Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Direct Holidays August 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Betts Family (45, 39, 14, 12)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a great holiday here. The apartment was fine - normal 3 star standard and cleaned every other day - plenty of utensils for cooking but we didn't bother as too many nice places to eat. Had breakfast 2 euros each for full english at Teasers bar next to the apartments - very friendly. Had excellent day out at Zoomarine but don't go on the coach trips offered you will spend nearly 2 hours on the coach there and back doing pickup/drop and miss some shows. The ticket shops do the same trip and for the extra £5 euros will take you in an 8 seater minibus there and back in 20 mins at times of your choice - fabulous. Pool was fine. Beach is a long trek down a very dangerous road packed with cars and no pavement but is terrific when you get there.
We had a fab holiday but maybe wouldnt go back - preferred Lanzarote.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: my travel-july 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : dave smart- coventry
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
reading the next two reviews sums up the hotel. nothing has changed regarding the cleanliness of the pool area or the bar/reception area there are still dirty . lots of loose tiles around the pool area so no good for infants or the elderly.we got the same story about keeping on the room , not even sorry just a "we are fully booked" remark from receptionist. they now have a microwave in every room and more up to date hot plates but these still take ages to get hot. Nice resort but would stay eleswhere. Would recommend Teasers ber for a drink and breakfast. Try to avoid this hotel , even more so in the school holidays!!!!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Mandy & Bill Thomson Holidays
33, 56
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our first time in the Algarve and first holiday without kids so we were extremely looking forward to it but were very dissappointed when the coach pulled up outside. These apts are located on a main, busy road and looked cheap and tacky. We were told that our room was not ready so had to go for a walk around in the sweltering heat and leave our luggage in a unlocked, unsupervised room. We had booked a studio which was very basic. Use the switch for the air con - balcony overlooking pool, but very small. Sunbeds were all taken by towels by 7.30am! Pool area very small.
Maid service very poor and at a very unsuitable time of between 5 - 5.30 every night just when we had come back from the beach (absolutely gorgeous) and needed a shower. Didn't use the pool at all as there were never any free beds and was full of kids bombing! Hotel staff were most unhelpful and obviously thought that their faces would crack if they smiled! We asked to have a late checkout when we arrived and were told that the hotel was fully booked and our room was not available. On our day of leaving we spoke to a lovely elderly woman who told us that she had paid extra for her room the night before to keep her room till 6pm! So much for no rooms available. We were told that there was a shower room to change - we were directed to some dingy outdoor toilets down some stairs at the side of the pool where there was a shower cubicle with curtain and public toilets - I'm sorry, but I'm not going to shower and change where everyone can see me!
All that said the beach was absolutely gorgeous, lovely sun bed attendant and pineapple man who advised us not to come in August as this is when the Portugese all holiday in the Algarve. Large supermarket and a few restaurants and bars only 5 mins away with the main strip approx 10 mins away, lovely Italian just along from supermarket - cant remember the name (it has an outside terrace) El Rancho at beginning of strip was fantastic too - lovely staff and delicious food - cook your own on a hot stone. Weather was fantastic although it did get rather windy at night around 10 ish.
Would definitely go back to the Algarve but never to these apts - they need some new staff and an overhaul!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays-aug 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : parry family-36;32;13;10-liverpool
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
to put anyones minds at rest ,these appartments are fine,they are a very suitable and restful base to holiday from.air con in rooms now which is free if you use your inititive and just turn it on manually instead of hiring a remote at 15e per week,but i am sure the management will soon get on to that one{haha}.well what can i say ,it is the usual fight for sunbeds all gone by about 7.30,not used til 3.30 and not a german in sight {there goes that stereotype eh?].pool a little small .snack bar is quite reasonable ,vidal the manager is a good lad too .
we came back to the hotel once at night and it was carnage in the bar ,with toddlers running riot but there are plenty of places to drink on the strip ,and we put it down to the fact that parents with young kids didnt really have anywhere to take them which could be viewed as safe as in keeping an eye on them .so i would swerve the hotel bar of an evening if your kids are older than say 5 or 6.it was our first time in portugal and we were very dissapointed with the food in general for the first few days ,then we tried the sunset on the stip ,on your right as you walk up to the strip,excellent food and service at a very good price ,try the garlic bread starter it is brilliant .the restaraunt and bar is run by rog and barb and they are up on all the good places to go and all that kind of info.we go to fuerteventura every feb.and the standard of food an service there is way above anywhere we come across here,but sunset on the strip was defo the best we had on this holiday.there was also a good chinese,as you come out of the hotel and head towards the strip it is set back on your left in a sort of square ,very good food as good as anything back home .
the strip was very tacky ,not our cup of tea to be honest .it was ok til about 10 oclock then it was like blackppol on a stag weekend ,so we just headed back to the sunset on the strip for a bevy and then maybe call into coyote,s as we got to the hotel .
just one more thing i still cannot believe the amount of people duped by these scratchcards ,are you from another planet or what? let me warn you now just be firm and say no thanks,by our third day they knew not to even bother asking us ,they just give us a dirty look as we walked by lol .so to sum up albuferia is like blackpool with the sun the beaches and the food were a let down ,drink not bad in price ,but i would choose the canaries evey time over this resrt ,but we did have great time cos a holiday is what you make of it yourselves ,all i am doing is giving our opinion of it and i can only be fair about what we experienced ,most people will enjoy the place ,we did but not as much as other places we have been .thanks for reading my review,cheers
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays Aug 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Jill, Michael and Jamie 36,36,4
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from 2 weeks at these apartments.
Not to a very high standard but maybe I am a little picky.
Pubic areas very dirty. Bar area stinkes or cigarette smoke, stale and lingering smell not very nice. Reception area not clean enough never seen glass doors etc cleaned properly there were months of sticky kids finger marks on there.
Snack Bar ok but usually only 1 person serving poolside and inside which meant always one set of customers waiting ages for drinks snacks etc.
Cleanliness of pool area not good enough. Fag ends littered around pool area especially childrens pool.
Towel change every 3 or 4 days - not the best with children. Cleaners are a joke dont even sweep apartment floor.
No toaster in apartment you have to hire this from reception.
Usual sunbed reserving morons who put their towels dowm at midnight and dont use the sunbeds till 3pm.
Dont bother getting the remote control for your air con from reception - use your initiative and press the start button and it works for free.
I would not recommend this hotel due to poor standards in cleanliness - public areas especially. Resort good though would visit algarve again but not this place. By the way it can be booked on hotelopia for £16 per night per room so that should tell you the standard.
Enjoy!!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: August 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Dan & Rab (24,32)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were at Santa Eulalia Apts 10th Aug - 24 Aug 2006! Had A BALL!!!!! Weather fantastic, too warm some days, nearly 40 deg!! Though first week there was a cool breeze at night!
On first impression the outside isnt much to look at, but i knew that as i had read this in other reviews. NEVER judge a book by is cover! Large air conditioned reception and bar with games, internet facillities, rep room and clean toilets!
The apt itself was clean and very spacious, especially for 2 people. Balcony quite small with no table,but for all you are really on the balcony!ONly downside bathroom stank, bad ventilation as no window or vent and there were only 2 small hobs for Self catering facilities which took forever to heat up! Half an hour for boiled eggs! Apart from that room great! We didnt get airconditioning, but you can for a fee.
Bar staff all very pleasant, though very pricey for food and minerals. Alcohol cheaper than soft drinks!! Though bar very dear compared to coyote up the street and the strip!Bar opened to arouns 12.00pm at night,bit wick if you dont wana go out and are in the mood for a drink!
Ok the strip, about 15 mins walk to right of apartments, GREAT!a mile and a half of bars and restaurants, bars open to 4.00 in the morning! Met lots of lovely people and we loved albertos bar and the live singer in highlife.Great for families and couples, though i wouldnt imagine for a large group of teens or anything,its a bit more civilised than ibiza, malia etc!!
Old town beautiful, a must see, 10 mins away in a taxi, but much quieter than the strip.
Heard a lot about timeshare people, I didnt see one the whole 2 weeks!
Anyway, had an absolute ball, will def be going back next year, actually, not even home a week and already want to book!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays jul/aug 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : andy, diane and chloe(40,35,09) west lothian
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
rooms were reasonable sized,had the option of hiring the air conditioning which i strongly recomend in august,the maid service though i thought was appaling,bed sheets changed once in 2 weeks and the towels only changed twice a week,when they come in the room make sure everything is of the floor as they only clean round about anything lying on it.
the usual lack of sunbeds and even although it is posted that there will be no reserving sunbeds it happens,towels on the beds and no-one to be seen for hours,so do like some people did take the towels to reception and claim the sunbed (suggested by the rep)there is a grassy area next to the pool which is excellent as you don`t need to worry about trying to find a sunbed but early in the morning the grass is still wet after the sprinklers have been on all night,
the bar is not the cheapest 2.50 for a pint where the coyote bar next door you get a pint for 1.50.resturaunts are excellent,try the chinese across the road you`ll not be dissapointed and also round the corner a place called the 2 brothers,the turkey fillet with mushroom sauce was superb,but the best value i think was the geordie pride only a ten minute walk away,brilliant beach but beware of the steep hill on the way back.
15 minute walk to the strip where you`ll have a varied choice of pubs,the scots rock cafe had an excellent karaoke with good beer but was expensive for soft drinks,this pub will suit you idealy if you are a rangers fan,we only seen a couple of time-share touts so beware anyone offering a free scratch card even though they`ll say thier not time shame but they are.there is quite a few gypsy beggars on the streets with young children and have the habit of sending the children into the pubs to ask for money,
overall i would recomend this place and will definetly go back again
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Going Places Direct) Going Places - July 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Stuart & Lynne (29 & 23)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a really good time here in Santa Eulalia. To be honest we didnt spend that much time in the hotel, there's so much to do in the Resort.
The hotel was clean, staff were friendly and could understand us well. Pool and outside areas were great and the bar prices quite reasonable.
Hotel is central to most stuff, walking distance to 3 or 4 great beaches, supermarket 5 mins walk away up in the main street of S. Eulalia but note there's a small shop for the papers and basics only 2 seconds from the hotel down the hill to the left (we found it after 3 days!)....
Didnt pay for a taxi once on the whole holiday, plenty of great places to eat and a huge range of food on offer. The Strip was about 10 mins walk away and full of everything you'd expect, but good prices and not too mental (we saw no trouble or touts).
Bus stop almost right outside the hotel for the water parks, we tried Slide & Splash which was about 30mins drive. Its a great place to spend the whole day, you'll love it!
Overall we'd go back it was a great resort and the hotel was just what we ordered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Booked through Expedia,com - 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Jim 'n' Deb - Bedfordshire ( 50.49 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived having booked a studio, only to be given a one bedroom apartment! Huge just for the two of us, especially as we only stayed three nights ( weekend break ).Excellent, clean and spacious apartment with all new aircon in bedroom and lounge. Obviously just refurbished. Corridors a bit bleak and in need of a facelift, but hey, we only walk through them from a to b. I got up at 07:00hrs one morning and noticed that ALL beds around the pool and in the gardens were reserved! And we take the mickey out of the Germans! All British guests as far as I could tell although we didn't spend any time in the hotel to speak of. Staff at reception very helpful. You have to pay for the safe and aircon remote with a 15 euro deposit. Also for TV remote. A 15 minute walk to the strip ( if that's your thing ) we preferred the old town. Great restaurants ( especially the Mexican, Il Sombrero, as you enter from the beach viewpoint )and loads of bars of all types. 4.10 euro taxi ride from hotel and about 80 cents cheaper coming back ( couldn't work that one out ).
We had a car and drove to sunset beach behind the Yaramar Hotel between the strip and the old town. Brilliant sandy, gently sloping beach with more than enough room for all with plenty of eateries. Albufeira is an excellent destination for all ages and types, whether couples, groups or families as it caters for everyone. Hotel pretty basic, but good value for money.
Recommended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Aspro Direct) Aspro - 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : party ages 43 42 15
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
First impression was good the reception was clean with plenty of sofas good bar area and loads of information leaflets.The lady on reception was very rude we arrived at 10 am in the morning and she kept telling us to come back in half an hour we didnt end up getting our room till 4pm.
Our room was at the front of the hotel above reception and on the main road running through the resort but to be honest we soon got used to the traffic noise.Around the pool isnt very clean and nearly every sunbed was broken apparently the reps have been asking the hotel for two years to replace them and buy extra but it falls on deaf ears.We ended up laying our towels on the grass and it was fine.
Ive got to recommend a resturant called the Sizziling stone food and service fantastic! We found some great resturants Annabels lovely home cooked food and not expensive.These apartments are in a good location only a ten minute walk to the strip. for anyone going out there in next couple of weeks a visit to the sand sculptures is amazing and not to be missed your rep will tell you how to get there.Also half way down the strip you can get on the little train that will for three euros take you to the old town and for that price your ticket lasts till 3am.
I honestly think if the management sorted out sunbed and cleaned around the pool area i woldnt be able to fault the hotel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays Oct 2005
Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Jonathan Wilson Huddersfield 31.30,2,5
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The resort is fantastic.Great location for main strip and the beach is a small stroll away (Down Steep Hill).
Pool area very nice not enough sun beds i bet in high season but grassed area also great for childern to run free without fear of slipping or falling.
Accomadation was very spacious and we had two balaconys the only problem with room was that it smelt stale no ventilation in bathroom .But the biggest problem was the smell of bedding and pillows and also towels even when changed still smelt.
STRONGLY SUGGEST HOTELS INVESTS IN NEW PILLOWS AND BEDDING WHICH WOULD IMPROVE MANY PEOPLES STAY.WHEN ASKED RECP TO CHANGE CHAMBERMAID SPRAYED THEM WITH FRESHNER BUT STILL SMELLED OF GREASEY OLD MENS HEADS .Would go back to accomadation when above items had been changed for new.
But this was our only crictiscism of place love Portugal with its great beaches and coves and fresh food.
TIP Want great breakfast everyday go to small tea shop just walk out of hotel turn right and its by the bus stop may have been called CHA breakfast for 2 adults and 2 childern only 13 euro great quality and great service.
Great place
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Globespan - October 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : David and Jackie 56 46
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a ground floor one bedroom room, with a small balcony overlooking the private gated carpark.
The room was smart and very clean. Cleaners came in daily to tidy the bathroom make the beds and empty all bins (and probably other un-noticed things)
Reception was always attended and all staff very polite.
Bar prices were a lot more than the nearby Coyote Bar.
Although the weather was not good for four days we had a brilliant holiday and can recommend the size and quality of these apartments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Andrea and Dave (32,36)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a weeks stay,had my reservations about the hotel but was not dissapointed,slightly dated but very clean.Could not believe the temperature, visited Vilamoura for the day and the displays said 39 degrees at 4.30p.m.Please try Casa Velha menu of the day Chicken Piri Piri ,ask for extra sauce(brought in a gravy jug),but beware its HOT!!!Ideal positioning of hotel for the strip and local bars Coyote Bar very good and Luis on the corner (very friendly)Last but not least BOM APETITE, just past Don Pancho, a small family run snackbar/restaurant 1.2euro for a pint of San Miguel nicest value drink and food in Albufeira
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Direct Holiday - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Karen, Stuart, Marcus (42, 37, 10)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from a week at this hotel and we really had a great time. We saw about five timeshare touts, but no nasty ones, we just said no thanks mate and carried on walking. We found our apartment was a good size, clean, had everything we needed, the ironing board in room was a good touch, more hotels should supply these. I would recommend hiring a fan as the lack of air conditioning means your room is hot at night. The on-site snack bar is handy but with the resort on your doorstep, we never stayed in the hotel in the evening.
The resort had some lovely restaurants, we never had a poor meal and prices were very good. I could recommend lots of places but we especially loved the Geordie Pride - Sunday lunch 7 euros and the Mexican restaurant on the strip was great. Hotel check out is 10 am but they do have a shower room available. We have been to five star hotels before and think the three star is fair and we can't think of a better short haul family resort, the people are so friendly.
We plan to go again next year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) MyTravel OCTOBER 2005
Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : JAMES,LORNA,SCOTT,ROSS (39,36,12,8)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
read the reviews regarding the cleanliness of these apartments,but we found a child's nappie in a poly bag between the beds in the bedroom a couple of day's into the week. generally the accomodation was kept clean but niggly things like ants in the corridor with the maid's walking by them is annoying. that said the room we had was the most spacious we have ever had .
the bar is a bit pricey . weather was poor for time of year. dont go to the larger beach the beach at santa eulalia is one of the best we have been to.places to eat;chinese royal great quality and large helpings, coyote bar for a good english breakfast . if you are looking for a quiet holiday this resort is not for you as the strip contains bar after bar. overall i would not go back to this resort but wuold like to find a resort more authenticly portugese.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thompson - July 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Julie Jacomb - Leeds (43,40,41,60)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Basic apartments but with most facilities, no air conditioning, asked for a quite room as i heard that pool view rooms might be noisy. My room was quiet. Stayed for a week, mid week we asked for clean bed linen/towels at reception but were refused.
The strip was a fifteen minute strole away, on shiny slippy cobles (might not want to take your heals ladies). The beach is down a very steep hill but very much worth the journey, when you reach the beach, keep walking round the tiny coves to find beautifull - almost private beaches with beach bar/toilets/sun beds.
Full size supermarket within 10 mins walk, and handy enough, just oposite is a bar selling ice cold lager in glasses shaped like a boot - a must for the photo album.
The pool is even better than in the brochures, lots and lots of sun loungers (no cushion) and a separate grassed area for sun worshipping, with a bar for drinks and snacks.
We like to be where the life is and enjoyed the Old town the best, its quiant cobbled streets meander off a central square with music bars, stalls, shops to keep everyone entertained.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Liz - Newcastle
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Was concerned about some of the reviews but found the accommodation quite acceptable - not luxurious but clean, tidy and well maintained.
Decent location - nice local beach is a few minutes stroll to the left. A few minutes to the right gets you to loads of bars and restaurants.
The bar in the accommodation is expensive and the entertainment is basic, but loads of options close by.
Don't book trips through the rep or reception. Paradise Tours - right at the roundabout and 5 mins up on the left - does the same trips at much lower prices.
Plenty of places to eat and generally good value. Don't ignore the nearest one, the Casa Velha, just over the road. Not too promising from outside but good food at reasonable prices, especially Portugese dishes, and the menu of the day at E9 for three courses and wine/beer is very good value for those on a budget.
For daily shopping, the supermarket round the corner is quite adequate and they do bake very nice rolls in the store.
The old town is well worth exploring. At night the main square really comes alive. The road train (E3 for a day ticket)runs every 20 mins from 9 am from the traffic lights at the top of the Strip.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Globespan june2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : craig 43
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading reviews (as always) decided this aparthotel would suffice my needs. Was not disappointed. Not five star but perfectly acceptable. Room was clean and basic, but pleasant enough and sized for two anyway. Found any staff I conversed with both pleasant and helpful. If you want a holiday with entertainment on-site, this is not for you, but the infamous strip is five minutes walk and the old town a short taxi ride away.
Suggest you explore, guaranteed to meet ex-pats' and ensured of a good night if you want one. One in particular owned by a fellow Scot, ZOO! The proprietor Steve is a friendly and talkative guy that will ensure both good service and excellent value. Girls serving the drinks on the 'Strip' are very pleasant and I enjoyed their company most nights. Beaches are so much nicer than most Canary ones, I've been on most over the years. Been a long time since I had been, won't be so long in going back! Round six weeks to be exact. C U there!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays May-June 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Darren Noyce - Theydon Bois (14 people, aged 2 - 60)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
ACCOMODATION: below average to poor.
Rooms on small side, and none with nice balconies/views that we could tell. Our bathroom stank all the time, with no obvious ventilation; also cracked tiles and numerous dents/scrapes in bath. When cleaned, often could not tell difference.
All-in-all (still) in need of a re-furb.
Pool area OK and clean.
NO restaurant at hotel (just snacks).
BEWARE: hotel front sited on main road.
BEWARE: the rickety wooden bridge over pool(this WILL fall down one day!).
BEWARE: the Parrot Show in hotel. Photos 10euros a-piece, with strong obligation to buy.
RESORT: Albufeira is split clearly into two-halves, the Old Town 2.5 miles away(gorgeous and scenic) and Montechoro/the Strip (apartments and busy/commercial strip with bars/restaurants, but NOT scenic). BEWARE: in both areas of aggressive scratchcard/Timeshare floggers!
REP: quite possibly the worst we have seen/had. The Welcome Meeting was essentially a lengthy monotone presentation lasting an hour, with little interaction or even interest! For instance, no-one ever mentioned the indoor pool which we have only just read about on this site (-: Also, on complaining about the Parrot Show (see above) the instantanous response was "Well you know that has absolutely nothing to do with me, don't you?!". We all agreed that the Rep treated us more as kids than customers (and given the party-size and overal expenditure, this is even more wrong).
OVERALL: will not be using Direct Holidays or this hotel again given this experience.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: may 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Chris - Michelle - South Wales - 28,26
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were very happy with the spaciuos apartment, very clean and tidy. Well located, only a short 5 minute walk from the strip and a 5 minutes walk from the beach. Would go back to these apartments.
Excellent choice of places to eat. Our favourite was the Sunset on the Strip, where we found Babs and Rog very friendly and welcoming. The chicken Maison and the Piri Piri chicken were superb. Also the Mexican restaurant was well worth a visit. Turn right at the roundabout and its a short distance up that road. All in all the places we ate in were all top class, some of the best selection of restaurants we have seen in a resort.
As other people have mentioned the timeshare touts can be a pain, if you are not interested do not stop just walk on by.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Tony Valente - Glasgow (46, 46, 3)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
I have just returned from a week (19th May - 26th May) and first of all the weather was incredible, very hot with 12 hours sunshine every day.
We had Room 211 which is right at the back of the place and is very quiet, there is not much view just adjacent apartments and the parking area. The outside has just been painted as I noticed several previous posts had commented on this being needed so looks ok to me. The room itself is adequate, no more, but we got this for just over £500 so not expecting the Ritz. The tiling, kitchen and bathroom areas are ancient but as I say adequate enough. I'm sure many of you who have visited these resorts before will know the self catering is a bit of a joke but handy for breakfast and a cold drink.
Hiring the safe is e15 and the toaster is e6.
The housekeeping was done every day except for Sunday & the day before you leave, they clean the floors, bathroom & make your beds but don't clean the kitchen area, again no complaints there.
In the bar it was e2.50 for a large beer, it is e1.25 in the nearby Coyote bar and a mind boggling e1.00 in the Martinique Velha just round the nearby roundabout, in this place it is a 0.5L served in a glass shaped like a boot, you've got to try this place out just for the glass alone !!
We had a good day out at Slide & Splash, it was e21.50 for each adult and children under 4 are free, there is a reduced price for other children at e15.
Best meal was the Chinese Royal just along from the apartments, superb.
These places were good meals & service, both on the Strip:
La Bamba
Portofino
These places were ok but not really recommended, again on the Strip:
Liza's Pizza & Pasta
El Rancho
One to avoid is the Ancora Top Deck, truly abysmal food, served equally badly in almost a canteen type fashion, truly a wasted night.
Beaches were nice and I would return to the area and also would return to the Santa Eulalia but only if the price is right, if you pay over the odds you will feel let down.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - April 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : John, Kath (61, 59)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were unsure what to expect after reading some of the previous reviews but were pleasantly surprised. The hotel is in a nice area just far enough from the busy part of Albufeira. It had been painted and the pool area was quite attractive. There were lots of sunbeds round the pool and on the lawn area. We noted previous comments about the front of the hotel being on the main road so faxed a request for a quiet room. We were given a one bedroom apartment on the side of the hotel. This had a large bedroom with lots of storage space and a large kitchen/lounge. The cooking facilities were basic if you needed to cook - just two hot plates. The bathroom needed re-tiling but it was clean. A maid came in every day and linen was changed twice in a week. There is a lovely bar and snacks are done but we were not too impressed with this. A safe in the wardrobe can be hired for 30 euros for a week, 15 of which was returned on leaving. Ask at reception for a remote for the TV or you will have just one channel in Portuguese. It is 15 euros but will be refunded on leaving.
Trips can be booked at Reception with a local travel agent, Follow Me Tours - excellent value and cheaper than with the rep. Cheaper still booked direct with the firm - turn right at the roundabout and it is on the right further down. Highly recommended.
We found The Strip to be rather tacky. Halfway up the strip you can catch a little train down into Old Town which is rather a long way to walk. Buy a 3 euro all day ticket and you can get on and off it all day. There are three stops and the train just keeps going round.
Santa Eulalia beach is 5 mins walk away -walk left from the hotel for about 300yards. Take the first turning on the right and go on down the hill. It is a lovely cove and was not too busy. We found three beaches within easy walking distance but preferred the Santa Eulalia one.
You can't go wrong on the food side. There are bars and restaurants wherever you go and they all seem to do lovely meals at reasonable prices. We tried several recommended on this site and were not disappointed. There is a supermarket at the roundabout which bakes its own rolls and baguettes.
Beware of being stopped on the street near the roundabout by guys giving you free scratch cards and when you rub the numbers off you can bet your life that one of you is guaranteed to win the star prize. (We fell for this and went along with him. We wasted precious hours of our holiday looking round the Praia Da Oura complex.) Each guy had a different tale about what the cards are for but it is TIMESHARE by another name even though you are told it is not. And the star prize is a "free holiday" which at the end of the day has that many terms and conditions that the chances of you wanting to take it are very remote.
The weather was lovely for April but the nights were still cool. April is still slightly out of season so the places were not too busy. We enjoyed our stay at the Santa Eulalia and would stay there again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays February 2005
Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Diane 45 Glen 47
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have been to this resort before but not to these apartments.Slightly bothered after reading some reports but must say when we arrived it was a very pleasant surprise.
We had a 1 bedroom apartment which was quite large with plenty of room and cupboard space and would have been comfortable if there had been a family in it.Some of the rooms have been renovated but ours had not but it was only basic things that needed doing.It was clean, we had maids every day,it was cold at night but there was a large heater which was ample.The only critism i could make of the room was there were only 2 cooking rings and no ovens(not even to hire)which for a week was not a problem but there are a lot of people who stay there for the winter and this could prove to be a problem.
The swimming pool area was lovely with a very nice pool, once again very clean.The whole bar area is also good and large with plenty of seats.The prices charged here for drinks in the winter was 1 Euro per pint the same as the Coyote Bar up the road.The staff here were all lovely and friendly.(If you read this Jose i hope your wife ,baby and Great Dane are all okay and say hello to Vidal too.)These are 2 of the nicest bar people we have come across anywhere.
As we understand the Apartments are closing down for 2 months at the end of the year to refurbish the bar areas and the rest of the rooms.I hope everything goes okay for them all and wish them every success for the future and hope to see them again some time as we would not hesitate to stay there again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Air Tours - 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Lesley McGuire - Leeds (45,42,15)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The appartments were situated apprx 10-15 minutes walk from the strip. They had a really good pool but lacked sunbeds. The appartments were clean and spacious. Ideal location for slepping as no noise, however, there is a main road outside. Would recommend these appartments for people who want to be in a quiet area, but have the choice of walking to night life.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - Sept/Oct 04
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Louise - Stockport (34,25,10,9)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hi, just back from hols to Albufeira. This was one of the best hoidays ever.
Myself, sister and her two kids (their first abroad holiday) went and had the best time. Weather was excellent (late eighty's every day), the people are lovely and the food was excellent. First mention was our rep, Mags, she is not only the best rep ever but also one of the most lovely people i met! For food, coyote bar has the nicest breakfasts (this is also conveniently located next to the Sta Eulalia) and Top Deck has the best Chicken Kebab Skewers ever!! For days out, you MUST visit Slide and Splash, the best water park around(for Kids and Big Kids), Zoomarine was OK, the dolphin Show was excellent. The Sea (atlantic ocean) at the beach was very very choppy and my sister and neice did get dragged under the current, so be vary careful! The apartments are very nice, pool is nice size and they are located really well, 10 mins walk to 'The strip', 10 mins walk to the beach...perfect!
All in all 10 out of 10 for this holiday!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays- Augest 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Laura King(42,32,12,7)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
OUTSIDE: my first empressions of the acomadation were good although it needed a lick of paint!Its is well placed 10 mins from the beach and 10 mins from the strip.
INSIDE: the reception and bars were very well kept and staff and reps were very friendly!However trying to order cabs was a nightmare!They were always busy!The pool was a good size but gettin a sun bed was hard as people would resevere them 4 later in the day.
ROOMS: the rooms were quite spacious and very clean.There were 2 single beds in the bedroom and a pull out bed under the sofa which were suprizingly comfortable!The cleaners changed the towels every week and came in 2 clean every 3/4 days.THe bathroom was a bit dated but it was clean and had a nice powerful shower!
"THE STRIP":the strip was a very livly place but gr8 for all the family!The best resurants were the indian at the very top of the strip(cant remeber the name)and senor froggs was nice and it had very good serivce!Good pubs were father ed's and linerkers.
GENERAL: spash n slide was a gr8 day out! it was only 40 mins away and you could book the coach from the reception. Other places which were good was the chinese up the road and the universal bar about a 3 min walk away.
OVER ALL: the holiday was great and all of the 16 who came with us would definitly go bac there and maybe even bac 2 santa eulalia!!
from all 16 people(watford and harrow)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Craig,Helene, Nick. (39,37,10)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
On first arrival the appartments from the outside look a little run down and in need of a lick of paint which could be off putting. However when you get inside, the reception and bar areas are spacious and clean. We had a one bedroomed appartment which was very spacious clean and tidy all be it a little basic.
The hotel staff are helpful friendly and speak good English, which is great for us lazy English who don't bother to learn theirs!
I must mention the Direct Holidays rep Angela who is excellent and nothing is too much trouble, sadly after this season she is off to America to be a rep their. The childrens club was okay, they did a 3-7 club and a 8-12 club and due to the small number of children at the hotel the age groups were put together.
There are many bars and restaurants within a 10 minute walk. One bar in particular is the Coyote, and is only 5 minutes from the hotel. The staff are great and best of all they only charge 1 Euro (70p)for a large beer, where most of the other bars charge between 2.50 to 4 Euros. They have a lot of football on and tend to do Karaoke most nights which starts at about 9.30pm and tends to be very polular with the Portugese. Thes best Resraurants that we found were the Sizzling Stone, The Koala Bar and Senhor Frogs, if your child does not want to eat off the childs menu as ours didn't they are good at doing the main menus as a childs portion.
Please be aware that if you take Travellers Cheques either Euro or Stirling they charge commission from 5% to as much as 7% per exchage. We took cash Euros with us and when we needed to change further Stirling cash no commission was charged.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - august 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Mick (45) Carol (40) Shane (15) Shannon (7)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Holiday date 22/7/04 - 05/08/04
On reading previous reviews we were not expecting much, but were pleasently suprised at the size of our apartment. Kitchen area was small but adequate. There was plenty of hot water and the shower was powerful, although the bathroom was a bit dated.Beware our room 131 was at the front of the hotel facing a busy road and this caused noise problems. Our apartment had 2 very small balconys. The apartment was cleaned frequently but towels only changed once a week. The bar area was nice, but expensive at 3 euros a pint, when only 1 euro a pint down the road at the coyote bar. The pool and pool area were small but had a lovely atmosphere and was very clean. There was a grass area to the side which we used for sun bathing. The kids club was friendly and enjoyable.
These apartments are ideally located, 10 mins to the left to the beach and 10 mins to the right to the "strip". Beach was lovely and not crowded, we hired pedalos and jet skis which was a lot of fun. The strip was good up until 10pm but alcohol prices doubled afterwards, but my son thought it was very friendly and had a good atmosphere although very busy at night. There is a variety of good bars and resturants locally as well as on the strip whether you fancy a quiet night or a lively night.
Via shanti and coyote bar were both good for breakfast. We thought the chinese just up the road and the cockerel were best for evening meals. Sizzling stone is worth a visit and was fun cooking your own food. The sunset bar next to sizzling stone had a friendly atmosphere good for both adults and children. The kohinoor indian resturant located at the top of the strip was excellent.
Splash and slide is definately worth a visit. We visited quaterra market but didnt think much of it (a waste of a cab fair). We got a taxi for 5 euro to the old town which we enjoyed.
Beware there is a slight backlash from the portugese people towards the english due to euro 2004 football.
All in all we had a fantastic holiday and really enjoyed this part of portugal, we would definately go back to the same area although I'm not sure we would stay in Santa Eulalia appts purely because of the traffic noise.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Piers (33) Helen (32) Olivia (6) Sam (4)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were dreading arriving at these apartments after reading all the reviews and tried to upgrade the week before departure. We faxed the hotel ahead to request a 'quiet' room which we got (309). The apartment was basic but clean, all the pans/kettle appeared new and there was signs of new tiling. We were in a studio which was fine but a little cramped, the twin beds are OK but the sofa bed with a puul out 'drawer' was basic - and yes we got that and the kids got the beds!
We arrived in the middle of a heat wave - 100+ and it was very hot at night. Luckily we'd taken two fans and thank goodness as the hotel reception had run out.
The accommodation is basic and in need of a lick of paint but it wasn't as bad as we'd anticipated. The location is fine, 10 min walk from strip with some good restaurants on route - Sizzling Stone, Coyote (just outside of the hotel, good food and good prices). The hotel bar is expensive 3euro for a beer as opposed to 1euro at Coyote bar. One thing I would say is the entertainment in the hotel is not good, the kids club is great but there's not much to do in the evening apart from the odd karaoke!
You get what you pay for and I suppose this is reflected in the hotel but a holiday is what you make it and we had a great time!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Rachel & Chris (20,21)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Our apartment was really big for just the 2 of us a was cleaned everyday which was really good. The pool area was really nice & we never struggled to get a sun bed even at midday!!! Didn't spend much time in the bar or snack bar as it was a bit pricy but the reception and bar staff were really friendly.
The Coyote Bar is really good for snack and good priced aswell.
A really good resturant to go to is the "Sizzling Stone" you cook your own food on a slab and its good fun watching everyone with the silly bibs on. Senor Froggs was a really good Pizza place aswell. We found all the resturants were quite nice. In your free map it says go to Costa Ricca-DONT! We had to wait about 20mins for the menu and our drinks, the food took ages to come (it was OK nothing special) then we had to wait about 20mins after asking 4 times for the bill.
A good day out is Slide & Splash. We had a really good day and would recommend it.
The Old Towm has a really good atmosphere, there was always something going on and is only 5 Euros from the Strip. Bravos was fab for a meal.
On the Strip there are a few good bars La Bambas is good but Very pricey. We went to Matts bar they do great cocktails and the prices are a lot cheaper thean anywhere else on the strip. The outside teraace bar was good and the staff were really friendly.
We had a great holiday and would go back to resort & apartments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : A & N (25,30)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading all the bad reviews on these apartments i was absolutly dreading this holiday but i can honestly say it is the best holiday i have ever been on!!!
The apartments were basic with very basic amenities in the kitchen area, but all we needed was a fridge and supermarket nearby and we were sorted. The rooms were large with plenty of living and sleeping space and the bathroom had adequate facilities and a good shower. The room was in NO way scruffy/unhygenic/dirty etc like some reviews stated but just needed modernising. The bathroom always smelt of bleach after the maids had been (daily) which although is not a great smell - at least you know its clean! The reception and bar area was fine and staff very friendly.
The resort itself was fab. The strip was good but the highlight was the old town. Visit the main square and eat at any of the fantastic restaurants (Bravo's was amazing!) but all over this resort we had no complaint about any restaurants (and we like good food and fine wine!!!). The locals were really friendly, the beaches were all really clean (spot the celeb!) and the scenery was awesome.
All in all please do not dismiss these apartments beacuse of previous reviews - i have high standards but appreciate on hols, things tend to me more basic. We were both extremely pleased with the accomodation, resort and area in general.
p.s Villamoura is worth a trip in the evening to see how the other half live!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays -July 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Gareth Williams -Birmingham (46,44,15,12)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Apartment was clean with maid service six day's.Staff very helpful and spoke good English,we had a massive balcony (room 128)which over looked the pool,the pool was a good size and not to busy.We found the grassed area to the side of the pool by the bar to be much quieter and very relaxing.We have two girl's aged 15& 12,they made friends very easy with the other children at the complex.
A ten minute walk away is the `strip`,here the bars and restraunt's are located,there is enough here to suit everone although some were a bit noisy. Take time to get off the strip and try some of the bar's and restraunt's.we found Latino's,the Algarvian steak's were mouthwatering and only 8:95 euro's.
Overall,we had a great holiday,the apartment's are a good base or are pleasant enough to just laze about,we would definetely go back there again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays July 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Sharon (54) and Nick (16) Howell
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Sadly we were only there for a week, wish it had been longer.
Had read reviews before we went and went with an open mind but we were very pleasantly surprised. We were on the first floor at the left hand side as you look a the hotel overlooking the side road and gardens of the apartments next to us. It was very hot (high 30's) all the time we were there but we didn't need a fan as we got a lovely breeze at night and shade in a morning but full sun from about lunchtime till late evening so I could sit on the balcony and enjoy a G & T!!
There were lots of lovely Scottish people there and my son soon made friends and had a wonderful time. I wasn't left on my own as everyone was very friendly. Our room was clean and nicely furnished and I think we got one with a refurbished bathroom and kitchen. Plenty of hot water and powerful shower. Take an electric travel kettle if you want a cup of tea in under 10 minutes. Plenty of lovely restaurants around to suit all purses. Taxis a bit in short supply and it's a long walk to the top end of the Strip but a trip to the Old Town is worth it.
It was our first trip to the Algarve but I hope we go again.
Special mention of both the Direct Holiday rep Angela and the Airtours rep Margaret both very helpful and pleasant. Thanks for a great holiday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Lisa & Scott (23)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Like some others on this site I was dreading going to these apartments because of the bad reviews. However, when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised. The room we had was on the 3rd floor overlooking the pool. The room was bright and spacious and most of all, clean! There was the odd cracked tile but nothing you can't live with.
The room did get very hot in the evenings and there was absolutely no way of cooling it down unless you have a fan. We tried for 7 nights to live with the heat by having the balcony door and windows open. Pointless! Fans are quite quite cheap at a Euro a day. I reccomend getting one as soon as you get there because there are not enough for every room.
The walk from the apartments to the stip is about 10/15 mins. If you take a right at the round about and walk for about 10 mins up this road there is a fab restaurant called Eduardo's. Gorgeous food and great hospitality at a very reasonable cost.
I'd reccomend going to the old town. It's much more atmospheric with lots of performing artists in the streets, as well as your pub and restaurants.
Beaches are lovely, if a tad expensive for teh sun loungers. If you can do without the brolly you can save yourself approx 10 Euro.
We travelled to Lisbon to see the footbal whilst we were there. If you are going to be travelling to a city I'd recommend going to the bus station for your tickets, much cheaper option. 54 Euro for 2 return, if we were to go with the hotel or a rep it would have been 60 Euro each!
Have a fab holiday
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays june 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Lynn 38,Alan 41,- Dundee
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well just back from weeks holiday in these apartments.Wasnt expecting much after reading some previous comments but felt had to write to let people know that for what we paid (159 each) they were very spacious and clean a bit dated cracked tiles etc in bathroom but that was really only minor thing.
Although i will comment that we were in room 132 which is facing front of hotel and on a busy road so there is a lot of traffic noise so beware.maid service was 5 times out of 7.plenty of hot water.you will need a fan as the rooms are very warm as no air conditioning The pool area has a lovely grass bit,this is where we spent each day but the pool bar only served food from 12-3,and the drink is not cheap 3 euros for half lager.,
We spent most nights at old town there are a lot of nice pubs and restuarants here and its nicer than the strip a good place to eat here was brava resturant it was at the end if the square .i do recomend that you take a taxi as only 5 euros we walked once but it is a bit far.The bars and resturants beside hotel are also good and cheaper than the hotel or strip we paid on strip8 euros for large beer and bottle cider beside hotel only 2 euros 75!this was in annabels where we didnt eat but food looked good .another good pub was Rovers Return.
I would recommend a trip to vilamoura a great time we had there costs 5euros50 each by bus and we got a taxi back at night 18 euros.take a walk about marina area lovely cobbled street and great restaurants and pubs ,also here we went to nice italian but cant remember name something like bocca its a few streets behind marina area.sorry! but people give out flyers etc you may get one.this was the best meal of our holiday...we had a great time and concidering we were there first week of euro 2004 and were a bit wary as i didnt realise this when booked up.we had a great time even although every pub had football on,there was no escaping it,much to the pleasure of my partner.
we had no problems and would def return to these apts.as are good position get to other areas.if you want to go on day trips etc i would also suggest you book at reception as they are cheaper than reps prices we visited slide and splash park had a great day there for 20 euros each and the place is very clean and plenty toilets and changing areas as well as plenty areas to sunbathe.i will def be returning to the algarve.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: First Resort (Airtours) June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Rab (36) and Jan (32) Anderson
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
On arrival at Santa Eulalia Aparthotel we were a bit suprised to have to pay 45 euros (15 of which you get back)for a safety deposit box. We also had to pay 12 euros for a toaster and 10 for a very much needed fan. However, we were pleasantly surprised by our lovely apartment (after having read all the negative reviews on the net) and the maid service was fine.
We did not use the pool at this hotel as it was very noisey and you had to be up early to get a good spot with a parasol. You WILL need a parasol.
Although a bit far from the Old Town, the hotel was near enough to other places, especially the supermarket. And it was quiet at night.
We walked about 3/4 mile to Praia Da Oura Beach. Unfortunately it cost 15 euros for two beds and a parasol. We thought this was a bit steep. It is the same everywhere in Albufeira except for Santa Eulalia Beach where it cost us 20!!! However, Praia Da Oura Beach was nice, the sea is warm and you can have an Indian Head Massage for 10 euros (lasts 15 - 20 mins). This is great value and feels lovely. Also at the top of the hill down to the beach you can have a Thai traditional massage for 1 hour at 40 euros. I would recommend this experience. We both had our massages together in the same room. It was good fun and there was a lovely wee dog hiding under the chair in the room!!!!! I had the best sleep of my holiday the night I had the Thai Massage.
Santa Eulalia hotel is about 3 miles from the Old Town which was the place to be. It was a nice enough walk to the Old Town but you can get a taxi for 5 euros. There is also a mini train that runs between the old and new towns. It costs 2 euros each and runs from the early hours to the early hours. You catch it on "The Strip." The narrow cobbled streets are very quaint and full of nice restaurants, bars, bands, street entertainers, shops, traders. Very bustling and colourful. Something for everyone. We would recommend the Atrium Portugese Restaurant where we had our dinner on a balcony made for two (there are about 5 balconies). This restaurant is set in an old theatre. Another good one is Ricardo's Italian (near Fisherman's Beach) the interior is great and the carbonara even better (don't have a steak though). You can also sit and plenty of seafront restaurants and eat or just drink and listen to the music and people watch. A lot of these restaurants are upstairs also with stunning views of the sea.
The new town (where the Santa Eulalia Hotel is situated) contains the now infamous "Strip." Great if you really want to "go for it." 2kms of bars, discos, shops and restaurants. We did a pub and disco crawl of this one night and really enjoyed ourselves, but we still prefer the old town. The strip is very busy and there is not much room on the footpath to walk. Restaurants we liked in the new part of town would be Le Bistro (a french restaurant and a favourite of Bonnie Tyler's)and La Belgica - a bit posher than the norm, we never had to pour our own wine in either of these restaurants. Both reasonably priced and the food was faultless in both. And last but not least the famous "Sizzling Stone." This is the restaurant where you cook your own steak on a sizzling stone. They put bibs on you and out comes your sizzling stone with steak, peppers, mushrooms and onions. You get a boat of pepper or mushroom sauce and this is the only restaurant we found in Albufeira that does fat chips.
We would both go back to Albufeira because there is so much to see and do for everyone, whether you want to relax or go mad!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays April 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Hazel Campbelton(40, 37)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were on holiday 10th till 24th April the weather was great the accomodation was ok for what we were looking for, a last minute hol. Would probably go back to the same accomodation it was clean and maids in 5 times a week towels changed twice a week. The strip was very good. The Coyote was great for breakfast, and Eddies bar was good if you want some banter it was a family from Liverpool who own it and lots of good crack from them. Also if you want a nice quiete beach and not too far to walk from the hotel turn left and cross over the road then first right, follow the road down as far as you can go it's a lovely beach.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: DIRECT APRIL 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : BILL H GLASGOW 55 ,57
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
if going to these appartments insist on a room away from the front of the building as it is situated on the main road and impossible to get any kip.very basic but clean,value for money paid.had some good meals,all very reasonable especially annabell,s,cockerel,jade chinese.weather was in the 70,s for the whole week which was a bonus in april.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - April 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Matt Butterworth / Ken Eccles (26,29)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well I was under no illusions as to the quality of this hotel. After reading some of the other opinions i was beginning to not look forward to this holiday, but i think they were a bit harsh - becuase of this attitude i was actually pleasently surprised.
The accomodation is very old, but the rooms were of a good size and we had a decent fridge. The room was slightly fusty smelling, but that was soon cleared up with some windows open and an air freshener. The bathroom was a bit damp, but i put this down to the age of the complex it was a well used toilet and shower area and there was a bit of dirt between the tiles. This accomodation is your means to get some shuteye whilst at other times you'll be experiencing one of the nicest resorts i've ever been too. The beaches are lovely and there is plenty to do in the resort. Eating out is very cheap so there is no need to actually cook in the room.
The strip is a five minute walk from the hotel. Make sure you walk to it at least once as the taxi driver from the hotel on our first night took us the long way and charged us 5 euro's (we had no idea where the strip was!) but after that expense we found our way back to the hotel a much quicker way. Also Dont buy the alburfeira map - its a con and 5 euro's not well spent, instead make sure you attend your welcome meeting or go to the tourist informtaion offices as they have free maps that help you much better to get round the resort (the strip was not even mentioned in the 5 euro one!) Lastly the beds were twinned (2 singles) which for us were no probs being as we are a couple of likely lads and would have freaked if we'd have had to have shared a double lol (mostly weiry though :)) ,but if i had gone with my wife instead then we would have been a bit uncomfortable, so something to bear in mind. There is another bed in the apartment a sofa type thing that could have been used.
All in all the holiday was great, it was just a shame that my primary school teaching wife wasn't able to come with us (in term time and what not). For the money we paid (£169 each) we couldnt complain. Hopefully if you;ve booked this holiday then you can take heart in it being better than the others make out.
One thing i find with this type of web site is for every 100 people visiting this accomodation, 97 would probably be satisfied and not even think of adding a positivie review on this site. the other 3 however are the usual ones you hear on this site stating terrible things that have happened to them. Just bear that in mind before you decide to go for any of the hotel with "supposed" bad holidays. Maybe the holiday on offer was not suitable for them??
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - April 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Norma Stewart - Dundee (48,28)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Visited in early April 2004, 10th visit to the resort, love it. The apartments were basic, but very clean with frequent maid service. Lovely big apartment for me and my grown up son who lived out there for 9 months last year.
Visit the Coyote Bar, lovely and clean, cheap beer on 1.24 Euro a pint, reasonable menu, great service. The Italian Restaurant round the corner to the right is fabulous, found it a couple of years ago and still find it brilliant. Also the Silver Pint (Caneca de Prata) is lovely, great food, lovely atmosphere. Will definately return to these apartments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours/my travel - Spring Bank 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Rob, Lynn,Nicole Lucy (40,40,10,8)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Spring Bank 2004.Got this holiday cheap for 10 days so was a bit dubious about the accomodation before we arrived. Arrived in the middle of the night. Pleasently suprised how much space in the rooms. Good size bedrooms. Very clean accomodation, slightly older however very clean. We were lucky to get onbe of the 2 rooms with Air conditioning. Would go back again.
Supermarket 5 mins walk away and beach 15 min walk, however dosn't seem that bad, its downhill. The beach is fantastic and has a good resturant on it. The restuarant even has shower facilitys.
10/15 mins walk from the "Strip" A massive concentration of Bars and Clubs.
If you haven't booked try contacting the hotel direct the allow you to book with them and if you can get cheap flights to Faro you could save a packet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays March 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : MB & JB Glasgow
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a one bedroom apartment which was a good size, although a bit basic and in need of redecorating, but was cleaned daily and staff were quite helpful. We were at the back of complex and balcony was tiny, so would be no use in the summer. Nice grassed area near the pool.
This is a good hotel to use as a base for getting about the resort. Plenty of choices round about for eating and drinking - the local chinese restaurant (just up the road a bit on the left) was excellent as was Coyote bar for a cool drink in the afternoon or a last drink before heading back to hotel - check out their karaoke as some good singers there!(drinks in the hotel very expensive).
Good holiday and accommodation for the bargain price we paid - and we would definitely visit this resort again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Mar 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Toni Roe - Cleveland (9,40,36
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We thought that the resort was a very nice and friendly place,we hired a car for 5 days and found it very cheap and useful.The roads are very easy to use,just follow the motorway and branch off to where ever you want.It worked out a lot cheaper than going on excursions!We visited zoomarine where i swam with the dolphins for 125 euros expensive but worth it.We also went to Silves,Villamora,St.Vincent's & Portimao.In the evening we went to Reno's fun pub,The rock bar & coyote's.
Our favourite eating place was the cockerel,excellent value for money!
Our accomodation was ok but a little worn.Having said that they were in the process of refurbishing.The outdoor pool was a bit cold(but it was March!)the indoor pool was nice and warm.all in all it was a very enjoyable holiday!
From Toni.xx
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - March 2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2004 by : David Kelly - Bolton (39, 34, 15, 11)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Overall the place was clean and tidy, the maids were in at least five times a week, when we were there, there was updating some rooms and we know the place om the outside does need a paint but they will be doing that very soon. The indoor pool is warm if not full of clorine which can hurt your eyes after around twenty mins. The holiday overall was enjoyable but you do have to find your own entertainment.
This brings me to the strip which is 10 mins walk, where you will find all your places to shop and eat. If you want to enjoy a good breakfast the you must go to Via Shanti which is less than five mins for the aparthotel and Annabells for a enjoyable evening meal. You can pick up at most places a free map of the local area which gives you loads of information.
There are many excursions but two I would recormend are Krazy World (petting zoo and reptile park) and Zoomarine (dolphins, seals and exotic birds) also a long day out is Historical Algarve which gives you a tour of the west of the Algarve including Silves, Montochouque (which is also a stop for lunch @ 10 euros each, also motochorque is the highest point in the Algarve but not Portugal. This then Gose on to Lagos and finally to Cape St Vincent the most southwesterly point on mainland Europe with its lighthoues that can be seen up to 86 Miles out at sea.
So for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday try this one as we would go back.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - Feb 2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2004 by : Antonia Page - Cheadle (28, 36, 5, 1)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We thought this hotel was ok. Nothing special but the rooms were a nice size and were cleaned regularly. The whole place needed a bit of a revamp but that was taking place whilst we were there. It served as a good base for travelling but if you want all the luxury extras you wont get them here.
The outside pool looked nice but was too cold to use in Feb. The indoor one had a load of teenagers running riot so we avoided that as well. The bar area is pleasant enough but no one drinks in there so we were sat all alone. the drinks are a bit pricey and there is no entertainment on. However, the staff are nice and friendly.
The resort of Praia D'Oura is lovely if a bit quiet. There is a selection of lovely restaurants to choose from. The Italian around the corner is lovely and good value for money. The chinese over the road is very good as well. There are also a couple of lovely restaurants along the sea front. The beach is lovely and although the resort is small you could easily manage to eat in a different place every night.
However I would recommend getting a taxi to the old town of Albufiera which is a few miles away. The fishermans beach area is lovely with some lovely cafe bars along the front. The whole place has a market town feel to it and there are some really nice good value for money Portugese restaurants in the square.
On the whole we enjoyed this holiday and would probably go back to Albufiera in a few years. I don't think I would go back to this hotel with kids though as it didn't really cater for them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Aparthotel - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays February 2004
Opinion submitted in Feb 2004 by : Ian, Donna, Courtney 41,41,9
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
The resort area is good for a family holiday,the accommodation is the worst we have ever stayed in,the rooms were very cold and no suitable heating was available,they were also very musty & damp.There was stand off between the the tour operator and the hotel management the bar was a complete rip -off 3 Euro's for a large beer yet 500 yds up the road only 1 euro so the bar was empty every night.
Do not stay there.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Eulalia Beach Club Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: flyglobespan.com
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Julie, Pat, (29,33)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Went to these apartments for 1 week, start of may05, very, very spacious, very clean, maids in every day, mopping floors, making beds etc. Bar Staff really friendly, four floors to these apartments with a few lifts which was good- saved the old legs. The only down side was if you have childrens ours are 5 and 6 months, the baby knew no better but Shaun could have done with some sort of kids club or entertainment at night, also apartments are exactly 13 mins walk to main strip, which can be tiring if you go in for breakfast and dinner every day, other than thats cannot fault apartments, just to far out the way for us, and nothing fro kids to do.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: independant July
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : The Hunter family - N.Ireland (50,45,13,8
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
What a wonderful holiday, the apartments were great in every respect. The staff were unbelievable, they just could not have been more helpful. The rooms were cleaned everyday and we had so many clean towels that i left a whole drawer full unused.The pool was so clean and well maintained,it was washed down every morning. I could not praise these apartments enough.The best place to eat on the stripe is O Poeta. The chicken kebeb is second to none. The best pizza can be had in the old town at Ricardo's which is off the sea front. Trully wonderful.
It can become extremely cold in the evening so bring something warm to put on if walking around.Waiting for a taxi is an experience in it's self, some evenings we waited inthe old town for 45-50 mins, they seem to be in short supply. They are very cheap, 3.90euros from the old town to Sereia da oura. It is a woulderful walk to the old town but not such a nice walk back after and evening shopping. The beach is brilliant, lots of water sports and very reasonably priced.Anyone going to Sereia da oura apts has nothing to worry about, we really enjoyed staying in such a friendly and well kept place.
Can't wait to return. Enjoy every minute. The weather was fabulous.Money well spent!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : sixteen 18yr olds
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just back from the sereia da oura apartments and i would return there in the morning if i could!!!! im finding it so hard to find a complaint about the apartments that the biggest and only problem was that there was no kettle in the apartment.....with this being the only complaint it should let you know how good the apartments were!!!! The staff were so friendly especially Bruno and Martha and the cleaners came every day that i can remeber except for the weekend!!!
Albufeira is a beautiful resort to stay in although it may be a little quiet if your looking for non stop clubbing!!! There were sixteen 18yr olds in my group and we still found many places to go out, naming my favourites.....Matts, Wild and Co, Reno's, Garage and of course Kiss night club (doesnt get going properly til 4am). Reno's also served the nicest food that we could find!!! Things in Portugal arent very cheap as we were led to believe although many things are cheaper than those in Ireland!! My final bit of advice is go to Aquashow Waterpark (costs only 22.50 euros including transfer for the day)
Finally have a brilliant holiday....im so jealous of anyone going to the sreeia da oura apartments!!! Enjoy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Independent Booking July 2006
Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Lisa + Derek (23,24)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Bit apprehensive after reading that these apartments were prone to being broken into but we shouldnt have worried. They are well enough away from main strip to get any real issues with that. Rooms lovely and big. Main strip is about a ten min walk away but it is quite tacky and loutish (dont know if this was just because we were there during the world cup) but there was lots of stag/hen parties (we booked algarve because we were trying to get away from that n didnt expect it!) We prefered the Old Town, wish we had been closer to there but its only a few euros in a taxi.
The hotel bar 'cheers' was a bit tempramental with its opening times/days, more or less opened/closed when it felt like it but the couple who owned it worked hard and were nice. I dont think i would go back to this part of algarve again as i was a bit disappointed, we love our food on holiday and my partner was looking for a really nice, classy restraunt to propose to me, but unfortunately we were greeted with steak houses and 'egg and chip places' so he ended up doing it on the balcony, which was still lovely!!
The beach is about a 15min walk away but it is down a very steep hill (nightmare getting back up) and we only went once because we were charged 15euros for 2beds and a parasol.Poolside was nice enough though. Hope i have not put u off coz apts are nice and safe and i did have a good holiday! Enjoy!And remember its what u make of it!! I would thourghly recommend resorthoppa if u are booking everything seperate and need airport transfer, very professional and cheap!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: globespan - 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : lisa barron,28,n barron 13, n barron 8, jquinn 49
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
after looking up the apts on the internet and thinking they looked really nice was very dissapointed to arrive and see it in the flesh what a let down ,where do i start ,sofas were dirty which my 2 kids had 2 sleep on ,pool was filthy, bedding only got changed once in 2 weeks ,plug blew up in room ,1 towel change in 2 weeks ,pool bar never opened before 12 which was abit naff for the kids if they wanted an icecream or toastie .
enough moaning now the people were lovely and portugal is nice 2 but having saved all year i couldnt wait to go home .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Independant (Truths Travels!)- September 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Karl Helen and Abbie Williams (37, 34, 2 nearly!)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
I was a little worried when we were allocated Room 101 after a previous posting and then realised that people do expect TOO much sometimes!!
The room was very spacious and clean and the cot for Abbie was excellent. We were right on the pool which is small and clean but ok for a dip which is all you want really unless you are Duncan Goodhew! Pool bar was good and we had the linen changed a couple of times and the room cleaned 3 times I think. I didn't see any damp and the place is just a bit dated thats all...there is NOTHING seriously wrong with this place AT ALL and it would be a shame if people were put off booking after reading certain previous reports.
The resort is commercialised but I would think anyone going here knows this? The Old Town is very nice and worth a vist and Cheers bar which is on the complex was lovely for a nightcap. Beaches surpassed expectations and we visited on numerous occasions, even though we don't usually spend much time on the beach, as they were so nice.
All in all an 8/10 holiday even though we went with a miserable Scot and his family!! Only joking Les ! oh and by the way Potugal is NOT expensive contrary to some reports I had before going....even the Scot found it to be cheap! Happy Hols everyone
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Barrhead Travel -June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : E Power + M Mackenna. Fort William (38, 44)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived in Faro airport at 5pm, and got a mini bus to the apartments. It was a 40 min. transfer and the driver was very chatty and informative. On arriving we were met by a very polite portugese lady who checked us in. Our apartment was a one bedroom, situated right at the pool, room no. 101. Im afraid to say it did have a lingering aroma of damp about it. I do not know if it was the proximity of the room to the pool or that the place just needed a lick of paint and some new furniture.
It was very large in size though, with a very well equipt kitchen, even with an automatic washing machine. The towels were changed only once in the week, and i had to chase the maid to get more loo roll. You were very much left to get on with it as the reception was more often closed than open. The pool its self was very small, we nick named it the "puddle".
Next to the apartments is a great wee bar called "Cheers". It is run by Steve and Kath, who made everyone very welcome and also had the cheapest beer in albuferia. Many a happy and drunken evening was spent there helping Steve create slammers. The indian resturant next door is also well worth a visit.
You should avoid the Strip unless you like getting hassle from the timeshare touts who flock around you like locusts. We spend our time in the old town, which is a charming old fishing village with cobbled streets and open air markets. The local resturants had mouth watering meals for you to try.
There are 3 local beaches to laze about on and they are all equally nice. Great big cliffs add to the beauty of the place.
All in all a very enjoyable week spend in Albuferia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thompson - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Ann & Paul (47, 48)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartments were clean and spacious with a well equipped kitchen (Which we hardly used as dining out was a real pleasure with plenty of good quality bars and restaurants nearby). The receptionist was always friendly and cheerful even when we arrived 2 hours after the reception should have closed due to a flight delay. The position of the apartments is ideal with the strip only 10 minutes walk and the old town about 20 minutes. (The road to the old town is not for the faint hearted with a steep hill to walk up/down, but taxis are cheap). The room we had faced the main road with no view to write home about and the balcony was small with just enough space for 2 chairs and a tiny table. The beaches and coves are fantastic and are worth the 15 minute walk. (Once again be prepared for a steep hill). The taxi transfer we got from the airport charged 43 Euros but the friendly cheerful receptionist booked us a return taxi for 27 Euros.
All in all we had a great 2 weeks and I wish we were still there now.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Broadway Travel - 2004 / 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Sophie Russell - Devon (27,28)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Before going on holiday I read a review about these apartments being grotty and being broken into a lot. When we arrive the room we were given was very small and had a sofa bed, but lady on reception was very accommodating in upgrading us for an extra 70euros for the week, which concluded in a much larger apartment and double bed! Make sure you ask for a double bed!!! Apartments were very clean and on the main road between the old town and new town, so perfect location really. No noise or disruptions and beach only 10 min walk away. The old town was a bit of a hilly walk though! I preferred the old town than the Strip as it had more character and windy streets and shops. The lady in reception was really jolly and very helpful.
There's 2 water parks and a Zoomarine near by and a shopping centre on the main road to Albufeira. I read that there were over 100 shops at the Algarve shopping, but we were dissapointed - there was a Zara and Pull and Bear but that was about it!
We came back last week and the weather was scorching - 30degrees every day at least. Some things aren't that cheap though so do shop around! If you want a cheap airport transfer book with resorthoppa com as these were a real bargain and very professional!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Independent - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : N.Webb Coventry (35,34,33,7,6,3)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Really enjoyed our stay at these apartments. Only a small pool but this was great for the kids. Excellent spacious clean apartments, double bed in bedroom - 2 double sofa beds in living room & a seperate kitchen. Probably a bit boring for older kids & teenagers as no music pool bar etc, however perfect for us. Close to the strip & beach. Thought everything was reasonably priced (including the apartments £250 for a week)
The resort was excellant however there were a lot of beggars which can be disturbing as there seemed to be different opinions on whether they were genuine or not.
One sour point was our ariport transfers company www airport - transfers - algarve com never turned upto collect us on the return leg even though we already paid them. Still trying to get my money back & the 2 taxi fares off them but their not interested.
All in all a great week away.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sereia Da Oura Aprtments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: independently - 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : mandy paul 41-40-12-7
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
having booked these apartments myself on the internet i was pleasantly suprised, the rooms were very clean and we had our own washing machine full size cooker iron ironing board coffee maker and toaster not bad i thought, ten minutes up the road was the strip where all tha bars and restaurants were beach was 15 minute walk, now it said on the site that it had a small pool and it was but still big enough to cool down and kids loved it, my only bug bear was the cleaners they didnt come very often but if you asked in reception they were sent to you that day it was the same with the towels you just had to ask!
place to visit- father eds at the top of the strip we had a real good night there mary anns for cheap but good food and if you like stew go to papa joes it was fantastic a great big casserole dish full of meat and potatoes , pick up a red map from outside the apartments it tell you were all the bars and cafes are situated i paid £1.200 for the four of us in the school hols and it was worth every penny although the portugese were not as friendly as i had been told and they drive like mad men
all in all a brill holiday
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silchoro Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: July 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Leak 45,42,13,11
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Don't panic if you have read negative reviews of these apartments. They are as they say three star, basic but fine.
The apartments were clean, large and well set out. The pool was large with a separate small pool for young children set in pleasant gardens, where there was enough room to sit comfortably without being crampped.
The bar area served good cheap meals and the staff were friendly.
There is a small supermarket on site, and 24 hour recption with helpful staff.
The bed was hard and creaky, but the kitchen area had a full size fridge and cooker, with a small private balcony area.
The rooms were cleaned every day.
It is about a 10 minute walk to the Strip, lined with restaurants and shops which is very lively at night. We prefered the old town about a 30 min walk or 10 min taxi ride which cost less than E5.
The beaches were clean and the water nice but cold. The old town had nicer bars and restuarants but was also very lively later in the evening.
We had a great relaxing time and would recommend these apartments but do not book expecting unadulterated luxury - be realistic we thought the holiday offered value for money as for 3 adults and 1 older child the price for a week came in a just over 1000.
ook this Hotel Direct Package Holidays Holidays Direct Last Minute
Silchoro Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: Thomson Holidays
- July 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Gary S - (41,40,14,11)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Thomson Holidays
don't do welcome meetings at this apartment anymore, so there
is no introduction to the area, apartments, trips etc. You have to call
their resort line to get this info.
Apartments are a little dated, but clean and spacious. We had a 2 bed apartment which had 2 toilets and a larger balcony. Staff at reception polite and friendly. We did have a couple of problems with the water and one of the toilets, but these were sorted in no time. No trouble with noise as it is away from the main strip, and even the bar area was relatively quiet.
Plenty of room in the pool no matter what time of the day you went there, tho the usual sunbeds taken with towels from about 8.30am and most remained empty until about 11ish. Thereafter, take a chair from the bar terrace or put your towels down on the grass.
About a 10-15 min walk (depending on pace) from the strip where there are the usual bars and restaurants which all served similar fare. Eating out was cheaper than the UK and food was generally good. We didn't have any "bad" meals, however service at Liza's Pizzeria was shocking, best part of 2 hours from sitting down until we paid the bill and all we had was a pizza!! Luigi's up the top end had good food and prices, although staff did appear to be very inexperienced, however, friendly and polite.
If you fancy a quieter meal, instead of going to the strip, when you get to the "globe" roundabout, go straight on rather than go right and you will come across another selection of quieter restaurants.
Weather was fantastic, 32 degrees plus every day with no rain. 3 beaches within reasonable walking or apartment bus distance.
As mentioned on other posts, there are a number of timeshare operators about, as well as quite a few women and children begging on the main strip.
There are people openly selling drgs on the strip, who also sell fake sunglasses and watches, which is their cover before offering various drgs. The folk selling this stuff are quite easy to spot, as they don't look like locals and don't look like tourists either and my kids had fun by giving then pseudonyms. Just watch out for "fat Tony" and his minders J
The apartments have their own shop which sells all the main stuff, but there is a bigger supermarket just at the strip, amongst others. Coca Cola/7 Up etc at 1.40 Euro for 2 litres, wine from 1 euro a bottle etc.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silchoro Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- May 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Dawn Ashall - Merseyside (30,32,9+2)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just arrived back from the Algarve. Had a lovely time weather very hot, apartment, pool and bar very clean, staff really friendly. Kids loved going to coconuts for the entertainment would really suggest going to see Alex the hypnotist.
Food really lovely if you like really hot and spicey you have got to try the piri piri chicken. We as a family ate most nights at the Mary Anns bar because if you purchase 2 adult meals you got a children's meal free. If your children like playing pool if you go into Stones there they can play pool for free and Joseph who has the pub is really friendly and he loves Peter Kay and he will put him on the screen for you, you will find the Stones bar on the strip.
Ther was a free courtesy bus from the Apartment to the old town which is very handy.You get mithered by the men who come round selling things but all you have to say to them is no thank you and they go away.You will also find on The Strip women with children begging.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silchoro Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel 15 April 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Janine Rae & Jeremy Luddington (both 31)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This holiday was a surprise for my partner so lots of organising quickly.
The apartments are very dated (as all the other reviews said), reminded me a bit like fawlty towers, light switches that dont turn on lights and lights that come on with no warning and if you decide to have a bath let the water out very slowly, we didnt and flooded the entire bathroom. However what the apartments lacked the staff more than made up for!!! Very friendly and just loved it if you took time to ask them advise or questions about the town/country.The receptionists were more than happy to guide us to different towns and attractions when we hired a car.Entertainment at the apartments was not bad, drag show and brazilian dancers.weve seen worse!Take time to visit the old town, lovely at night and traditional with cobbled streets and restaurants overlooking the square and if you like chinese then go to the Jade chinese restaurant across from the Kilt scottish pub, very reasonable and great food, staff are really nice.
WARNING DO NOT FALL FOR THE `VISIT THE NEW HILTON` speech (at the welcome meeting at Silchoro) it is definetaly time share!!! Although they call it the `Vacation Club`, it doesnt take 90 minutes more like 4 hours and they take you through a whole load of crp before they tell you its based on time share.
This was our first time in Portugal and would definetaly go back (not in peak season though, think it would be too busy). Great time had by both of us.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silchoro Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) MyTravel October 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Robert Bramley Barnsley 49,50,21,24
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from the Silchoro apartments with my wife,son and his girlfriend.We found the accomodation clean but a little dated.We ate out everynight but we made our own cooked breakfast every morning with the cooker and utensils more than adequate.The location was superb but it took a couple of days to find our bearings.Once you find your way it takes no more than 10 minutes to get to the Strip where you will find every bar,resturant and entertainment to suit everyone,a short taxi ride (3.25 euros)will take you to Albufeira which we found very nice especially at night time.Public transport is very cheap and a nice way of seeing more of the Algarve.We visited friends in Lagos who picked us up by car but we made our own way home by train which cost 8 euros for 2 people.A day out to Villamura costs about 3 euros each,each way.All in all a very nice holiday at the Silchoro, very friendly staff not forgetting the courtacy bus down to the beach which we normally used for the return trip.
Having been home just over a week now the four of us have talked about returning to the Silchoro in the not two distant future.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silchoro Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) MyTRAVEL - July 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Dan-Laura (23,20)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from a week in Albuferia. The Silchoro apartments were dated and the beds in the Studios were sofa beds, which isnt explained to you before you book! We were told we could still push them together but this didnt really work, and the beds were so uncomfy.
A part from this the pool area was nice just not enough sunbeds to go around. The pool was fab on a hot day! as it was freezing! The Cafe/Restaurant was cheap and did nice food.
The Strip is about a 10min walk away, and has loads of bars and restaurants to cater everyone, and the beach is just a bit further along down the Strip.
The weather while we were there was good there was just two days where it was a bit overcast.
We did have a good time and may go back to Albuferia one day but to a different Hotel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silchoro Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Aspro Direct) Aspro - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Edel O'Neill - Northern Ireland (44, 43, 22, 21, 20, 16, 15, 10)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just back from a week in Albufeira with my family. Overall, I thought it was very good, quite family-orientated. There are plenty of bars and restaurants, both English and Irish, most reasonably priced. I would recommend Senor Frog (Pizzeria), near the top of the Strip, the Pizza is excellent. Erins Isle is a good Irish pub with live music every night, and is only about 10 minutes from Silchoro. The main strip is about 15 minutes walk, which gets lively at nite and there are many shops where you can bargain sometimes. The markets are on the first and third tues of every month and you can get leather goods really cheap. The gypsy markets are also on different days in near by towns...the reps or hotel staff will give details.
On the first day it was rather cloudy, but then it picked up and got quite hot. There is a wide range of activities for all ages...we went to Zoomarine which was excellent for kids, but to be honest I have seen better shows. Slide and Splash is a good day out, but there is also Aqualand which may be better..we didn't get time to go to it. Also went to see the bull fighting which is quite expensive for families...tickets are 20-37 euros each. The Old town is worth a visit, although there is alot of construction work going on in the centre at the minute.
Had an enjoyable stay at the silchoro, the rooms are a bit dated but they are very spacious with a large balcony overlooking pool. The entertainment at night was poor...mostly karaoke and not many people went, but we didn't mind as it's close to the srtip. There is a poolside bar, restaurant, mini-market, gamesroom and Internet access.
Overall, we had a great time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silchoro Apartments - Albufeira
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Kevin Walker - Alloa (48, 45)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was a last minute allocation on arrival to the Algarve. Arrived at the Silchoro about 11 pm. The apartment was a spacious 1 bedroom, as previous reveiwers have said the rooms do look dated although the fixtures and fittings are in good repair. the kitchen had a large modern fridge feezer and a full cooker with oven/grill and hob (a first in 15 years of continental self catering). The only proble