For travelers not planning on leaving their resort too frequently, Vale D'El Rei is a fine three-and-a-half-pearl option in a secluded, quiet spot in the countryside. It's a 15-minute drive into Carvoeiro for dining, the beach, or nightlife, and the hotel runs a free shuttle into town. The 76 rooms and villas have a simple, mostly modern look, and come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. This is a tranquil place, with lovely gardens strewn with sun loungers. There are pools and a playground for the kids, as well as low-key bars and a casual restaurant. A spa, tennis courts, gym, and game room round things out. For something with direct beach access and similar prices, check out Hotel Baia Cristal, though it has less style and features.
For travelers not planning on leaving their resort too frequently, Vale D'El Rei is a fine three-and-a-half-pearl option in a secluded, quiet spot in the countryside. It's a 15-minute drive into Carvoeiro for dining, the beach, or nightlife, and the hotel runs a free shuttle into town. The 76 rooms and villas have a simple, mostly modern look, and come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. This is a tranquil place, with lovely gardens strewn with sun loungers. There are pools and a playground for the kids, as well as low-key bars and a casual restaurant. A spa, tennis courts, gym, and game room round things out. For something with direct beach access and similar prices, check out Hotel Baia Cristal, though it has less style and features.
The mid-range, 134-room Agua Hotel Riverside is a contemporary, if a bit underwhelming, property on the east bank of the Arade River. There's not much in the immediate area outside of a supermarket, though Portimao and its shops and restaurants are just a five-minute drive across the river. The spacious and bright rooms have mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs, while suites have full kitchens and sofa beds. A river-view infinity pool and a relaxing spa with Turkish bath and sauna are big draws for couples, while a kiddy pool and small playground attract some families. Breakfast is included but food as a whole receives mixed reviews. Guests have also complained of sewage-like smells wafting in from the river. For more walkability and better food options, check out the Tivoli Marina Portimao on the west bank, though it lacks a spa.
The mid-range, 134-room Agua Hotel Riverside is a contemporary, if a bit underwhelming, property on the east bank of the Arade River. There's not much in the immediate area outside of a supermarket, though Portimao and its shops and restaurants are just a five-minute drive across the river. The spacious and bright rooms have mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs, while suites have full kitchens and sofa beds. A river-view infinity pool and a relaxing spa with Turkish bath and sauna are big draws for couples, while a kiddy pool and small playground attract some families. Breakfast is included but food as a whole receives mixed reviews. Guests have also complained of sewage-like smells wafting in from the river. For more walkability and better food options, check out the Tivoli Marina Portimao on the west bank, though it lacks a spa.
The Colina da Lapa is a two-and-a-half-pearl holiday village hotel with 70 simple apartments. It's best for families, though services and features are slim. There's a nice pool and shallow kids' pool at the center of the property, which are flanked by a playground, kids' club, casual restaurant, bar, and mini-mart. During warm months, the hotel is bustling with kids and families. Indoors, though, things are underwhelming, and while the apartments are spacious, they're also dated. All include full kitchens, a terrace or two, and separate bedrooms and living rooms, though appliances are old and the free Wi-Fi is abysmal. While also dated, the Canavial Aparments have a lot more charm for those willing to stay closer to Lagos and its stunning beaches.
The Colina da Lapa is a two-and-a-half-pearl holiday village hotel with 70 simple apartments. It's best for families, though services and features are slim. There's a nice pool and shallow kids' pool at the center of the property, which are flanked by a playground, kids' club, casual restaurant, bar, and mini-mart. During warm months, the hotel is bustling with kids and families. Indoors, though, things are underwhelming, and while the apartments are spacious, they're also dated. All include full kitchens, a terrace or two, and separate bedrooms and living rooms, though appliances are old and the free Wi-Fi is abysmal. While also dated, the Canavial Aparments have a lot more charm for those willing to stay closer to Lagos and its stunning beaches.
Suites Alba Resort & Spa is a secluded three-pearl resort overlooking some of the region's stunning seaside cliffs. It's far from attractions in Carvoeiro, but it has direct access to Albandeira beach, just below the main grounds. The 50 massive suites and villas can accommodate groups, and have amenities such as fireplaces and kitchenettes with espresso machines, though the look is old school in the extreme. The resort has a wine cellar, a spa, and an infinity pool, and though the atmosphere makes for romantic getaway, it's also suitable for family vacations owing its playground and kids' club. It's worth comparing with the Blue & Green Vilalara Thalassa Resort in nearby Porches, which has a similar setting and the the addition of thalassotherapy pools.
Suites Alba Resort & Spa is a secluded three-pearl resort overlooking some of the region's stunning seaside cliffs. It's far from attractions in Carvoeiro, but it has direct access to Albandeira beach, just below the main grounds. The 50 massive suites and villas can accommodate groups, and have amenities such as fireplaces and kitchenettes with espresso machines, though the look is old school in the extreme. The resort has a wine cellar, a spa, and an infinity pool, and though the atmosphere makes for romantic getaway, it's also suitable for family vacations owing its playground and kids' club. It's worth comparing with the Blue & Green Vilalara Thalassa Resort in nearby Porches, which has a similar setting and the the addition of thalassotherapy pools.