Hotel Da Gale

Definitely not a 2 Star Hotel!!

We arrived early and the receptionist was very helpful and allowed us to check in at 9.30am however when we went to the room we knew why....all it needed was bars at the window and it would have been like a prison cell - if you wanted to have a shower you would have to duck so the people across the courtyard could not watch!! If you go and are offered room 312 do not accept it!!! The receptionist was again very nice and competent when I complained and immediately offered us another room which was much larger and better than before but no palace! We knew the hotel was not going to be great but and all we wanted was somewhere to sleep but be prepared for a very "basic" stay if you chose this hotel. Also if walking back to the hotel be prepared for the 5 flights of stairs up to the entrance. Also please note that there are no "in room safe" (or any form of safe in the hotel for that matter) or "hair dryer" as stated in the hotel details.

The views make it so worth it!

On arrival my Mum and I were greeted very warmly by the friendly and extremely helpful main receptionist Mary. We were checked in very quickly and directed to our room - unfortunately it was one without a balconey and felt very confined but it was no trouble for Mary to change us to another room with baloney and ’wow’ what a view - and we both felt immediately at home. Of course the Da Gale is not brand new and bursting with creature comforts but the simpliticity of it is a real winner - and I’m a real 5 star girl! But even for me the un-modernised bathroom began to grow on me. It was extremely clean and tidy and the views from the roof terrace ’amazing’ you get the full 360’ angle from the city to the coast - I’m sure I could see Lisbon?? The breakfast although very basic - really wasn’t as bad as some other reviews had put it down as - although the selection was small, the breads and rolls were so fresh and there was an ample choice of beverage hot and cold. The Da Gale is great value for money if your on a budget, my only word of caution would be - if you’re not great with step hills or climbing steps in the 30 degree heat (the small sacrifie for the best views) maybe you should give it a miss but otherwise it worth a try.

Horrible!!!!!!!

This hotel was a bit of a nightmare from the outset.We arrived to check in to our seaview room and got sent to the basement level with the only view being of the next door wall.When we went back to reception they apologised and said that it was a new building that was obstructing the view, despite there being no evidence of any recent building work.The room we were then sent to did have a view of the sea but was not great by any means. The towels had holes in them and the pillows were tiny and lumpy.We started the following day off with a "buffet breakfast" that consisted of a choice of bread or rolls and apples. Not exactly what I would call a buffet!!!!I am not generally a fussy hotel guest, but trust me when I say that this place was well below average!

Traveller's tip on local attractions

In my opinion Albufeira was one of the nicest beachest that we visited, I just wouldnt go back to this hotel.I highly recommend hiring a car for the duration of your stay.