Ouratlântico Apartamento Turisticos

The Ouratlantico is -- unfortunately -- par for the course when it comes to style in the Albufeira region. Interiors look lifted from several decades earlier, though they're bright enough to be pleasant. However, most guests are here to be out in the sun, and the action thus takes place outside. The centerpiece of the property is the large, freeform outdoor pool with its sunny deck and children's pool. Guests spend most of their time here, and the hotel also has a tennis court and indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub. The hotel draws families to its affordably priced and spacious apartments, recreation facilities, and location that's a five-minute walk from Oura Beach. It's best for those who prefer to self cater. Additionally, while the Ouratlantico certainly isn't a party hotel, many guests stay here for bachelor and bachelorette parties on The Strip nearby, and there are occasional issues with noisy guests returning from the bars at night. 

Ouratlantico Apartments is in a prime spot for those looking to indulge, as it's only a two-minute walk east of bustling Avenida Sa Carneiro, known as Rua dos Bares (Street of Bars), or The Strip. Expectedly, there are a ton of restaurants and bars up and down both sides of the road. Oura Beach and the Ski Molhado water-sports center are a five-minute walk. A car will be needed to explore the rest of the region. The 16th-century Tower of Medronheira is a little over a five-minute drive from the hotel, and it will take about 10 minutes to reach old town Albufeira by car. A tourist train runs to the old town as well, and a stop on Avenida Sa Carneiro is a little less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Aquashow Park water park and Zoomarine Algarve are both a little over a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Albufeira's train station is a 10-minute drive away, and Faro Airport is about 35 minutes by car. Expect a two-hour-and-15-minute drive to Lisbon and its airport.

The Ouratlantico has 72 spacious studio and one-bedroom apartments, though the style is reminiscent of a dormitory. You'll see largely bare walls and inexpensive wood furnishings, dated blue fabrics, cheap cabinetry, old school tables and chairs, and a few pieces of faded, beachy art. Some rooms are tired and in need of refurbishment and better maintenance. Specific issues include walls needing a coat of paint, dirt and grime on floors and stair railings, and worn furnishings.Each unit has a balcony or terrace, some that open right to the pool. Many of the one-bedrooms are bi-level apartments, with the bedroom located on the upper floor. Standard features include small TVs (some of which are tube units), and living areas with sofas. There is no Wi-Fi in apartments, and while they have fans, most lack air-conditioning. Air-conditioners (supplies limited) can also be rented from the front desk. Kitchens come standard and include ovens, stovetops, mid-size fridges, microwaves, toasters, electric kettles, cookware, and tableware. A fee is assessed for the use of safes. Bathrooms are spacious, but some have limited counter space around the sink. All come with shower/tub combos, though we spotted plenty of grout that needs a deep scrub. Toiletries are limited to a bar of soap, and towels are provided.

Despite the tired and basic apartments, the features here are fairly numerous, and help make this a reasonable value for the area. The highlight is a large, freeform outdoor pool, with a long narrow section leading to a semi-circular section at one end. A children's pool is adjacent. The pool deck gets good sun all day, but it's occasionally difficult to find a lounge chair at busy times. A small indoor pool and hot tub are set in a light-filled space with an atrium ceiling. The hotel also has a sauna, tennis court, and billiards table. Unlike some other hotels in the area, the Ouratlantico has no kids' club. The breakfast buffet (for a fee) has hot English fare like eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and tomatoes, plus a wide range of cold items. A snack bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, light fare, and snacks, and features an outdoor patio with a ping-pong table. Food and drink prices are a bit high compared to nearby restaurants and bars, though food generally scores positive remarks from previous guests. Keep in mind that food service ends early and dinner isn't offered. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, lobby computers, and free parking. Free Wi-Fi is available in public spaces, although there are occasional issues with speed and connectivity.