Rotunda do Vau, Sitio dos 3 Castelos, Praia da Rocha, Portugal | (618) 248-8274
Within walking distance of Portimão center and two beaches
Bright, spacious apartments with good cooking facilities
Most apartments extend to furnished balconies or terraces
Outdoor pool terrace with loungers and kids' pool
Bar and restaurant serve breakfast (fee), snacks, and drinks
Free on-site parking and paid garage parking
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Complex lacks in character
Little of interest in immediate area
Some apartments overlook wasteland
Change of towels and linens incur a charge
Hairdryers require a deposit
Plaza Real by Atlantichoice is a budget apartment complex located in a modern development that's within walking distance of Portimão center and Praia da Rocha Beach. The 63 apartments range from Studio to Two-Bedroom Duplexes, and are spacious and bright with decent kitchens, though Studios lack balconies and some views are over wasteland. The pool is pleasant, though don't expect any poolside activities or many facilities in general apart from a small restaurant and bar. There are extra charges for breakfast, linen changes, and use of safes. Rates are reasonable, but check nearby Hotel Luar for comparable rates and a huge pool closer to the beach.
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Scene
Clean and relaxed apartment complex short on vacation atmosphere
Built just this side of the millennium and with regularly refreshed paintwork, the Plaza Real gives off a no-nonsense vibe from the start. The all-apartment complex is composed of four almost identical blocks, one facing the road and the other three overlooking the pool and surrounding sun terrace. With no gardens and minimal plant life, the property looks a little sterile and lacks character. Lack of poolside facilities or activities also give the atmosphere of a residential, rather than a vacation apartment complex. Staff are friendly and attentive and help create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that's popular with a fairly even mix of vacationing British couples and families with kids.
Location
Set in a modern development, within walking distance from Portimão center and Praia da Rocha Beach
The hotel is set in a small modern development composed of mostly other apartment complexes and surrounded by scrubland that's positioned between the center of Portimão and Praia dos Três Castelos Beach. The resort center, with its numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars is around 15 minutes on foot. While in the other direction, the Praia da Rocha Beach and eatery-lined promenade is about 12 minutes away. By car, the charming waterfront village of Ferragudo is 20 minutes away, and the popular Slide & Splash water park is about a 15-minute drive. Faro Airport is just under an hour away by car. The capital of Lisbon is about two-and-a-half hours.
Rooms
Spacious and clean air-conditioned apartments with full cooking facilities
There are 63 Studio, One-Bedroom, and Two-Bedroom Duplex Apartments, all of which are spacious, clean, and bright with simple wooden furniture and cheerful fabrics. All but the Studio Apartments open to furnished balconies with lower levels extending to large terraces overlooking the pool, though some overlook wasteland to the rear of the complex. While Studios are composed of open-plan kitchen/bedroom/dining rooms, other Apartments have separate kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, kettles, electric burners, ovens, and toasters. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs (with two English-speaking news channels), air- conditioning, and free reliable Wi-Fi. Safes are available for a fee. Bathrooms are mostly spacious with shower/tub combos, simple toiletries, and bidets. Hairdryers area available on request and with a deposit. Change of towels and linens incur a charge.
Features
Outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, plus free Wi-Fi
This certainly isn't a property brimming with facilities. The outdoor pool is pleasant enough, though it's more for cooling off than swimming. There's a scattering of loungers and a splash pool for the kids. A children's playground is also available, though it's away from the apartment blocks and slightly rough around the edges. There's also a small game room and bar and restaurant open for continental breakfast (not included) and drinks and snacks throughout the day. Free parking is available on-site, or there's a garage for a daily charge. Wi-Fi is also free of charge and works pretty well throughout the complex.
