Hotel Da Aldaia - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Independent - August 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Mackems 50's
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Spent the last week in August at the Aldeia. Got to admit that I was a bit nervous about which room we would get after reading about the noise on a previous review - and - sure enough - we got a room overlooking the strip, just opposite the Garage and Ricks Bar. They appear pretty average when you look out at 9 p.m. - but they really crank up the volume after 12 until about 4.30 a.m.!!! Really, incredibly noisy!
We asked for a pool view when we checked in, having already made the request when we booked. The guy who booked us in said they would be unable to change us until the next day, but when we went down the next day we were told it would be the day after. The receptionist also informed us that as we had booked a "basic" room, we would have to pay 15 euros a day to "upgrade" to a pool-view room. We booked through an online booker ("Lowcostrooms.com") and, I have to admit, we did get a great deal, but were not offered the chance of a higher priced room. Anyway, we accepted the change, and the pool view room was great. The hotel is also very good - great pool area and great location for bars and restaurants. We also thought the breakfast was good, a good choice unless you're looking for a real pig-out!
The strip is very hectic, but you can find what you're looking for, whether it be a noisy music bar, karoake, or a trendy bar (try Liberto's opposite the hotel - expensive, but quite swanky). We like live music and saw some good bands in Marks Bar, Libertos, and Wilde & Co. Had some excellent meals on the strip - particularly recommend upstairs at Wilde & Co. Expensive, but plush and great food/service. Got the tourist train into Albufeira a couple of nights - 3 euros each for all day travel. Again, some lovely restaurants, and great music at the Rock Cafe.
We were at Prai De Oura in the mid-80's and mid-90's - it's commercialised beyond belief now, but that will be a good thing for most people. Like I say, you can find what you want - and who can complain about happy hours that last 12 hours?!?
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Hotel Da Aldaia - Albufeira
Operator and Date: travel republic july 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : D Mellor-Manchester (47,45, 16)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just spent a week at this hotel. My family and i thought it was excerllent the location was spot on the hotel was very clean had a loverly pool area, nice and clean.Breakfast was good lots of variety and good food.Thank god for the air conditioning in the rooms. If you hav'nt been to portugal before take a cardigan cause it goes quite nippy in the evening and dont bother with the jimmy choo shoes its all tiles so i nice pair of flip flops will save all the broken ankles.
I would definatley recomend this hotel and would stay there again when we return to portugal.
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Hotel Da Aldaia - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Travel republic May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Chris Bowerman Lancashire 54,53
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Resort from brash to beautiful.Spoilt for choice on restaurants and bars,beaches to die for.Algarvo and Donaldos 20 yds of the strip,quiet, excellent service friendly staff exellent food.If the the same could be said for the Hothell Da Aldeia what a week it would have been.Reception staff sirly and unhelpfull.Restaurant staff like the breakfast unpalletable(OK if you like bread)WE were lucky,we did not have to join the queue to change rooms.We were pool side and a little quieter than the poor soles on the road side.They had no chance.Music from the live all night music bounced the pictures off their walls(YES,literally)Alburfiers again,definetly,the Hothell Da Aldaia never.
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Da Gale Hotel - Albufeira Old Town
Operator and Date: TravelRepublic - July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Kerry Watkin - Newcastle upon Tyne (35,34)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
We just came back from Albufeira and booked a week at Da Gale... we did not stay 24hours!!!
We arrived at the hotel at approx 2300hrs and it was 30degrees heat as it was.
Checked in to a very quiet hotel and the receptionist advised re breakfast etc... we asked about the bar to find out is was closed until the next week (only there a week so no bar!)
Got to room and it was the basic of basic I have ever seen.
No air-conditioning!! 30degrees!
Beds that looked like you were sleeping on a base and not a mattress with 1 sheet (hence the no aircon) and 1 smallest pillow ever seen (we did ask for more and did get them)
The plug socket for ironing/drying hair/straighteners etc was near the ceiling so cud not reach!
The bathroom...looked like something from a horror movie with the old grout and cracked tiles...shower filthy and this did not work as tested this and flew to the ceiling and hit me in the process so like a drowned rat within 2 mins of being in the room... (I needed a drink by then!)
There was not even a bar of soap to wash hands.
Dog barking outside constant.
Went to reception and they advised that this was the best room in the hotel!!!
Went out for drinks so that could sleep. Next morning went for breakfast whilst writing a long list.... by then the workmen had started outside digging the path... breakfast was bread butter and jam...thats it.
Whilst waiting to be moved we sat by pool...only the 2 of us with no atmosphere at all and you could not even have a swim as the water was like an ice bucket literally!
Hence all this we moved and can totally recommend a hotel next door called the Estralagem de Cerro which was fantastic which resulted in us having a great week overall.
The photos advertised on websites are very out of date and would definately not recommend staying here. I am no snob however I do like my standards and appreciate this is a 2* hotel. We have stayed in a variety of hotels in Albufeira ranging from very modern to very traditional portugese..however this was very grim.
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Da Orada - Albuferia
Operator and Date: flyglobespan - September 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Bell family (45,41,9,4)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartments are probably the best your likely see anywhere in Europe at any price, they are huge - Ive owned smaller flats than this.
We booked a 2 bedroom apartment; 2 floors - fully equiped kitchen (including full height fridge freezer, washing machine AND dishwasher) large living area with dining table, big TV, sofa etc and external balcony.
Upstairs theres a large hall with gallery overlooking the living area that leads tp the bedrooms and upper balcony. The balcony, accessed from the gallery, wraps around three side of the building and could easily accomodate a party of 20. The master bedroom has its own large balcony, dressing room and seperate toilet/shoers rooms plus plenty of floor to ceiling wardrobes. The second bedroom (perfect for kids) has its own en suite bathroom.
We liked the fact that with so much space and with the bedrooms located well apart, meant that (unlike most apartments) we were never on top of each other and the kids could muck about in their bedroom or downstairs while we could laze in bed.
The apartment was also spotlessly clean (cleaned every day AND they make the beds). Some of the fixtures e.g. towel rails were lose or in some cases falling off but hey, thats just like home so it was never an issue.
Not all of the apartments are situated around the pool (although you wouldnt guess this from the globespan website) - ours was at the end of a block facing the road. However the view was actually OK and we could catch the sunset from our balcony which would have been impossible with a pool view. But if being around the pool is important I would specify this when you book.
The pool itself was a good size with a seperate kids poll (where we spent most of the time). I cant comment on other times in the season but at the end of September we almost had the pool to ourselves, despite the hot weather.
The pool Cafe (and it is a wee cafe) was OK but it was annoying that drinks and food could not be purchased and taken to the poolside - we were told we had to consume them at the cafe seating area, which defeats the whole point of a poolside bar.
The Marina complex is just accross the (not very busy)road. Its only a few years old , nice enough for a daytine stroll but deeply depressing at night as theres only a couple of restuarants open. give it 5 years or so and this will be the place to be, but until then (unless you like quiet nights in) youve got no alternative but to walk or taxi it to the old town.
We walked it for the first few days - about 45minutes with young kids - but then started to take taxis mainly because it got tedious repeating the same route (theres only one way to go) rather than because it was heavy going. However the elderly or infirm may want to think twice about walking as its still a fair old climb.
The old town was fine, lively enough and with plenty place to eat, although most of the restuarants served pretty standard stuff. However we found a few a few good places to eat overlooking the sea at Praia dos Pescadores (real nice in the evening).
The Strip - a mile long street of bars and clubs and restuarants is a few miles East of the old town - is the Brits Abroad street. Probably is a great place to be after midnight, but during the day wasnt up to much - although its got a good beach at the bottom of the strip with some reasonable restaurants along the promenade.
It has to be said that all the beaches in Albufeira were fantastic - so if lying on the sand is your thing I cant think of a better place.
Would I go again? To Albufeira yes, although I would book accommodation nearer the Old Town and beach - my resort rating is for Albufeira NOT the Marina. This is not to suggest that the Da Orada apartments arent fantastic (they are) but at the end of the day you have to take location into account.
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Da Orada - Albuferia
Operator and Date: alpharooms aug 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Ray Green essex (45.43,16,13,11,)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
been back 10 days , the da orada is an excellent complex the accomadation is definetely 5* lots of room we had 3 bedroom 4 balconies and 3 bathrooms , the pool is very big no prob with beds get down at 9am lots of room , pool bar good long wait at peak times , pool has lifeguard mainly portugese and spanish on site reception very helpful .
the marina is still only a third developed only couple of restaurants need to go old town 15/20 min walk very pleasant walk lots of good restaurants in the side streets and square, the strip is very tacky and busy you need transport taxi or car although me and the boys walked one day along the beach took 1 hour !!
supermarket on site ripoff need to go to ALISUPER or lidl. alisuper 10 min walk lidl need cab they dont take cards..
we went to slide and splash got bus from complex very good did not go anywhere else. this is a really chilling place easy to relax .
nothing available in evening only criticism but we knew this.. would go back maid everyday very clean too beach 20 min walk very blowy and strong current.
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Da Orada - Albuferia
Operator and Date: flyglobespan - 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : michael mcdade (18,18,17,17,17,17,17)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Fantastic 1st boys holiday away. All 7 of us in 1 3bedroom apartment and plenty of room to spare. Excellent accomodation. Excellent pool and pool side bar. The only complaint is that the reception staff looked down on us as a group of young lads and threated to kick us out the country for no apparent reason.
The strip was good especially cafe de mar (ask for a fat frog), garage, sportsbar, paradise and last but not least mustangs (see chris).
A nice place for a kebab is 'donnerkebab' however staff are very unpleasent towards females...
all in all a very good holiday and would recomend it to anyone.
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Da Orada - Albuferia
Operator and Date: Fly Globespan - October 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : AB - Glasgow (25,26,27,27,28,28,28,28,29)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Visited the Orada apartments at the beginning of October. Fantastic weather, although it may have been unseasonably good by reports of the weather the week after and the rain teeming down on the morning we left.
The apartments were a fantastic size, 3/4 bathrooms in the 3-bed apartments, plenty of good-sized balconies and a well-equipped kitchen (amarinadealbufeira com is a good place to see pictures of the apartments and check out the layouts). There were some problems with the apartments e.g. light switches, plug points not working and blinds hadn't all been fitted yet. Reception and maintenance staff were most helpful and managed to sort most of the problems quickly. One thing missing from the apartments themselves is safety deposit boxes, although valuables can be left in the safe at reception in an envelope. There also aren't any lifts and the pathways are mostly cobbled so it can be fun getting your cases to the apartments!
The complex is lovely - nice grounds, a large, clean swimming pool and plenty of sunbeds. The poolside bar serves a good selection of toasties, sandwiches etc at reasonable prices. The area around the complex, particularly the marina is nice but it's very quiet and a lot of the shop units and restaurants aren't open yet. The Italian restaurant at the marina is good for those not fancying the walk into the old town.
The old town is about 15 - 20 minutes walk along a quietish road through an area which is still undergoing a bit of construction. It's an easy enough walk, but if you don't fancy it, a taxi into the old town is about 5-6 euros and 6-8 euros to the Strip (the noisier, tackier part of town). Beware, some of the taxi drivers drive very fast! The restaurants in the old town are definitely better quality, though they're probably slightly more expensive. Would recommend Casa da Fonte, lovely food under the huge lemon tree in the courtyard, the Tequila Cafe and the Royal Orchid Thai restaurant. The square in the old town usually has entertainers and plenty of places to just sit and watch.
Outside of Albufeira, Slide and Splash is worth a visit if you like your waterslides. Plenty of rides to try out, and at quieter times of the year there's hardly any queues. It's about 30 minutes away, although there's plenty of organised bus trips for about 16 - 20 euros each.
Overall, the old town has something for everyone, good food, plenty of good live entertainment. The strip's not really worth bothering about unless you want the karaoke, cheesy music, bucking bronco type entertainment typical of Magaluf etc.
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Da Orada - Albuferia
Operator and Date: Globespan - Sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Laura, Glasgow - 22, Stephen, Glasgow - 24
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
(Stayed for 2 weeks)
TRAVEL AGENTS & STAFF
Delayed on departure for around 5 hours but Gloespan staff were most helpful. Given food vouchers and flight actually departed 2hrs earlier than anticipated. Good flight.
On arrival we were slightly apprehensive as we had not traveled with Glaobespan before and were aware they did not use Reps. However, we were met at the airport and directed to our coach - all well organised and very efficient.
At hotel reception staff booked us in, showed us to our rooms and told where everything was etc. They were extremely friendly and most helpful.
Reception and security staff most helpful throughout entire stay. There was abosultely no need for a Rep and it was actually nice not to have one!
ACCOMODATION
This was excellent. Very new, modern and clean. We stayed in a Studio but it was very spacious - there was no need for a one bedroom. Would probably even have been fine for three people.
The pool and garden area were great too. All very well maintained. Alot of the apartments are privately owned so everything was very highly maintained.
AREA
The apartments are in an new Marina complex which is currently fairly quite. There are however shops for daily bits and pieces and some lovely restaurants and bars - Recommend the bread shop and pizza place! We stayed here a few nights when we just fancied something quite.
The old town of Albuferia is about 15-20 min walk away. It is up a small hill. It does not seem far and it is a nice walk so I certainly wouldn't let this put you off. This is the same route to the beach. Old town is lovely and you certainly won't be stuck for things to do. Would however recommend a small cardi for the walk back in the evenings as it does get quite chilli!
There is a supermarket about 10 min walk from apartments - up that hill again!
OVERALL
Wonderful holiday and would definitely recommend apartments. I couldn't fault anything. We paid around £400 each and it was a bargain! Would suit all age groups and both couples and families.
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Da Orada - Albuferia
Operator and Date: Globespan - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : L Duffy (29,28,30,23,8,2,2)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well were would I start the accommodation is First Class. We stayed in a 3 bedroom apartment, and It was great we had 3 bathrooms, all ensuite. the kitchen had everything from a fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, and lots of plates, glasses, etc. Even a wide screen televison and balconies all round, even in all the rooms. the complex itself is excellent. The staff are very friendly at the reception, bend over backwards to help you, even the cleaners are very nice. there is a pool bar, and a large swimming pool, with a childrens pool.
The complex is exacatly about 5 minutes away from the old town, by car and about 10 minutes to the strip, but the hotel has a driver who will be happy to drive you around, it does not matter were you want to go, and it will only cost you 5 euros per way, he will even pick you up if it is before 9pm at night. the complex is right on the marina, lovely boats a must to see but very quiet at night, which just a few restaurants and bars. The old town is very busy if you have a pram it is murder to get around the streets, as it is jamed packed to the seams espically on a saturday night when thee is live bands playing. Great fish restaurant overlooking the beach of the old town and very reasonalby aswell. i would stay the better nightlife for families is the main strip, Coconuts 2 is great for children they have entertainment every night, games and every child gets a prize, it keeps them entertained for about 3 hours.
While there you have have to visit Zoo marina, great, you can see all the dolphins, and sealions, sharks etc, lots of rides for the kids aswell, but dont forget to pack a swim suit as there is a large swimming pool there aswell, just the ticket when you have been walking around most of the morning. Slide and Splash is another must, great as long as it is not during the peak season as who could be queing for up to a hour for a ride (august mainly). The best place we found for dinner had to be Erins Way an Irish Pub up the top end of the strip, very easonable and very quick, just what you need when you have young children, and the portions are massive, we could not even have a drink that night, as we were still full from our dinner. the best place for a scottish breakfast has to be the scots jolks, full scottish breakfast, square saugage, and potato scones, black pudding etc, all for 4 euros, they even have irn bru.
All in all this was a great holiday just back and cant wait to go back next year, and will be staying in the same complex, as it was excellent.
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Dois Pinheiros Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Holiday Index Ltd - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Mark Newman - Caterham ( 36,35,7,3 )
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from Albufeira and the infamous (Strip). The accomadation is spacious but basic which is great if you are just using it as a base, but could be difficult if your plans are to stay in and cook.
The strip runs from the Hotel Montechoro all the way down to the local beach which has what is fondly called "cadiac hill" by the local reps just before it. Along this famous strip is wall to wall eating, drinking and shopping establishments that stay open well into the cool nights.
It is a very lively place with some of the apartments being taken up by groups of boys or girls that are on holidays for drinking and late nights(early mornings)which if you are with kids can be annoying but then they where great fun in the swimming pool when they had managed to surface during the day.
If you are looking for Portuguese culture, way of life or even language then you are best to stay away from here. The Brits have well and truly landed here and the Portuguese have encouraged them by the following :-
Full English Breakfasts
Wall to Wall Football Coverage
The Sun being read by nearly everyone
English is the first language spoken
Beer and Currys are on offer.
Even the Portuguese know what is happening on Eastenders.
What is important to state, is that even though some of the previous reviews have said that the Portuguese people are rude and unhelpful people but what they have failed to do is speak their language.
These poor people have to put up with England flag waving, Sun reading, beer swilling people day in day out and you wonder why they maybe unhelpful.
Simple handbook with basic Portuguese phrases went down a treat and they loved it when the kids attempted their language.
Good holiday, great weather, but really for younger and more single people...
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Hotel: Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Panorama - August 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Claire Robbins - North Wales (37, 32, 5, 1)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Upon arrival we had to wait three hours for our room which I had read on a previous review. That is the only bad word I have to say about the hotel. When packing just pack a towel and swimming stuff at the top.
We were on the second floor with a pool view which was great, we had paid a supplement for the pool view but was glad in the end. The room was clean and spacious and recently refurbished. Although people have complained about the towels I had no problems with these - yes they could be changed more frequently but not the end of the world. Cleaners came most days whilst we were there for two weeks and I had no complaints.
Entertainment was not great but who wants to sit in a bar at the Hotel watching tribute acts for two weeks, it's nice to get out and explore. Pool area was great need to be up before 9.00am to get a bed though.
The drinks and food in the hotel were expensive but there is a supermarket across the road and a little bar up the side street which sells chip butties and a pint for 3 euro a plate of chips at the hotel costs 2.75 euro.
There are loads of great places to eat on the strip including O Poeta next door to Matt's Bar, The Golden Gate chinese was brilliant, Blue Sky and a great cheap and cheerful place was Tom & Jerry's did a good breakfast.
Take a trip to the old town on the train lovely by day and night.
A great holiday and the accommodation is great despite reading some of the past review's - do not worry like I did.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Panorama - July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Sam - Lancashire (22,22,11,2)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just spent two weeks at the Dom Pancho and we had a really great time. We stayed in a studio apartment which was nice and clean, although towels could be changed more often. The pool area was spacious with enough shaded areas for children. It also had a nice play area with slide and swings and a smaller pool for little ones. The snacks were good. Although prices were reasonable they were more expensive than other places. Entertainment wasn't great and was repeated weekly but the bar was still a friendly place with a good selection of drinks and a good atmosphere when enough people were in! Although the brochure clearly states no entertainment for children the hotel would have been much better with it, possibly a children's club. Staff were very friendly with the children making lots of fuss!
The best place for breakfast has got to be Rumours. Great food, good prices and Jeff and Ian were very friendly blokes. The American Diner just left of the hotel was excellent with big portions and friendly staff Also try Sr Frogs and Fredi's on the corner for excellent sword fish.
Coconuts was a great family bar although the hypnotist was unable to hypnotise and the parrots wouldn't perform!!! There was plenty of games for the children to join in. Watch out for the 'go and grab' game where children were asked to get a chair resulting in my husband almost breaking his spine!!!Ha!!
Take the Noddy train into old town which is very nice during day and lots of bars and places to eat at night. We ate at Asian Street kitchen which was very smart inside and good food. Need to use chopticks though!
Definitely worth visiting is the Zoomarine, with good shows and a 4-D cinema which was fantastic!!Also visit Aquashow water park which was a really good family day.
I would DEFINITELY go back to Portugal and the Dom Pancho hotel the only problem being the many children's rides on the streets which cost me a fortune! Make sure you have plenty of Euros if you have little ones. Considering booking for next year.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: panorama july 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Ann Dewhurst 40,50,22,22,,11,2
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
We have just come back from a family holiday and we would like to say how pleased we were with the hotel. The staff were very friendly and helpfull. The rooms very clean and plenty of room. The swimming pool was great, with nice grounds.
Entertainment at night was not the best but with the STRIP only five minutes away it was no problem.RUMOURS bar at top of street was great value for food and beer,very nice staff.If you have kids look out for COCONUTS 1 bar at top end of STRIP,keeps them entertained with games and prizes.Noddy train takes you into OLD TOWN for 3 euros, well worth the visit, nice walk back takes about 40 mins.ZOO MARINE well worth a visit even if you dont have kids,also AQUASHOW was good value.
We would definately recomend the resort and the hotel to anybody wanting a fun family holiday.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Thomson Holidays
june 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : kat-22
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
me and my friend had 2 great weeks at dom pancho. the rooms were very clean was disspointed on arrival our room was not ready for three hours. the room was quite large and the bathroom was big and very clean the shower was very good. the staff r very polite and go out of thier way to help u.
the pool is nice and clean can get a bit busy with ball games etc and not enough sunbeds.
the strip is about a 5-10min walk where the best bars and resturants are food and drink is alot cheaper in the stip than the hotel. matts bar was a great place to end the night along with remos cocktails. between 9-10pm there is a clown that goes outside remos and performs very funny had me laughing every night.
the beach is about 20min walk away fien goin there but comin bak its a very steep hill and not very pleasent the beach is part pebble and part sand depending on where the tide is.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Flyglobespan May 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Lol & Margaret Osborne Eston Nr Middlesbrough (63 &61
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a lovely holiday in the Algarve.Having read the comments about the Dom Pancho we were a bit wary when we arrived.
We had a good transfer to the hotel arriving at 12.45pm but we had to wait for our Studio until 4.45pm. We were told that the previous occupants were late in getting out of the studio but the fact is they have not got enough cleaning staff. This was the only complaint we had over the week.
The studio was excellent even if the kettle took a long time to boil!!!! The beds were very comfortable and bathroom was O.K. The pool area was very good plenty of room and sunbeds.The hotel is still undergoing refurbishment but everything was O.K.and the staff were all very pleasant and helpfull.The sandwiches were good value and the drinks were reasonably priced but cheaper in the bars outside.It is about 10 mins walk to The Strip but there are quite a few bars and eating places near to the Hotel.
We ate and drank in various places but found The Cockerel very good.If you like good home cooking The Geordie Pride was excellent with large portions and well priced.
The Geordie Lass was a good bar to have a few drinks in on the way back to the digs.
The owners Sam & Libby were good crack even though they are Newcastle supporters!!!! Sam very kindly turned the telly over so I could watch the Boro playing. Top notch bloke.They have John Smiths on draught as well.
Had a nice day in Old Town and enjoyed a lovely fish meal at the Sunset through the Tunnel.
We would go back to Albufeira and Dom Pancho again, no bother!!!!!
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Globespan - May 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Claire & Bill (33, 41)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We stayed in a one bedroomed apartment in May 2007. Weather was great, nice and hot. Apartment was very spacious and had air conditioning. The apartment was clean and pretty standard for a 3* accommodation, which we were very pleased with. However, the noise does seem to travel due to the tiled floors in the apartments and also in the corridors, which made these apartments pretty noisy most of the time including late a night i.e. 3am.
The pool area is perfect and very clean. We spent all day every day by the pool in the landscaped area underneath a palm tree which was great for shading from the sun.
Now onto Food .... there are some really great restaurants on the main road just down from the apartments ....
Annabells - lovely Sunday roast and down to earth home cooking, not to mention lovely breakfasts.
Paulu's (Italian) mamma mia, the food is gorgeous plus they do fantastic homemade desserts (yummy)
Neto (which is down the road and round the corner, next to CPO Hotel). Good food, but we did wait for an hour before we got our main course, which didn't put us off as we were quite happy drinking our bottle of wine and nibbling on the bread and did go back again after our first visit.
Mangello - Along the road from Neto, lovely food, and really nice to sit outside on a sunny night and watch the world go by.
This is our 2nd visit and we can't wait to go back!
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: May 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Donna (29) Andrea (29) Ann (53) Bertie (54) Nanna Mo (66) Nanna (71)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading all the comments from last year the hotel does not get a good name. The way we looked at it was you get what you pay for. We all paid £220.00 each for a week and had 2 one bedroom apartments and 1 studio. The rooms were very clean and modern looking. The maids did come in each day, but they start later on in the day. We sometimes had maids in between 5pm & 6pm when we were trying to have a little sleep.
The strip is about a 5 min walk from the hotel, where you will find a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. Head to Wild & co where you will get the best cocktails in Portugal. Jump on the little train and head down to the old town where again you will find some really nice places to eat and drink.
Overall we all had a good holiday and would head back to the same hotel again. We are already looking into booking it for next year.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
May 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Patricia Stokes 13,15,16,18,40,44,45,49,53,54,55,56,78,80
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We stayed at the Dom pancho for the first week in May there were 17 of us various ages celebrating our dads 80th and we had the most fantastic week.
The hotel has been refurbished to a high standard all rooms spotless/new furniture and fittings new electric hobs took a bit of working out and kettle takes around 15mins to boil but ok once you get the hang of it. Linen fresh and clean changed weekly. maid service daily usually late afternoon so not disturbed early morn if had a late one. towels still only changed every 4 days tho. New sunbeds and parasols were arriving while we stayed and there was still some upgrading being done but this didnt affect our stay there. Very large pool area with plenty of room. The daytime snacks were fresh and very good. J the barman was extremely good fun but all the staff were very pleasant and friendly and any problems were sorted almost immediatly. Great breakfast for 1.5euro or a double one for 3euro at the little dutch bar (turn right at the road end out of the hotel 100 yards) Plenty to do as is only 5 mins from the strip. Diamonds sports bar across the road has 7 screens.
Try the American diner for big portions and great food(not your usual burger joint) supamarket just across the road has all you need if catering at home. Bus stop 100yards away try their giro system just 1 euro takes you all over the region.Not so busy being first week in may but very good weather and most places were open and everyone very friendly
Great holiday would definately stay there again.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: October 2006
Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : Roy & Lynda- Ayrshire
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from Don Pancho, and after reading the reveiws, was worried. But, the rooms are clean, the staff very friendly, and for entertainment,not bad.
Near enough to the strip to stroll down, where you have everthing you need.
Directly accross the road from the Dom Pancho, resturants to visit, The Cockerel, and the Zoo,great food and excellent service.
For a great night out, just up from the Pancho is Tom Brazil's, its a Portugeese/Brazilian pub, makes everyone very welcome,staff and customers are very friendly ,especially Louis and Dokka, and Tom.
Would go again to Dom Pancho and Portugal.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Alpharooms - May 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Bolton (25,26)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
I've been to the Dom Pancho twice now and have booked to stay there a 3rd time in October.
The hotel is 5minutes from the Montechoro strip and across the road from a mini supermarket.
Nearby is a great Chinese restaurant, the Red Dragon and the best Indian restaurant we found was the Taj Mahal near the top of the strip.
The rooms have everything you need and are a decent size. The pool area is great... surrounded with grass and palm trees.
When I first booked to go in May 2005 I paid £300 for 2 weeks accomodation so I wasn't expecting too much, when I got there I was really pleased with the place, it was clean, spacious and the staff are friendly.
It's the ideal hotel in the perfect spot for a cheap get away.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Seguro May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Liz - Gordon 50s
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read the reviews before going I was pleasantly surprised on arrival, rooms were spotless although as previously described they are a bit on the tired side, the studio was of an adequite size but kitchen appliances really were on their last legs.
Staff were pleasant and helpful, entertainment most nights (some of a good standard and some lets say not so good)The pool was very clean and well kept as were the grassed areas, sunbeds were plentiful although as the main season approaches they may be harder to get. Bar prices were a bit on the steep side but if you are willing to walk 50 meters you can get a pint for a euro at the bars next to the hotel, we found a local cafe/bar just up the road which served a lovely breakfast reasonably. The main strip is a 5/10 minute walk and allows a great choice of eating and entertainment.
All in all this was a very reasonably priced and good value holiday.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Expedia March 2006
Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Barry, Sheena --- Coventry
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a great holiday but like others who have left reviews I would agree that a bit of tlc and updating would make this a great hotel. We had 10 days of sunshine in March........ Try Little Britain for good value meals, Rumours for breakfast and the Cockrell for a quiet and filling hearty meal. Book early for a seat and try the deserts especially Andy`s special which is a half pineapple filled with strawberries and other goodies..P.S HIRE A CAR
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Seguro Holidays - September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Scotland (23, 23)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
I was on a one week holiday with a friend in September when I was staying here. I thought the apartments overall were good despite there being one or two things I would have liked to be different. The room we had, which was a one bedroom apartment, was quite large. There was a basic kitchen (fridge/freezer, hob and grill), a good sized lounge and a medium sized bathroom (with bath and shower facility). The bathroom I thought was a little too basic. I would have liked to have had a better shower and someone really needs to rethink the sink taps. You have to turn them on fully for the water to even land in the basin as the taps are set so far back and to turn them off you need to turn them as tightly as possible.
The location of the apartments I honestly thought couldn't have been better. The strip and the beach was a ten minute walk away and the road that lead to it was lined with friendly looking restaurants and a few pubs. Yet it was set far enough back that we could get a good nights sleep. The pool was a good size, very clean and was close to the bar for when you wanted a drink. The staff were friendly and spoke excellent English. I would have liked for the towels to have been changed a little more often (they got changed after about 5 days) but apart from that, for the price, I was really happy.
We never tried the restaurant as there were so many outside of the apartments. Senor Frogs has to be tried (fantastic!). As for the other restaurants, for the squeamish I would warn you - when you ask for fish, you get the whole fish (head, tail.) but that aside, you get a really good varied selection.
When it comes to the bars, again, there is something for everyone. From the relaxed with casual conversation, to bars with dance floors and DJ's playing hip hop, garage, pop, dance. There were Irish bars, Canadian Bars, British bars. The best by far has to be Matt's Bar near the bottom of the strip - good fun, good atmosphere, great staff.
Overall it was a fantastic holiday and for anyone looking for a good deal on accommodation and doesn't really need it to be five star, I would recommend the Dom Pancho.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama - September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : S Thornton - Belfast
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
dom pancho is in an excellent location with shops, bars and resturants close by. it is also near the strip and about 15 mins walk to the beach. the pool area is excellent as it is very spacious and clean and the pool is big. our studio for two was big and clean. it was cleaned everyday but not very well on most days. apart from that i would highly recommend staying here. we never visited the hotel bar, there is not much entertainment. there is none during the day either if you hav kids etc. this did not bother us at all.
the strip is ok, we mainly ate off the strip, sunset on the strip is a good resturant. others i would recommend are dolce vita, an italian. Paulos another italian, and do lombo, typical portugese resturant. the sizzling stone resturant was just ok, this is quite hyped up i think. the portions were quite small as well. but the novelty of the stone is worth it. we also ate in the koala resturant which was also found off the strip, we were so impressed with this that we went back twice. the steak is huge and tasty and the service excellent. the old town is lovely and for only 6euro return trip it is defiently worth a visit. we ate in annas, which was lovely. very good food and reasonable price. the bars here were nice and the entertainment on the streets is enjoyable. we went to the vegas bar which was good. we went to bravo resturant found on the square which was ok, too busy. you are better to visit smaller resturants that are off the busy streets and you will pay much less aswell. the only bad meal we got was at a mexcian El Panchito, found near the new marina, we got a taxi to here, the new marina was completely deserted. once we found the resturant, the setting was lovely but the food was HORRIBLE!!! there was no flavour what so ever. we were very disappointed! we didnt hang about for long.
the beaches are lovely and clean. we walked from montechoro to the old town which was nice and only took about 45 mins.
i would defiently recommended the accomadation and resort if you are looking a quite and relaxing holiday.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Bloofish - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : 34,34,9,6
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The accomodation for us was very poor. The corridors are reminisent of a prison. The sofa bed for kids sleeping was wholly inadequate. The reception staff were not interested in a discussion regarding the fact that I had assumed I had paid for a pool view rather than a normal room.
If we could do it again - we would go elsewhere such as CPO and stay for fewer noghts.
Could not use the kitchen facilities as they were very basic and not particularly clean.
I would definitely go back to the resort - but never to Dom Pancho. Have stayed in far better 3 star accomodation abroad.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Flyglobespan - May 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Fiona & Marlyn (24, 54) Glasgow
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was my third trip to the resort (and second to these apartments) and would go back in a minute.
Ok, so the apartments aren't state of the art 5 star luxury but they are spacious enough, clean and have everything you need - who needs a microwave, I'm not there to cook! The apartments are in a perfect location. Only 10 mins walk from the strip yet set back enough to get a decent night's sleep.
Plenty of eating places - Kilt and Kelt is the best for breakfast, Coconuts is a good all round menu (even for the fussiest of people), Rumours does lovely fresh sandwiches and snacks, Annabels is great for dinner and you can't miss a trip to Senor Froggs for the best pizza on the planet!
Nightlife is also pretty good. Like most holiday resorts, happy hour finishes at 10pm so get your cocktails ordered before then! Banana's is a good cocktail bar. But prices can generally be more expensive on the strip - avoid Wild & Co at all costs, e15 for two cocktails! I would highly recommend spending a night in the Kilt and Kelt, just for the Scottish banter (very welcoming) and reasonably priced drinks, a good place to be. Rumours is also good for a more relaxing evening out.
We're not really beach people but we took a walk down and it looked lovely. You should also take the wee train into the old town. Nice winding streets with stalls and shops. Its also good at night but in the height of the season (when I went last year) you can hardly move.
I would recommend the apartments and resort to anyone, like I say, I'd go back in a minute.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Globespan May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : M Paton - Midlothian (53)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Nice enough hotel but needs a bit updating. Towels were changed frequently and rooms were cleaned every day.
A bit of TLC wouldnt go amiss i.e. some furnishing work to be done in the apartments and they would be great.
Very spacious apartment.
All in all had a good time
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Flyglobespan - May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : James Smith - Bishopbriggs Glasgow (28,34,38)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were looking for a cheaper holiday for a wee break so we when to see Ava at John Semples in Bishopbriggs and Ava got us a very good price to the Algarve and we thought its basic but its cheap, we had amazing service from Ava, then the flights were great and well the tranfers were very easy and straight forward and on time, but best of all was the Dom Pancho it was very very clean, good size apts, food was great and the prices were well worth it. All the staff were more than happy to help us with anything.
The pool area was a good size,clean,neat and tidy. The resort was so clean and friendly, the bars and restaurants were fantastic. We tried every food from chicken n chips to indian they were all delish.
Overall one of our best holidays yet and can't wait to go back to book a great deal again with Ava. James,Neil,Caroline
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Independent - April 2005
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Robin Powell, Brighton 59, 57
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We would endorse the better reviews of the Dom Pancho. Whilst the hotel is a bit old and tired, needing some fresh paint, it is spotlessly clean and excellent value at the prices currently offered. (we paid about £16 per night for 1 bed apartment that could sleep a family of four !)
We found the much derided hotel bar to be better than expected. ?3 for a large beer is dearer than "from ?1 during happy hour" in a simple bar, but some of the evening entertainment was quite OK (Zambesi Pula Pula, in particular was excellent)and about £2 for nearly a pint with entertainment was fair value.
If you want 4*/5*, you get and pay more (we did on other parts of this holiday) but enjoy a good value break at the Dom Pancho
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Seguro- March 2005
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Norma & Jim- Ayrshire
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We're just back from a week's hol at Dom Pancho.It was a last minute booking and cost us £249 each from Prestwick.
The hotel looked okay from the outside,inside was musty smelling, which put me off right away.The welcome meeting held that night in the bar was dark and dingy and really smelly.
My Bacardi Breezer was 2 months out of date.!Say no more. Our 1 bedroom apt on the 3rd floor had a small balcony overlooking the pool, which looked very nice and was surrounded by newly cut lawns with plenty of room to sunbath. The indoor pool was a good idea because althought the weather was great for this time of year (21c)the outdoor pool was freezing and nobody used it.
There was some building work going on around us but didn't cause too much of a distraction.The rooms we had were very basic, (our icebox had no door,)the furniture was made of cane and food was stuck in the corners, so we decided to eat out. We had pizza most of the time at SNR Frogs, and boy did it live up to it's reputation! You must try the Hawaiian Calzoni, it's superb! We gave The Cockeral a miss.The smell as we walked past put us off.
The Alisuper opposite has a good supply of groceries, water etc and a very handy, 2 minutes walk away.We liked the strip except for the ticket touts who were a bit of a pain.The beach was great. Visit the beach cafe, to the left of the Club Praia da Oura for yummy sardines. Cardiac Hill wasn't so bad.I made it in 1 go without stopping and i'm asthmatic.
The 1 thing you MUST do, is go on the all-day bus tour..Historical Algarve. It was amazing.Lots of stops on the way,and plenty of nice little surprises!(Lunch is a must!!)
The trip to the gypsy market on the Weds was a bit dissapointing and was mostly all the same sort of goods on show.
We had a good hol although we won't be back to Dom Pancho until it's been refurbished. (Maid service 6 days a week,towels changed every 4 days, linen once weekly.)
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Chris -sussex(35,30,6
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Dom Pancho is not a three star Hotel , but we didnt pay three star prices (holiday company ratings are usually from a different world).It,s not brilliant but it is livable ,we had a good time and met some nice people.
The entertainment was not.
The pool bar food is nice and is fairly priced.
The beaches are nice and there is plenty of space .
The strip is ok plenty of bars and restaurants ,Portafinos was exellent .
The Old Town is lovely and worth a visit be warned there are plenty of tramps and beggers(some children) but a simple NO and they seemed to move on
all in all it was an OK holiday ,but i woulnt rush back
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: direct - 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by :
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
dom pancho had everything we wanted, nice big pool but to get a bed be early, well in the kids hols.we went down to the beach everyday. the dutch bar near to on the main road do a great english breakfast for one euro fifty and a nice pint for 90cents. going towards the beach martinique do a 500ml boot for one euro and is a nice pint. turn right eddys bar also a good pint. great in the old town but hard to get a taxi why i don't know. the rock bar in the old town is very good live music. man on the door is 7 feet tall but always shakes your hand on the way in great guy.
i would go again but stay in the old town, much better than the strip and no need for taxis as much
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Seguro Travel - 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : G & I 50's
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
First impressions were very good, reception area good, staff very helpful and nice. Room let us down badly, sockets fell out of the wall,the cooker fused(in all fairness it was reported and repaired within 30 mins) when using the air conditioning you couldn't sit on the balcony because it flooded from a pipe coming out of the AC unit there.
A very worn out apartment with glass tops missing from the bedside tables which are of cane same as the dining table which had debris lodged in edges. Bedspread very washed out with bleach marks and holes. The taps in both bathroom and kitchen had to be turned off very tightly otherwise they flooded the counter tops. Maid service excellent, every day. Towels changed 4th day, bed linen 8th day.
Let down badly at the pool area with people putting down towels on loungers and not appearing until afternoon very unfair. Did complain and they did make an announcement saying that towels could be removed by other guests, it didn't help though!!!
Our balcony view consisted of 7 cranes at building sites opposite and I appreciate this is not Dom Panchos fault it wasn't nice to sit and look out at.
The entertainment like the apartment was very tired, repeated the same two weeks we were there. The bar area was nice enough and plenty of seating outwith the bar. The restaurant manager was really friendly and never let a night go by without speaking as we were on our way out. It says the beach is only 900 metres away, It seemed considerably more than that.
The strip is very close by and there are plenty of eating places and gift shops. As you turn to your left and carry on to the bottom of the road there is a restaurant called Mistique which has a cake shop attached, not to be missed. We also found a couple of great bars on the street going down to the strip which were nice, relaxed and friendly
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Booked Independantly - December 2004
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : IP &PG (37,50)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Went for a weeks cheap winter sun and got the bargain of a lifetime.
Due to work commitments, I can only take my holidays in winter so a decent and warm place is essential.
This was our 4th visit to Albufeira but our first ever foray into independant travel. (Never again will I fight with the masses on the flying cattle trucks called package holidays)
THE APARTMENTS
Dom Pancho was booked after reading reviews on here. They gave it a fair rating and to be fair, it is very much under rated. The rooms are a good size, clean and have everything you need. We had an inland facing studio and as such got no sun on the balcony, but it was only a minute to the pool area where you could lounge about in the sun all day.
We don't tend to use the hotel bar, restaurant etc. so we can't comment on those. All staff are friendly and helpful.
THE RESORT
As I said earlier, this was our 4th trip to Portugal and all other times we have stayed at VILA NOVA which is right on the strip.Great for ameneties but still a bit noisy even in winter. Dom Pancho is in a quieter area, away from the main resort area but still within easy reach (2 mins walk) of the strip if you want to go.
At the end of the hotel drive are 2 bars, The Do Drop Inn and O Canthino. Both serve good food at a very reasonable price(fried chicken,chips, salad and a large beer for 5 euros!!!!) and are excellent for an afternons people watching. 1 euro for a large beer helps too. We preferred O Canthino which seems to be used mainly by retired long termers during the day and locals on their way home from work at night.
Although a lot of the restaurants are closed in winter, you are still spoilt for choice deciding where to eat. Alot of the restaurants that do stay open have a discounted menu which makes it cheaper to eat out than it is to cook for yourself.
THE OLD TOWN is fine for a day out but sadly now is basically a tourist town and has lot a lot of its fishing vilage heritage. Brilliant beach though!!!!!!!
If you're looking for a good quality, cheap and quiet winter break, Dom Pancho can't be faulted.
We enjoyed it so much, we booked direct with the hotel and go back again in 6 weeks!!!
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos september 2004
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : paul and sophie
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
we booked a last min deal with cosmos and when we got to the hotel we were put into a hut it didnt feel safe as it was dark and out the way
it is a good loction for the strip but a fair walk to the beach and no free bus there
we did attendant the welcome meeting and she was informative and warm very nice girl we told her our problem with the room she did ask at recpetion but there was no room
we found our way around usin the map and it was lovely the resort you can not fault the sun was very hot still
the only massive problem we had was on our second night after sein the rep in the morinig we return to our room to find it upside down we did call the 24 hr line for a rep she said our rep would b in bed and she'll ask her to come this was extreamly upettin being in a diffeant place we had no idea if our rep would come lucky for us she did walk to us at 1am lookin a mess though but was extreamly helpful and moved us room on the spot we have written a thank you to her as she was fantasic i would travel with cosmos again just id never go back to the dump of dom pancho its dark and cold and has a funny smell
the bar is boring and dark
id advise everyone not to book this hotel and maybe stay away from albufira in the summer as it seems it has a lot of brack in
apart from that we had a nice hoilday thanks to cosmos and everything
though i wouldnt take the transfer coaches they take a long time
paul and sophie
x
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Gary, Melanie, Conrad, Glenda, Leanne, Philip - Belfast (45,42,39,28,16,14)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We thoroughly enjoyed our week at the Dom Pancho. It appears to have mixed reviews but I don't think it is as bad as the negative comments make out. My husband and I were in a studio, while my sister, husband and 2 children were in a one bed apartment. Both were very spacious, ours was facing away from the pool but it had a lovely view of some villas and the mountains in the distance and was very quiet at night.
I found the apartments to be what you would expect from a 3-star, fairly basic but ok. Only downside was towels only changed once and sheets not at all during the week,but we knew to expect that. On the plus the air conditioning was excellent.
The pool area is lovely with grass and trees all around, again only one downside,not enough sun loungers, however we all bought lilos which are far more comfortable anyway and used them instead. The snack bar is more expensive than places outside the hotel, but it is ok if you can't be bothered leaving the pool! We did not spend any evenings in the hotel bar so can't comment on that, but it did look a bit dull and drab.
The hotel's location is excellent as other reviews have stated. Only 10 mins walk from the strip, and loads of bars/restaurants even closer than that. We really liked the whole resort, the strip is busy but I thought probably not as tacky as some tourist places I have been to. The old town which is about 20 mins away on the tourist train (really a bus, you can get it from the strip) is very pretty, with narrow cobbled streets and lots of market stalls. We ate somewhere different every night, sampling all sorts of food, and none of us had a bad meal. We all agreed that the food is better than any other place in Spain etc that we have been to. Not all that cheap however, we found eating out not much cheaper than it would be at home, although local beers / wines were cheap, but cockatails, international brands etc more expensive. The nightlife consists mainly of bars with music, some were quite loud & trashy, but some pretty nice places as well.
The beaches are beautiful, both Praia da Oura & Fishermans beach. The hill down to Praia da Oura, dubbed cardiac hill, is really not that bad at all. There are also a few nice little restaurants down there which we only discovered on our last day.
The weather was really good all week, although it rained on the day we were leaving!
All in all, we all loved Albufeira and would definitely go back. I would not hesitate to return to the Dom Pancho, it is in a great location, a good 3 star hotel, we found staff to be fine, and if you want 5 star luxury then that is what you should book!
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Panorama Discounts) Panorama - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Jack, Sonia, Rhiannon Belfast (35,32,5)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hi all.
We booked in January and picked this holiday because it looked nice on the brochure and was reasonably priced. We arrived at the hotel at 22:30 approx.
Accommodation:
Because we booked late and went by price we werent expecting anything special about the hotel. Apon arrival I was pleased by the look of the front of the hotel and the reception area. We got checked in quickly and got a room facing the front of the hotel (away from the pool view). Dont be put of by this, it was quiet enough and the room was nice - separate sleeping area covered by a sliding door, cooking area with a breakfast bar, table, cooking utensils. The room was clean and the only problem I had while I was staying was the towels were only changed once all week. I complained to reception and they were changed the next morning so that was fine.
Hotel area
The pool is great, large area and even though it was busy I always got a sun bed (although I reccomend placeing your towel early especially if you are a large group so not to be disappointed). Also there is nothing much to entertain kids, but we expected this as the brochure mentioned it. I think they could rethink there ideas on this, mini disco in the evening/games during the day.
Bar
The bar is cr*p!!! Dark drap area inside with miserable bar staff. The first night we were in the hotel the bar had a karaoke and they were singing republican irish songs about the IRA in it. The entertainment is the worse I have ever came across so give this a miss. Also the drinks are expensive (4 euro a breezer/bottled beer and 3 for a local pint).
Albuferia
As said before, rumours is on the corner - go there between 2 and 5 o'clock and it is 1 euro a pint.
The resort itself is good and lively, the new town has a million karaoke bars/disco pubs so there is something for everybody. The only thing that lets it down is there is not much for families with kids. The only bar is Cocunuts, it has entertainment everynight and is brillant. The kids are welcomed on the dance floor and they have games for them. Problem being that it is the only bar that has this sort of thing (hence it is busy so go early for a seat). More of this kind of bar needed in such a big resort.
The old town is nice for a walk about and is lively itself - beware the usual restuarant workers getting you in with the menus in hand - the streets are narrow and you cannot avoid them.
The beach is fantastic a definate and only 10/15 mins walk away.
Would I go back - yes. Would I go to the Dom Pancho - no (go for kids entertainmet hotels).
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Panorama Discounts) Panorama- JUNE 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : BERNARD,EILEEN ,ETHEL ( 51,52,70)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hotel: if you like a clean apartment and friendly staff on your holiday, then i advise not to go near them. Hotel in need of major face lift apartment wise, reception area nice enough. o.k. if you get them at a bargain price but do not pay full brochure price.musty smell all over hotel,rooms dirty,little or no maid service. only one towel change in week we were there and only because we caught the cleaner as she was finishing..
AREA. hotel in good location plenty of bars and restaurants nearby ,strip is about fifteen minutes away where you can catch train to the oldtown. Oldtown is excellent,good restaurants , bars and plenty of street entertainers music ,puppets etc.
OVERALL HOLIDAY: we enjoyed our stay in albufeira , weather excellent,plenty to do both day and night. would go back to resort, but would never set foot in this hotel again, we were charged to much for this holiday, 510 euro each. BE CAREFUL.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Paul and Paula (25 and 24
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We arrived at the accommodation at 12ish but were not able to check in until around 3ish.
Went to Rumours at the end of the road as read reasonable and good food on the other reports. We thought it was expensive and would recommend THE COCKERAL or THE GEORDIE BAR. To get here cross the main road and walk down, Cocker al is on the left and the Geordie bar a little further down on the right. The Cockeral is fantastic for evening meals, I know it is English owned but is definatley best value for money. A lot of the restaurants on The Strip have similar menus.
The accommodation was basic but ok. If you want the air con you need to hire a remote from reception and this also applies to the tv. Maid service only came to our room at 4/5 ish in the evening so some days our room was not cleaned, but if you need clean towels just ask and they will give. View was over the pool and you could also see the sea in the distance.
The pool area was ok, plenty of grass but not enough sunbeds. If you want a sunbed you need to be up before 9am to reserve one!!!
Resort was ok, we where there while EURO 2004 was on. I am glad as otherwise it would have been a little too quiet. Bars differ in prices where you go, along with different sizes of cocktails for the same price. MATTS bar was quite good. At the top of THE STRIP (Montechoro area) is a little amusement area for kids. There is a pool area, water slides, very good crazy golf (much better than the one down the road from the accom), and a few rides. You can hire sunbeds and stay there all day. Take the tourist train to the old town, it picks on the strip.(Walking can talk about 40/50 mins) This very different and worth seeing.
Overall quite a good holiday, it was just a shame England lost in the quarter finals!!!
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: seligo may 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : al 60 mar 57
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
dom pancho looked fine from outside reception area was fine and staff o.k. our 1 bedroom apartment was very disappointing. it was run down 60s style . the walls hadnt seen a coat of paint inyears they were all scratches smudges finger marks. there were wires sticking out of the wall in the bathroom . every time you turned on the tap in the bathroom the water ran all over the surfaces and flooded the floor . reception said we know about that / the wrong taps were fitted¬!!! i had to wash all the door handles in the kitchen etc because they were sticky the cane furniture had food etc engrained into it ugh!!
on our last night a notice went up in the lift TOMORROW THIS HOTEL IS GOING TO BE DISINFECTED ALL AREAS PLEASE COVER ALL FOOD111 someone scribbled at the bottom about time . a fresh notice was there next morning
the resort was great good food in the tartan bar at the end of the road. the strip was jumping great place best of all is in the old town you could sit in the square for hours people watching.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Panorama Discounts) Panorama-may 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Mel & billy (31, 40)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading previous reviews about the Dom Pancho we were a little concerned, we had booked a studio & had read poor reviews about these. We arrived at the hotel around 2pm but had to wait until 3.30pm for our room to be ready which was fine as we dumped our cases & found a great little bar just outside the hotel called the 'Do Drop inn' (1.20 euros for a large beer! it doesn't look much but it's in a nice little spot with friendly staff & just right to go for your 1st cheap drink before going onto the strip for the evening). We had read about the hotel asking for 100 Euros deposit but this was not the case for us! You do need to pay deposits for the usual stuff (safety box, etc). when we got to our studio we were really pleased with it, we had asked for a high floor & ended up on the 4th floor with a pool & sea view! The studio was more than big enough for the 2 of us with everything we needed. The furniture does look a bit tired but it's very clean which is the main thing. The pool is really lovely with really nice grassy areas around it & the staff are all very nice & helpful.
The resort is really nice, the cobbled streets give a really lovely appearance. You do get the touts who will try to give you scratch cards, etc, but they are usually very polite & will take "no thank-you" as an answer, certainly not as in-your-face as other resorts we have been to! There are some really nice places to eat, Snr Frogs is where we had 1 of the best pizza's we have tasted & the staff are lovely (look out for the young lad giving away free slices of pizza on the strip!) I had 1 of the best meals i can ever remember in 'The Sizzling Stone' get there early as they get busy in the evening, it may be slightly more expensive than some places we ate but i kicked myself that we saved it till the last night to go there! it's delicious! A liitle tip; go for a snack there during the day they are very good, reasonably priced & when you pay the bill they give you a voucher for 50% off a bottle of wine for the next time you eat there.
Take advantage of the happy hours, the prices of drinks do vary a great deal depending on where you go we have paid 4 euros for 2 drinks in 1 bar & 9 euros for the same drinks in another!! (Wild n Co is very dear & a really tacky Irish/American bar, to be avoided at all costs!)
The weather was great, it did rain when we 1st got there but cleared up for the rest of the week & was super with a lovely breeze down on the (beautiful) beaches.
All in all it was a great holiday, we try not to visit the same places as there are so many different places to visit but if we did want to go back to the Algarve we would be more than happy to book into the Dom Pancho again.
Happy Holidays!!!!
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: avro - May 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : lisa price - London (34,28,14,10.)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
i thought Dom Pancho was very nice,the apartments were very spacious we overlooked the pool which is absolutely lovely surrounded by grass which is really nice. Its a perfect location as well not right on top of the bars but just a 7 minute walking distance and you have everything you need ..nice restaurants, bars,shops definately worth looking down at the old town in the evening the main square is full of entertainers some lovely restaurants overlooking albufeira ..just got back i've got the holiday blues...i would definately go back really enjoyed it ..definate thumbs up.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Seguro - Easter 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Andy(52) Renee(51) - Bishopton, Rebfrewshire
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having always wanted to visit Portugal we eventually managed it in April 2004.
This was a last minute deal and the decision was made based on the pictures in the brochure! This could have gone either way. But what we saw was what we got. The picture taken from the grounds showing the hotel was exactly as the brochure. We took a picture from the same area and it matches.
Accomodation
Was fine - basic - but with everything we needed for a self catering holiday. Which in our case is somewhere to sleep, shower and have breakfast.
When we arrived we were registered and booked in very quickly. We went to our appartment which was on the top floor (two lifts available or if you are energetic you can walk up. We had a room with a pool and sea view - lovely!
Three checks to be carried out:
1. Is the bathroom clean - yes
2. Are the beds clean - yes
3. Is the kitchen/fridge clean - yes
Then we will stay.
Pool
Was a good size and clean. Plenty of space to lounge around in. No problems with sunbeds(although there were a couple of families who insisted on putting out their towels first thing in the morning and not using them until the afternoon - not necessary).
The indoor pool was a bit too warm for us, but it was handy on the one day we did have rain. Although we did still use the outdoor pool that day too. Something decadent about swimming in warm rain!
Eating out
Plenty of choice. Something for everyone.
We tend to go to a different restaurant each night as we look on this as a big part of our holiday.
If you are looking for ice cream then check out La Bamba on the strip!!!
Old Town
We used the 'train' to go down to the old town at night. This runs through the strip and does the return journey too. Not very fast, but gives you time to look around as you go along.
General
on the whole we found that prices were reasonable and we got good value for money.
We also wanted to go to a church service on Easter Sunday morning and opted to go to the International Evangelical Church. We took a taxi and this cost us about 20 euros. The return journey did not cost us anything as one of the church members volunteered to bring us back to our hotel.
Wwould we go back to Dom Pancho - yes. Without a doubt one of our best holidays and good value for money.
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2004
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : mt age 55
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
our apartment was dull and drab and badly in need of refurbishment. in the bathroom the cupboards were dirty and the doors needed painting. in the kitchen when you opened the cupboard doors the dirt was clinging to them. worst of all in the bedroom there was a brown mark on the wall about 12 inches in circumferance and it looked like someone had been sick and not bothered to paint over it. even worse the same mark similar size was inside the wardrobe, the whole place needed updating and was a depressing place to stay
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Hotel Dom Pancho - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Alpha beds - 2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : john richards Long Eaton (61,61,46,42.
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Good accomodation for the price.
No its not a 4 star but it dosent pretend to be.Staff were exellent especially the people behind the bar.
We found the room were adequate for our needs, towels were changed every other day.
Pool area was good, fine bar snacks,and no comlaints from us at all.Also the car hire in the hotel was exellent nice guy to.
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Domus Maris Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - May 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : David and Julie Leach - Halifax(50,48)):
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
If you want basic apartments then you have found them; on arrival in our apartment we were surprised to find bunk beds had been allocated!! The walls of the apartment were in desperate need of a makeover; although someone had started to paint the walls; roller marks still evident; but painting had not been finished. Don't expect something as simple as a kettle either, you use one of the two pans on offer.
The resort of Olhos D'Agua is a qauint fishing village with a lovely beach and small promenade.Eating out is reasonably priced and would recommend the Calheiros restaurant,typically ~8 euros for a meal and ~4 euros for house wine;restaurant is situated close to the supermarket. Other place to eat and drink are Tracies bar - Full English breakfast ~5 euros, very friendly with cheap English food. The beach is cooled by an Atlantic breeze which will keep you cool; note the sea is very cold even on hot days.
In Albufeira beware of time share touts; the usual ploy is to ask questions on a survey, this is rounded off by giving you a scratch card - DO NOT TAKE UP THIS OFFER.
All in all,the apartments were a big let down, but the area has a lot to offer and the locals are extremely friendly. Would I go again? Yes to the Algarve but NOT to the Domus Maris.
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Da orada - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Alpha rooms - June 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Sue Warrior - Southport (38 , 26 , 3 , 6 months)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
These are the nicest apartments i have ever stayed in. We got a two bed duplex. It contained 3 bathrooms , 5 balconies Full kitchen inc microwave dishwasher and washing machine. All decor to very modern and good standards. Wooden floor in all bedrooms. Huge tv. We had no problems with linen and towel change and cleaning was done daily. There was a creche , supermarket snack bar on site and the marina was a minute walk with restaurants and bars. Old town was a 15 min walk away.
Went on some good trips silves was nice for some historical site seeing and Krazy world was good for the little one not too expensive and not too crowded.
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Duas Palmieras - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Sunset
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Viv 47 Bill 48
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our 3rd visit to Albufeira,but we were unable to get the accomodation that we normally have. (Club Oceano - wonderful place). This year we stayed at the Duas Palmeiras, which was provided by Sunset holidays, and was rated 2 star. The location was fine, only a short walk to Forte beach, the strip was 10 minutes walk away, and the transport links to the old town were very good.
There is a superb bakery up the road, and a good assortment of bars and restaurants nearby. The "Big Shanghai" Chinese restaurant was outstanding. We had a 3 course meal for two, including a bottle of wine for 36 euros.The service was first rate, and we ate there twice. Well worth a visit.
We know the area well, and visited our favourite haunts during the day and at night. Jojo's in Music street is a must, and for a proper English breakfast pay the O Forte bar a visit, which is located next to the Club Oceano apts in Sao Joao. It will set you up for the day, you will be made very welcome, and in fact the English lady who owns it remembered us, and we hadn't been for 2 years!. The Forte beach is a short walk away, but be warned it is down a short, but very steep hill if you are not very mobile.
The old town comes alive at night, and can get crowded, but the atmosphere is magical, and very different to the strip. Go at least once. During the day it is very relaxed, and you can spend all day just wandering about. Go exploring all the little streets, there really is so much to see, and there are little bars tucked away everywhere - just explore!You also get a taste of how the town was before tourism took over. Tourism is now Albufeiras livelihood of course, and the people will make you very welcome. Treat them with respect tho please.
The strip is exactly what you would expect it to be, just a mile of pubs, bars, and discos. The top end near Montechorro is more suitable for families and couples. If you want to live it up till the small hours, then the strip is for you!
If you want to go on an excursion, save yourself some money by booking it locally, and not with your tour operator. The local tour companies are very good, and in fact your tour guide will be very knowledgeable. We have used the local operators more than once, and they give very good value for money. We have done the Gibraltar trip (a 6 hour coach journey each way!! you have been warned!!). The historical Algarve tour is fantastic, and you get to see the real Algarve, the trip into the Monchique mountains was breathtaking.
Ok.....that's the posative feedback, now for the negative feedback. The apartments, Duas Palmeiras are rated 2 star....which is basic, and you get what you pay for. However...these were beyond basic. The actual apts were huge, and I think used to be actual residences, and they were well furnished. The facilities were non-existant, the beds were like concrete, and we got very little sleep because of them. There were no less than 5 light bulbs out, and one lightswitch was actually hanging off the wall. We told the owner, but he did nothing about it. For some reason there was a washing machine, but no microwave?? seemed a bit odd. The toaster wouldn't pass a PAT test in the uk, and should have been condemned!
The bathroom was dirty, with horrible deposits on the shower head, and taps. The towels were thin and grubby looking.We did have maid service of sorts, but all she did was throw the bed covers back, and empty the bins. We had to ask for clean towels, and were constantly running out of toilet paper. There were no pool facilities, no sun shades, all the sun beds were broken...so we didn't spend too much time there. If you have children who need entertaining, then forget it!!!
Reception was a glorified cupboard, and after 5pm nobody was available. All rather a shame really, as the apts COULD be really good, they just need some tlc. We put up with them because the location suited us. The annoying thing is the fact that we really didn't pay much less than for 3 star. Lesson learned.
So...in conclusion, Albufeira...wonderful place, love it! Duas Palmeiras apts big thumbs down. Needless to say we won't be returning to them.
If you havn't been to Albufeira before, don't hesitate as you will love it, but just don't stay at these apts!!!
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Edificio Albufeira Apartamentos Touristicos - Fishermans Beach
Operator and Date: independent - july - august 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Steve.Owen - manchester (38,40,6)):
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
After spending my 10th consecutive year in the algarve spending every one of the trips in private villas i thought i would try something different and go for an apartment right on the beach,every previous trip i have been on i have booked through tour-operators and they have not let me down, every trip was excellent, accommodation included. this time i travelled independently, firstly i looked for accommodation in the old town of ALBUFEIRA as on previous visits to the algarve it looked nice there. so i booked a room overlooking fishermans beach in old town albufeira, then i booked my air travel and car hire through Monarch airlines (excellent_most recommended).
When i arrived at the Edificio Albufeira Apartments it was bedlam, i had a hire car and wanted to park up so i could check-in, no chance,it was mid-july and it was the busiest i had ever seen it,i had to put my hazards on and run in to check-in,i was escorted quickly to my car and sent to the underground garage which the apartments own,the underground garage was a peace of mind, it was safe. i was then taken up to my room and the first thing i was shown was the view (not bad at first),i was staying here for 3 weeks so i thought yes i can get used to that.the following 3 weeks was AWFUL.The Noise was awful and un-bearable,the room i had was directly above a restaurant which was open till 2 am, not good, the room i was in had paper thin walls and heard everything that was going on, my neighbours were all young-ones on drinking holidays and therefore were up till 5 am every night, i complained but nothing was done, between my balcony and the sea was a filthy car-park full of rubbish,beggars and night-clubbers urinating everywhere(every-night occurrence).
the corridors in the apartments where just tunnels of nothing but noise, people loved slamming doors at 4,5,6 am, i had about 3 hours sleep a night, my young boy and my wife had a terrible holiday there in Albufeira, dont get me wrong,i do find Albufeira very nice but i would never stay in town again, i will continue to stay out of town in future.the old-town it-self in this period of the season is not fun,it was basically just trying to shoulder-barge everybody as we tried to walk through the nightly street-market / stalls. also in the streets i was sick of men approaching me and asking me if i wanted a rolex watch or some HSH (a smoke).
i was also surprised at all the stray dogs walking about. also you cant walk somewhere without someone trying to drag you into their restaurant(if i want to eat then i will,in the restaurant of MY choice). i have read alot of reviews on the internet and have noticed alot of people saying how much fishermans beach is, well i saw a different side: my balcony overlooked the beach at night (its floodlit) and i saw many stray dogs urinating on the sand but what disgusted me was that one night i went for a kick-about with my son on the beach when a man with his beloved dog strolled along the beach and let his dog do a dump on the sands, the dog dumped and he casually walked off but he saw me witness this and then walked back,he kicked some sand over it to hide it and walked away. i wonder who was draping their beach-towel over that the following morning, as it happens this was a regular occurrence by the owner of a local restaurant(disgusting).
i am so glad i had a car so i could get out of Albufeira town and venture elsewhere. i love portugal but i,ll never stay in ALBUFEIRA ever again.
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Apartments Eirasol - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : KIRBYS, Tyne & Wear (35,36,11 & 6)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from 2 weeks at the Eiarasol apartments. Staff at reception were helpful we recieved our safety deposit boxes immediately as requested. Locks on doors were ok. Maids emptied bins daily and changed towels. Apartments were clean and adequate. Our only problem was that the beds were rock hard. I had read on other reviews that this was the case but thought people may have over exagerated but the beds definately did not give me the relaxed holiday I should have expected. Our apartment was also directly under the bar which was not a problem some nights but on the Karaoke nights just added to the discomfort the beds made. We were with other parties though whom had rooms further along that the Karaoke did not bother them.
I did ask to get moved but all rooms were full.
The pool was nice and clean, although the sun did not come round till 12.00 but stayed all day.
The cafe near the pool was excellent serving a lovely breakfast we tried elsewhere but theirs was the best with friendly staff too.
The bar staff were also nice and friendly and made a fuss of the kids.
As for the resort itself, lovely place but not a great deal for kids to do. We hired cars for three days so were able to find horse riding for the kids and circus and other things but for entertainment which is what we like on a nighttime we went into a hotel near the Eirasol and wathced their entertainment and the kids played in their kids room.
Whilst we had the cars we found the most photographed beach in Portugal which is Praira de Rocha and is spectacular and well worth a visit.
We also went to Guia to the Algarve shopping centre which was like our Metrocentre, great shopping, great food court and we took the kids bowling, great night out overall.
Coconuts bar is well worth a visit and served lovely food, also Mary Anns for Sunday dinner which was fab.
You must go to the old town, we went to Fishermens beach through the day but a night trip is well worth it as the atmosphere is lovely very laid back loads of bars, shopping and live music entertainment. We would not have minded staying in the old town.
Overall we had a great holiday, apart from the lack of sleep but we have seen it now and would not return (with children that is) in a hurry.
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Apartments Eirasol - Albufeira
Operator and Date: SUNSET Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : belinda phillips - wolves 44, 33, 10, 5
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from our hols!! Great weather,great food and great tans!!! after reading reviews before hols was a bit apprehensive about what to expect it's a very basic accomadation,but if all you want is somewhere to get your head down after a fun-filled day then this is it...it could do with a good re-vamp...my kids are water babes so would have liked the pool to be nicer,but once they had there inflatables they were made!! they made quite a few friends as there were a lot of family's there,the staff are quite helpful we had a problem with our room as soon as we got there and it was sorted fairly quickly..
THE STRIP...having been to this location for the past 5 years a lot have things have changed it is more commercialised and starting to resemle blackpool!! it's a shame really cause the algarve is a must and you should visit a least once...most of the old faces are there in the restaurants and are still very pleasant the food is absolutely gorgeous!!! If you want fun for the kids on a night out you must try COCONUTS 2 it's great to keep them occupied while you have a drink...
DAYTRIPS... zoomarine and aqua show are a great day out beware of the BOOMERANG at aqua show the bigger you are the faster you go...but it's great fun!!!
OVERALL... we had a fantastic holiday shame it had to end!!!would like to see eirasol modernised then i would probably make a return visit,as it's in a great location LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING BACK NEXT YEAR!!!
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Apartments Eirasol - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Sunset - July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : James & Claire (27,33)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartments are clean and spacious with a well-equipped kitchenette. The beds are uncomfortable and the lighting could be brighter. There is no air-con but we bought a fan from a small electrical shop and sold it on when we left. The doors to the balcony have no locks on them and when we arrived we requested a safety deposit box which we are still waiting for!! All the staff there are very friendly and helpful. The pool area was very basic, difficult to get a lounger even though they are just hard plastic (no foam mattresses)! The sun doesn't hit the pool area until lunchtime. The snack bar does a lovely English breakfast and there's a bakery nearby that is to die for!
The resort itself is excellent, although the strip is very 'Blackpool' and watch out for people with scratchcards. It's a total con, just a revamped version of timeshare. The drinks are expensive but the food is delicious. We went into the old town most nights and ate at a beautiful, modern restaurant called 'The Bank'. The staff there are brilliant and the menu is vast. We ate there about 7 times and never had a bad meal. We paid 100 Euros between 4 of us and we all had starters, mains, desserts and about 4 rounds of drinks. Also try 'Grandmother's House' which is about half way down the hill into the old town.
All in all a fantastic holiday although we would stay nearer the old town next time in one of the 4* complexes which you see on the walk to the old town on your left.
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Apartments Eirasol - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Laura and Ged - 29, 29
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from our holiday in Albufeira. Loved the resort, would recomend to all ages and families. The Eirasol is located in the 'new town', five minutes walk away from the famous strip. The beach, a must see, is 20 minutes walk. The walk back is a killer, the locals call it 'cardiac hill!'
The apartments are very spacious and are very clean. Be warned they are not air conditioned and we found it impossible to hire a fan anywhere. The rooms are so hot, that I found it almost impossible to sleep for a few nights - then you are that exhausted it no longer matters!!
The pool looked clean enough, although whilst staying a large number of guests caught ear infections from it apparently. So be careful. The snack bar isn't overly cheap but the food is good. We found the staff to be very friendly, the bar staff were too.
The strip is great fun, with a great mix of bars, shops and restaurants. Prices are very varied so it's worth trying as many as possible to find what suits your budget. A must see bar is 'Libertos', absolutely our favourite, oozes class and excellent entertainment. The old town is well worth a visit, although very, very busy. Be prepared for hustle and bustle!!!
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Apartments Eirasol - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
(sunset) June 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Andrea + 1, Northants (36, 39)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Read a lot about this hotel/resort on this website, so was hopeful that I would have no issues. Sadly this was not the case.
Apartments - Yes very spacious and cleaned regulary (came around lunchtime). Very tired decor (late 70's?).
'Position' - The apartments are next to a very busy road. Traffic from 8am till past midnight. Fine for some but I was hoping for a bit of lie-in. Weather not too hot when i went, but the traffic may be a problem if you visit in the height of season, as there is no air condtioning.
Facilities- pool was very cold but looked clean; unlike the area around the pool. Not enough sun loungers (though free to use). Overpriced snackbar with unfriendly manager (make sure you read and absorb all the info on the signs as soon as you enter pool area!). Pool area at times did not get sunny till after 10 and its positioning meant sunbathing was difficult after 6pm.
Satelitte TV -was BBC1 and news/sports channels, all the rest were non-english
BAR reminiscent of a Blackpool 'hotel', i.e glorified B&B, slightly cheaper prices than the strip. Entertainment provided= mainly big TV events (real satellite TV in Bar area)like Big Brother or the football and Karoke.
Weather - feel it pertinent to say it was VERY VERY windy almost every evening, temperature dropped meaning I needed a jacket if planning to stay out after 10pm. Maybe the time of year?? Wind/cooler temps did mean there were no mosi's though.
Resort - very typical of resorts inflitrated by the english. Prices not that cheap compared to Greece or Spain. Usual selection (curry,chinese,pizza's house's) and local fish resteraunts.
Bars- local beer was cheap and served only doubles or more in spirits (hence their high prices). Good range and friendly.
Beach - a good distance away and with very poor access for anyone with any walking difficulties. Moreover it tested the fit and healthy as it was a very steep climb back up the road from the beach. (better beach in main albuferia)
Transport - a little tourist train operated till 3am to and from main albuferia. Buses not so good but didn't look into that much as didn't see anywhere worth travelling to!
Excursions - best places are miles away,meaning getting up at 5am to get coach. Book those offered in shops and do not take those offered by the Rep, their prices can be double for the same coach trip!
Safety - The window latches are not that secure. Moreover, the apartments on the ground/1st floor are easily accesible from the road/pool areas. A HOLIAY MAKER WAS ROBBED WHILE WE THERE, THEY WERE ON THE 1ST FLOOR.
Overall - I felt I paid a steep price for an average resort/apartment. However, if you get a cheap last minute deal then you should be happy.
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Apartments Eirasol - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Sunset - June 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Karen and Robbie - Liverpool (35, 39):
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just come back from Portugal, this is my 2nd trip but my boyfriends first, the apartment was very big with a huge balcony with a view of the pool. Our apartment on arrival was spotless, clean white floor tiles and white walls, but very ugly dark dated curtains. Maid came in every day to empty the bin!! Throughout our whole 7 days stay the towels and bedding was not changed, the toilet system wouldn't fill and when we reported it ... we are still waiting for them to turn up!
The pool area was clean and tidy with plenty of beds available. It was about a 10 minute walk into the main resort (the strip) which is lively day and night, plenty of bars and restaurants for all ages. Some of the bars at the bottom end (beach end) of the strip were a bit expensive (9 euro's for 2 pints of local beer), further up the strip prices became more reasonable at an average of 5 euros for 2 pints of beer. Food prices were similar to home. The beaches were lovely and clean. A tourist train on the road took you from new town (the strip) to the old town for 3 euros (all day use "saveaway"). We went on a Guidana River Cruise for the day for 45 euros which was excellent, included an all you can eat meal and wine. The best waterpark is the Aquashow loads of water slides for children of all ages (even 39 year old boyfriends!!).
Overall, a fantastic holiday, we would go back to Portugal and even stay around the area of the new town "the strip" but would not be staying at the Eirasol Apartments.
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Apartments Eirasol - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Sunset June 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Maxine, Martin, Anya & Toby 39,31,4,1
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Had a lovely holiday at the Eirasol, the apartments are huge although the beds in the bedrooms are incredibly uncomfortable! The room was cleaned daily, although towels and sheet changes were sporadic. The rooms could definitely due with some updating. TV, Kettle provided, good kitchen facilities. The pool was bigger than we were given to believe, plenty of room for swimming, playing etc. Watch out for the 'pool police' you are absolutely not allowed to even take your own water without being told off! Lilo's and other inflatables can be borrowed from the snack-bar with a 10 euro deposit. Snack-bar reasonably priced (except cans of soft drinks). Eirasol attracts a good mix of customers, families, singles and couples all got along well.
The area was great, plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from all with really good prices - you can easily get a large beer for 1.50euros. The only down side to the area is that there is very little for small children to do - no parks or anything. Zoomarine is a fantastic day out for families and Krazy World is also worth a visit. Montechoro Park, at the top of the strip would be a really good day out(and free to get in to) but all the slides are closed, so now just a really nice pool and craxy golf!).
All-in-all a great couple of weeks
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Apartments Eirasol - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook (Sunset) May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Alison Arque 33, Robert Coppell 30 - Southport
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
IMPORTANT: If you suffer from HAYFEVER take your pills with you! I never suffer abroad but did here. Chemists (Post Office & Banks) are shut at the weekend. It cost E7.63c (£5.72)for 16 pack of Claritine.
Thomas cook staff at Manchester airport were excellent. When arrived at Faro airport, we had to wait over an hour for the coach to leave because a few families had got on wrong coaches! Then took 45 minutes to Albufeira.
LOCATION: Next to the WORMS roundabout, 10 minutes walk to the STRIP of bars & restaurants, 20 minute walk from Eirasol & along the strip to the nearest BEACH (the last few minutes of that down a steep hill known as 'CARDIAC HILL'). At the bottom of that hill on the right are a few shops; buy your water for the beach at ALISUPER, 1ltr was 22c (15p)!
Mini-market opposite apartments - quite expensive. Turn left out of Eirasol and go across the road (all the cars stop for you on zebra crossings - must be the law) you'll see the big PLUS supermarket -dirt cheap - bit like an Aldi or Netto (take 50c for a trolley).
EIRASOL: As everyone else says the apartment was massive. We were in room 107 on 1st floor(reception - street level is 2nd floor). All (i think) have a pool view. Sun shines on all balconies afternoon to evening. There are heaters but no air-conditioning. Just keep curtains shut in the day and apartment's cool when you return. I think the apartments could do with modernising. The bathroom was very dark, navy tiles and just 1 light above the mirror. The shower head is loose so sprays down the wall so a bit awkward. The beds were like concrete and so squeaky i woke up every time i turned over. So half the week we slept on the sofa beds which were slightly better. There's a colour TV in the room (no remote) and you can watch BBC1, CNN and Eurosport in English. There's a few old hangers other holidaymakers had left in the wardrobe. Kitchen