant sea views). The stylish contemporary decor of the reception area doesn't continue into the rooms; instead, they have an incongruous mixture of modern and traditional-style furnishings, as well as dated white-and-blue tiling. However, they're still attractive and provided cooking facilities include electric hobs, microwaves, toasters, mini-fridges, and plenty of cookware. Additional amenities include air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs with some satellite channels (though just one English-speaking). In-room Wi-Fi, on the other hand, isn't free or reliable. Bathrooms are clean, but the white, blue, and yellow tiling could use a refresh. They're equipped with shower/tub combos, bidets, wall-mounted hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and some toiletries.

The hotel's circular restaurant is spacious and bright, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style -- mostly for the benefit of all-inclusive customers. Most guests rate the food quality as adequate but in need of more variety. The lobby bar showcases local art alongside TVs broadcasting sporting matches, while a poolside bar offers drinks and snacks. The courtyard swimming pool faces pleasant pine tree views, but due to a small terrace, half of the area is usually in the shade. Many guests have also complained that there aren't enough loungers. Poolside entertainment is generally aimed at children, who also have a separate splash pool. There's a wellness center with a heated indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool tub, small gym, and massage treatments. Evening entertainment comes in the form of live shows, dancing, and karaoke. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby, where there's also a two-computer internet corner. A meeting room is available for business travelers.