Pestana Delfim All Inclusive

The Pestana Delfim Hotel's shady lawns and kid-friendly amenities makes it popular among unfussy travelers who like the relaxed vibe, all-inclusive rates, and close proximity to one of the best beaches in the Algarve. It's also popular with golfers (and large groups or golfers), as it's right down the road from Pestana's own golf courses. The property is noticeably dated, though, and the cute wishing well in the lobby next to the poster board listing the weekly activities isn't enough to distract from the old furnishings, worn carpets, and tacky curtains. Outside, there's an expansive sunbathing lawn that adds breathing room to the pool's sundeck, but the shady spots can still get crowded with white plastic lounge chairs.

The hotel is located behind the Pestana Alvor Praia on the outskirts of downtown, near a cluster of other more upscale hotels. Tres Irmaos Beach (Three Brothers Beach) is within walking distance through the property along a boardwalk. It's a 20-minute walk (or six-minute drive) into central Alvor, where ancient cobbled streets have sprung to life with riverfront seafood restaurants, shops, and nightlife that caters to tourists. The old fishing town also has historic attractions such as Alvor Castle and the 16th-century Matriz Church. There are several golf courses in the area within a 20-minute drive, and the hotel chain's own Pestana Alto Golf course is seven-minutes away by car. The town of Portimao is about a 15-minute drive away, while getting to Faro Airport takes closer to an hour by car.

Most of the hotel's 312 rooms were designed to have sea views from their private balconies, with just 62 facing the less alluring gardens. It's downhill from there though, and rooms have off-white walls, bright-red patterned carpets, and worn furnishings. Twin or double beds are in front of bright-red accent walls with floral prints, and the bedside tables have built-in vintage room controls complete with switches and knobs that look like they haven't been used in decades. Suites add sofa beds and kitchenettes. Mini-fridges come standard, but the TVs are small tube models, and Wi-Fi isn't available in most rooms (unless they're coincidentally close enough to the lobby to pick up the hotel's free public Wi-Fi). The tiled bathrooms have bidets and shower/tub combos that could use some renovation, and past visitors have reported vinegary disinfectant smells.

The Pestana Delfim Hotel has access to the beach, but it's about a 12-minute walk from the grounds. On-site sunbathing alternatives include a large outdoor pool with a sundeck and a kids' pool, surrounded by an expansive lawn. There are plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas available for free, though there's also a shade umbrella area for an extra fee. Other features include an indoor hot tub, and a curious indoor pool that's tucked into a corner of the lounge bar. Outdoor amenities include tennis courts and athletic fields set up on a lawn with soccer goals. There's also a small indoor kids' club and the hotel hosts a variety of weekly activities. A bright indoor game room has a pair of pool tables, a ping-pong table, foosball, and air hockey, along with a few arcade games. 

The small spa is located in a dark basement, along with a hair salon, a sauna, and a fitness room with the usual cardio machines and weight trainers. All-inclusive rates include all meals, snacks, and beverages at the buffet-style restaurant which has indoor, or covered outdoor seating. A second lounge bar has a stage for live entertainment, and there's a swim-up bar in the middle of the outdoor pool. There are also three meeting rooms with a capacity for 200 people, and a small Internet corner with a pair of computers at a shared desk. Wi-Fi is free in common areas.