Algarve Hotel Guide - Boutique Hotels in Algarve, Portugal

We only had one night in the area, but would have reworked the entire trip to spend more time at the Vila Valverde. This hotel is a big reason we plan to visit the Algarve again as soon as possible. Wonderful views, unmatched peace and quiet, and top notch amenities.

We went for a week away in the Sun with our 2 children aged 2 and 4. The hotel was fresh, modern and the grounds were pristine. We had a 2 bedroomed townhouse which was spacious and again pristinely clean and well appointed. Breakfast buffet was good, lovely freshly squeezed juices and English sausage, scrambled egg made from eggs (not powdered)! We had a hire car which was great for getting out and about - the location is fairly remote so for us the car was a must. There is a shuttle service to the supermarket (no shop nearby), into Carvoerio and to the beach. Restaurants are fab especially in Benagil but they are a drive away. Vanda runs the kids club and it was great for our little people. Fine for both kids to go whereas other hotels minimum age tends to be 4 which would have meant Thomas couldn't go. The room has air con and is very well equipped with toys and games. Also lovely touches like taking the kids to feed the fish in the pond, they loved it, big highlight for them. Note that the hotel's entertainment is fairly low key - whilst we were there, there was one parrot show and one bird of prey show. So basically it's fairly quiet at night time, no kids disco (which was a bit of a disappointment for the kids). However I guess the size of the hotel has an impact here, and I would rather have the relaxed atmosphere that goes with a smaller complex. There was waiter service to your sun bed :) Daily specials on cocktails at 4 Euros each which was good.

The hotel staff was very accommodating and assured you had a great vacation. I would stay there again if I went back to Vilamoura

Attentive friendly knowledgeable staff who told us best restaurants, beaches etc. And surfing school attached was excellent. The facilities were excellent and well looked after. Although it is very good for families in particular with play rooms etc and a pool especially designed for little ones we were a couple and the hotel suited us down to the ground.

All good but walk to beach level uses very old and precarious steps down side of cliff. There was no railing and steps were slippery with sand.

Right from the doorstep I was very impressed with the hotel staff! Everyone was trying to help with a smile on their face. Comfortable ambience. Clean. Plenty of food. Even the 'drinks' (at the bar) come under all inclusive!

On the positive side: the grounds, the views and the hotel looks are beautiful. Also plenty of fresh fruit for breakfast. The service, however, stains the impression of the hotel starting from unwelcoming receptionist and finishing with waiters. We stayed for 4 days and only on the last morning waiter asked us whether we wanted tea or coffee. She brought the wrong order and when I said to her it was wrong she rolled her eyes in irritation! Overall breakfast was a mess, they constantly run out of food and it would take ages to bring replacement. Food at the reataurant is not great either. And when I asked the waiter what would be the ingredients of fruit and veg salad, he replied: "just normal fruit and veg!" Food is tasteless and you will find much better outside.

Absolutely brilliant hotel, from walking through hotel doors we were greeted by friendly staff, room and hotel spotless, great choice of breakfast, added extras like free safe and free towels daily for pool, overall a great hotel and will return

Wow what a fabulous hotel..we could not fault It...everything from beginning to end of our stay was perfect. We had 2 meals within the hotel, it's necessary to book on arrival or further in advance as they have a small magnificent restaurant...the meals were exquisite,not surprising as they have Michelin star. The pool area was perfect and it was easy to wile away the day under the fluttering umbrellas and attentive staff.

Far from beach and restaurants. Well managed. Lovely setting. Difficult to find.