Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: Thomas Cook July 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Barbara,Mark and Claire Hedley Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (56,46,15)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Club Alvor Ferais is a comfortable clean apartment complex. We stayed in a one bedroom apartment which was spacious apart from the balcony which was on the small side. There are two swimming pools although we were staying on the side of the reception we always used the pool on the other side which was quieter and we always got a sun bed. The only problem with the complex is there is no lift so getting your luggage up the stairs is hard work but worth the effort.
Alvor as a resort is great everything you could want plenty bars and restaurants and a beautiful large beach well worth the 20 minutes walk from the apartments.The centre of the resort is a 10 minute walk from the apartments downhill but quite easily done.
Our favourite bar was the Cactos II bar at the Dunas apartments which was run by Mark and Ali with help from Amanda. We found this on our third night and were made so welcome that we returned every night of our 2 weeks holiday. Mark sings and entertains for three hours everynight singing and playing guitar, songs from the 60's to up to date. If you visit this bar once you will be sure to go again.
This was our first visit to the Algarve and we enjoyed everything about this holiday so much that we have already booked to go back again next July.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama - may 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Paul - Dublin 38,36,6,1
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Alvor has to be one of the nicest resorts i have stayed in.Dont go if you are looking for a wild clubbing holiday ,not that type of place.It really has the best of both worlds, a fairly unspoiled beautiful little fishing village but with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from,they are avoiding the nasty high rise look of other resorts. I cant say we had one bad meal in any retaurant so its hard to recommend one in particular, but do head toward the seafront and have some fresh fish barbequed in any of the sea food restaurants.
Alvorferias apts were clean and very spacious.Not too far to town,about 10 mins walk, and beach about 20 mins walk. beach is amazing. Apts lacked a bit of descent entertainment at night although this may change as the season goes on. portuguese people are very friendly . if you take a taxi back at night they all charge the exact same and do not rip you off.(about 4 euro). we will be back. oh and have the stone steak,cooked at the table and the best!
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: Booked Direct - Oct 2006
Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : Mr & Mrs Warrington
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had read reviews before we went on holiday and the apartments where what we expected - fairly basic but spacious and clean. We were disappointed with on site facilities but none of that mattered because we loved Alvor. We were a bit of a walk from the centre but it is downhill on way there and easy to get a cheap taxi back. There are so many nice restaurants it is hard to name one above another. There are loads of bars but they were fairly quiet while we were there. We met people who recommended we go to the Cactos II Bar at the Dunas Apartments and it was the best bar in Alvor. There was live music every night - Mark was brilliant.
We had great weather and the beaches are fantastic. Will definitely be going back.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours October 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Jo and Steve, Midlands (33, 32)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
Just back from a great week in Alvor. The accommodation was clean and spacious - we has a 1 bed appartment, although the balcony was extra small. The appartment was well equipped so if you were planning to eat in you would have everything you needed but we ate out every night.
We were on the reception-side of the complex and found there was always plenty of sunbeds whatever the time of day - probably due to the time of year. I imagine in high season it would be a bit cramped only because the beach is a fair old hike away. Probably in the heat of summer this is a hot and horrible walk.
This, combined with lots of stairs means this complex isn't at all suitable for anyone with mobility problems.
We only went to the beach twice on the days when the weather was cooler but it was well worth the walk. Probably even when the beach is busy there will be plenty of space as it's so big, with perfect white sand.
(when I say the weather was cooler it was still shorts and T shirt weather and we were still in short sleeves at night)
The town itself again was a 10-15 minute walk away, all downhill, and every day we walked it it seemed to take less time! We loved the town, especially the restaurants. If you're a seafood fan you will love Alvor - the barbecued 'catch of the day' is hard to resist. Most of the bars were still well attended, even though it was October. We liked the Irish bars with live entertainment but there's plenty of choice to suit all tastes.
The stray dogs were ever-present but they seemed to ignore the tourists pretty much - they were more interested in socialising with each other than bothering humans.
We found the free maps really useful for the first couple of days until we found our bearings. Most shops and bars have copies so don't feel you'll miss out if you don't got to the welcome meeting (we didn't)
Transfers to the resort took about 2 hours but this was probably due to the time of year - our coach made several stops to pick up from 3 different resorts. I imagine during busier times the coach will be full of Alvor guests and it will drive straight there.
Alvor is a lovely combination of 'jsut developed enough' and traditional Portugal. There's enough good bars and restaurants for the town to feel lively but it's not full of night clubs or underage drinkers.
We would definitely go back but would probably choose accommodation closer to the beach.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - August 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Richard Chandler - Edinburgh (45, 42, 8, 6)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartments are good (a/c is now available in all apts), of the two swimming pools we preferred the one on the side nearest the beach as it had grass, more shade and somehow seemed quieter than the other (though the other pool seemed to have a bigger shallower part of the main pool to swim in (which probably explains its' popularity).
In truth we enjoyed Alvor as a place so much, we only used the apartments as a base. Alvor seems to have arrived at a unique marriage of a resort having been commercialised (and thereby providing the facilities most are looking for), yet still retaining its' character. The town still has much Portuguese character and there are loads of great restaurants - in fact many are so rated that people were having to wait 30 mins for a table (don't let that put you off the wait was always worth it). We particuarly enjoyed Vagabond, Luistania, Casa da Rio, Adeja del Alvor.
Another great plus was the beaches - they were all superb and the beach bars/restaurants were universally excellent. In Alvor we preferred the beaches with rocky coves - Tres Irmanos etc - about 15 mins walk from the apts.
We hired a car - and went to Lagos (attractive atmospheric town) and the beaches outside, Carveiro (lovely down at the beach), Silves (interesting historic town - but not a "must-see" in my book, despite what the guide-books say)and down to Praia da Rocha/Praia do Vau - more great beaches/great beach bars.
Overall the highlight of the holiday were the restautrants and the buzz of Alvor together with great beaches, in a place that still made you feel you were in Portugal (much better than Albuferia in my mind). The weather with a constant gentle breeeze was blissful - I guess hovering around 30 degrees.
Enjoy.....
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- May 06
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Steph - Sheffield (34,32,5)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading some of the reviews, I was a little unsure as what to expect. However if you are going this year please DO NOT worry. The transfer from the Airport was a little over a hr, but probably depending on the time of year it could be going on for 1hr 30 to 2hrs, we were the 1st drop of as well.
1st impressions on the apts were very good, the reception staff very helpful. The apts are on two sites across the road from each other, with a connecting bridge.Both have spacious pools of their own, the reception side one tended to be a bit busier as the pool side bar is at this side only. (but we went in May so not too over busy,) plenty of sunbeds for everyone. We were on the reception side in a 1 bedrm apt, which was very spacious. But the balcony was, well small to say the least. 2&3bdrm apts have big balconies. The walk to town about 10-15mins down hill, the village took us a couple of days to get used to, when we did we loved it, and want to go back, its a old fishing village with little streets off each other, with plenty of pubs, restuarants. I would recommend Grand Muralh? (chinese) The carvary (both at the bottom of road from Apts. And Goodvilles and La Angelo in town centre. If you go to welcome meeting you will get a free map with the resturants on (well needed map) but you can pick them up from most shops, free.
A few people mentioned the dogs, don't be too alarmed about this, they are harmless and spend most of the time asleep.
The walk to the beach was 20-25mins but well worth it when you get their, find a route that suits you best their is 2 or 3 different ways, but all down hill.
Even if you don't have kids and love water parks a must is Splash and
Slide, its Fab, under 3's are free but if you have kids under 5 there
isn't alot they can go on. Over 5's who can't swim can wear armbands.
Our son loved it. We went with Thomson Holidays
s, cost was 20euros for adults and
16 for children.
We hired a car with the rep, for 2days, we visited Cape st Vincent, and Sagres one day and stopped of a a couple of fantastic beaches on route, (the beaches are Fab and loads to choose from.) The 2nd day we vistited Monchique in the mountains and Foio (which has a fab viewing point, with the best views of the coastline).
The thompson Rep (claire) is a great source of info, she has been in the algave for 15yrs, she was very friendly and available to speak to every day except 1.
I would recommend Alvor without a doubt, the apts I would also recommend, but if you love to be nearer the beach then I would choose Dunas Do Alvor, these are 10mins each to town or the beach. But if you have already booked the Alvorferias who will still have a great time.
Enjoy.... I am soooooo jealous.
P.S the weather when we went (beginning of May) was very hot every day.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - Sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : 39 41 nottingham
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just had 2 weeks in a fantastic resort end sept 05 . Brilliant weather lots to see and do.
But every night we had to go back to the NOISEY appartment with its noisey bed noisey traffic noisey dogs and noisey coach drop offs.These rooms are now tired and desparate for an upgrade
Ok there big the pools are v good and staff very friendly but-
No TV
Exposed broken sockets
3 minute maids
Towels sheets once aweek
Minimal crockery
Smelly drains/bathroom
Most overlook each other
We holiday 3 tmes a year these are 2 star they need a good revamp to get the 3 star there holding on to
Dont miss MEATLOAF at the Venue brill
Drinks vary from 2euros a pint to 4euros depending on entertainment
All resturants give good food but better to spend 10euros plus and get a fuller meal
I would go back to alvor but try and find better acommadation - theres not alot of selfcatering
DO NOT BUY A MEAL AT THE AIRPORT you will only throw it away
If you always wear a football shirt have 14 tattoos and drink from 930 am you will fit in quite well
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - Sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Nicola, Staffordshire, 30,28
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
SEEPTEMBER 2005
If its a bit of luxury that you are after - DONT GO TO THIS PLACE!! To be fair, its very clean, we certainly didnt experience any rowdyness, the apartments are very spacious and they were well stocked with crokery, etc not that we had any intention of staying in to cook. But the rooms are very dated and its all rather drab!! The beds were not brilliant and yes....the pillows are very lumpy!! But as I said, it was very clean, tidy and lots of space. The farm next to it is not that bad, if you can call it a farm! A couple of nights there were some nasty pongs of cow manure!
Our biggest moan was that it was a good 20/25 minutes walk from the beach - all uphill! Not what you want after a day on a hot beach. Not to bad on the way down. Get a taxi on the way back. There is a courtesy bus but i think the lastest it brings you back is 4pm. The weather was so lovely, we never wanted to leave the beach till 5.30/6pm.
We thought the actual resort- Alvor was lovely. As we stayed for the week, it was just right, two weeks and we would have started to get rather bored. Its a charming small town with nice cobbled streets. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME GOING TO PRAIA DA ROCHA! ITS SUCH A DUMP!! Really cheap and nasty. It was hard to find a decent restaurant. I am so glad we didnt get stuck there for the week.
We had some great meals, some not so good meals. The restuarants are not as cheap as you are led to believe.
THE BEACH - WHAT CAN I SAY? Fantastic. The best part of the holiday was the beach. Its really lovely. Massive wide stretch of pale sands, wide, backed by sand dunes, so peaceful. It didnt get crowded. There was so much beach. Sea is pretty cold!! Its appeal is also that it hasnt been ruined by building beachfront cafes and hotels. A real delight! Lovely refreshing breeze too most of the time.
All in all we loved the resort and the beach but we would never go back to these particular apartments again.
Great weather - 7 days of sun, not a cloud in the sky.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My TRAVEL AUG 2005
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : SMITH 37 15 12 9
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
What can i say we landed late at night. Nearly had a stroke when the man at reception said we needed a bus to our appartment but as it happens it was only across the road. I think it was the better said to be on because the reception side was far to crowed. The pool and the area round it was excellent great bar an resturant food was lovely. The appartment was big we had a two bedroomed it was massive and was kept realy clean. Staff were realy friendly and helpful.
The only thing was that the night entertainment was crp pity because the complex was great but nothing much at night. As for Alvor well it was to quiet bordering on boring. We're not party animals or anything like that but even something to walk round at night would be nice it was just to boring.
The one good thing was ALANS BAR it was fantastic for something to eat proper homemade food we ate in it every night first class. We did have a great time there and would advise people to go there it is very peaceful and very beautiful.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice August 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Belfast ( 52,29,8,4)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Alvor - lovely town with lots of reasonably priced restaurants.For example, China Garden - 2 starters,3 main courses,1 kids meal,portion of noodles,2 large beers,2 pints coke and sprite, free gifts for kids - all for 30 euros! Lots of other restaurants offering similar meals at similar prices. Beach clean and plenty of space - head left to the coves.
On booking with First Choice we asked specifically for a quiet room - rang 3 times to confirm same.Asked if I should ring 2 weeks before and check. We were told " No need - request sent to Portugal office" On arrival we were allocated a room directly above reception with loud noise from the noisiest of the two pools all day and coach arrivals at night. After asking politely to be moved we were given, 2 days later, a room on the top floor at the side away from reception which was more private but had the bar directly in front and the main road behind !
The junction on the road between the 2 halves of the apartment complex was dangerous to say the least - we saw 4 car crashes in 2 weeks and heard the screeching of brakes on many occasions ! Always use the footbridge - not a problem for us but older people ( or unfit ones! )found it hard going in the heat. Take ear plugs and you can rule out the traffic noise at night. There was also considerable noise some nights from the baying dogs. We heard the cockeral twice - not too intrusive! The farm smell as mentioned in previous reports was not a problem - twice late at night we were aware of an over-whelming pong but it only lasted 15 mins or so !!
The Algharb Bar on the complex is fairly dingy, situated underground and lacks any appeal. The entertainment was fairly predictable and the kids disco only lasted 15-30 mins.It seems a pity to have to sit in a dark stuffy bar on a holiday and the option of walking down into town, eating nicer cheaper food and sitting outside watching the world go by in more salubrious surroundings was one we took every night. However, it would have been nice to have had the choice of dining somewhere better on the complex.
On a positive note the apartments were the most spacious we have stayed in and we had two balconies - one at the back off the well-equipped kitchen ( but with the main road behind ) and the other off the living room. Cooking facilities excellent,but kettle had whistle which does`nt work so one could boil it dry if not careful ( we were`nt and did !! )No bottle opener and no clothes dryer ( take washing line to dry clothes otherwise wind may blow clothing over if just left hanging on balconies )Loads of hot water all day long, plenty of towels, clean new beds and shutters in the second apartment which kept the hot sun out during daytime hours.Very hot at night ( air con and TVs to be installed for next summer )
Toilet in first apt was really smelly and we had to keep the seat down and the door closed at all times, however second apt. toilet was fine.
Although we used mosquito plug-ins at night and sprayed liberally with anti-insect sprays we got bitten a lot !
First Choice kids reps ( Kate and Hannah) were lovely girls and excellent with the children. Rep. Fernando was very approachable and helpful and as he has been doing the same job for 21 years he is professional and informative.
Regarding trips - Zoomarine is excellent ( both for adults and children ) although we found we could`nt fit everything in as you arrive at 10.30 and leave at 4.pm. Perhaps go a day you hire a car and stay as long as you like.(The day out can be booked cheaper downtown and is exactely the same coach pick up etc.)
However, if going on jeep safari make sure you are booked with a reputable company ( ie: one with safety harnesses,insurance!! and recommended by First Choice) It is a really good day out but as we were unfortunate to be on a jeep with no seat belts, a Portuguese driver who was on some sort of hallucinogenic drug !!! and an old open-topped jeep that broke down twice we were glad to arrive back safely. It was not a journey I would like to repeat again with two small children who had to be held in a stranglehold all day to prevent them catapulting out of the jeep! Having survived the experience it makes interesting conversation for years to come but was dangerous and foolhardy in the extreme ! One of us ( the 29 year old ) was in bed for a day after with a migraine due to the 6 hours hurtling on dirt tracks at speeds normally reserved for the racetrack !
We would return to the Algarve again,perhaps to another resort ( Simply to see more of the area not because Alvor was not nice )but although the Alvorferias Apartments have helpful reception staff, clean rooms,nice pools and the anticipated air-con would help immensely we would prefer somewhere quieter away from a main road.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Wendy & Steve Moore 39&43 triplets 12
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
well our holiday was really smashing, we were pleased with our accomadation very basic, but lovley and clean the cleaners came every day, we were not far from the reception area and found no problems as regards noise having read some reviews i was expecting to be kept awake all night, this wasnt the case at all.
one huge disappointment was that the rooms had no T.V and with 3 kids to keep occupied that was hard to cope with as we found the evening entertainment for kids of 12 not very good.there was a bar called the Algharb bar, as the apartments were on both sides of a busy road easily reached by a bridge it meant we had to go over to the other part of the complex.
Alvor town centre 10 mins walk with plenty of eating places too many to mention we tried a few and found all of them very good especially a chinese restaurant called Hong Kong Gardens, and a good meal for 5 of us was around 55 euros this included drinks sweets and coffee.good tips are available organised by the reps we went on 3 the portuguese evening, the market, and the best of the Algarve, splash and slide can be easily got to by bus not that far away.the pool at our apartments were very clean and well kept the kids club was very good. Mosquitoes were a problem so pack plenty of repellent.
On the whole it was a very good holiday but we found a little expensive food wise.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Rosemary, Michael (44,43,13,12,11,8)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived at the site around 8.30pm giving us plenty of time to shop for essentials and then head to the town for something to eat. Went to the Blue Reef restaurant and had a beautiful meal - can recommend it for children and adults alike. Apartments very big and roomy but was a bit disappointed that we did not have a kettle and microwave as other ones in our block had. Full size cooker with three gas rings and one electric ring and full oven - plenty for all the time you spend in the apartments during holidays. Yes we did hear the cockerel but it did not annoy anyone with us but the dogs did on one occasion only.
Spent a lot of time (too much time) in pogues irish bar Great craic every night and good music too - in fact my husband was offered a job singing but declined.
we had our four daughters with us and they had a whale of a time both at the pool and everywhere we went for entertainment.You must take a walk to the harbour which is bustling with people every night and if you like fresh fish then this is the place for you. We ate in the chinese one night and found it to be good value for money. I think it was called the grand muralha. Our youngest one qualified for the kids club but chose not to go despite the friendly club reps - we could not keep her out of the pool which we found to be safe but as always you must keep an eye on the kids. Snacks in the poolside bar were lovely and you could bring them out to the sunbeds if you wished. A flyer supplied by the apartments stated that air-conditioning and satellite would be installed for 2006 season.
Our apartment was on the reception side and we did not find it at all noisy but there were others much nearer to reception.
Did not like the climb to our apartment as we were on the third floor and in the heat 54 steps were a bit much especially trying to get suitcases up there but all in all we had a great holiday and i would recommend both the resort and the apartments to anyone except those who find walking or climbing difficult.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : 42, 36, 9, 8
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived back from a really great holiday in Alvor, Portugal yesterday, 4th Aug 2005. Had a wonderful time and will definitely be going back next year. It is a quaint little fishing village but I refer to it as a town as it had plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to accommodate most ages. It has not become too commercialised and thankfully does not have a MacDonalds or Kentucky!!
The weather was great - really hot but lovely with the constant breeze. Best to make sure you take a really high factor suncream as the wind makes it feel cooler than it really is.
The apartments were basic but big. Small but compact balcony with no washing line or airer though but did have 2 chairs and table. All was clean and as they have plenty of windows and opposing balcony doors, they are nice and cool as the breeze blows through which was needed as there is no air conditioning. There were no instructions for the oven or hob but we didnt need to use it as i was not intending to cook anything. Best to take a travel kettle as you will have to use the one in the apartment which is an old style whistle one. This goes on the gas hob and takes ages to boil! Pillows were awful - really lumpy and only got one each! Still so tired it didn't matter too much and you get used to it. Nice big bathroom with plenty of towels. This was our first time in an apartment - usually go in hotel - were much happier with the extra space but had to buy dishcloth and washing up liquid - none supplied. There were 2 swimming pools (one on each side of road bridge). Pool snack bar provided good service and food. Watch the kids if they cant swim too well as no lifeguards and very limited shallow end! Plenty of beds though and you hire the mats for the beds at 1 euro each but well worth the added comfort. We were situated on the top floor and there are no lifts - not a problem in general but hard work getting luggage up and down them!
Heard the cockerel that others mention but not too much of a problem. Some noise with others arriving 'home' in the middle of the night a bit worse for wear but you have to expect that some families kids are not in bed by 10pm like ours!
Thomson Holidays
reps were wonderful and Reception staff were very helpful.
Bought 2 mossie machines and did not see one mosquito - yipee!
Was quite a walk into town about 15 mins and the same to the beach but was downhill which was easy enough and we mostly got taxi's back each time rather than walk up the hill.
Food was absolutely wonderful. We saw the fishermen take the fish just having been caught up to the restaurants for them to barbeque them that day - can't get much fresher than that!
We didn't have one bad meal. The best was probably The Captains Table - near the harbour and Vagabond Steak House. Wonderful fish or lamb or chicken kebabs served with chips and salad and often bread and olives for 11.50 euros. We tried Sea Bass, Swordfish, Sardines, and Monkfish and all were superb. They really know how to cook and the waiters are all really friendly and dont mind if you want to share an adult meal with a child. Childrens menus are widely available but all the usual stuff like chick nuggets, fish fingers, spag bolognaise. These are fine but we wanted our children to try some of the local dishes so shared our adult portions and there was more than enough for all. Cheaper to drink Sangria than Fanta! Beach was wonderful but take some drinks with you if you can - the restaurants and bars are a long way from the water's edge!
Visited Alvor beach which is lovely and also Praia de Rocha beach which is really wide and beautiful but much busier.
Taxi from town to Alvorferia apartments is 3.90 euros but always gave 5 euros to allow for tip!
Got taxi transfer from Faro to apartment - took 50 mins and cost 60 euros. Booked one back from place in Alvor town called 'Best Days' for 40?!! Nice, airconditioned mini bus for just us four and had booster seats for kids.
Went on a trip with 'Sealife' down at the harbour and this cost around ?130 (alot) but it was to go on a really fast rescue type boat to see the wild dolphins - quite an experience - bumpy but safe ride and all allocated with life jackets and wind/rain coats. However no dolphins were around - i was really disappointed but they offered us another free trip when they had an available space. Unfortunately they will not book you in though - you have to go to the harbour 10 mins before the boat is due to leave and take pot luck to see if any spare places! No spare places for us and then no time to take other chances as we had other excursions booked and then had to fly home a couple of days later.
I think this would be a great trip but book for the morning at around 10am when the water is calm - the dolphins are more likely to be there then. Also do this if you can early in your holiday to allow for opportunity to take up the offer of the free trip if no dolphins seen first time!
Went on another trip - this time Sailing for 3.5 hrs on the Trigana - this too is at the harbour in Alvor. Lovely original portugese sailing boat. Free Sangria on board or 1? for soft drink or small can beer. Nice crew. Swam from boat to sandbank and kids collected shells. Relaxing time had by all. Had 2 fishing rods on board so you can do some fishing. If fish are caught they will barbeque them for you on board!
Wanted to do so much more but not enough time in a week so going back next year.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours June 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : mave vin rich stace drew megan gav amy
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
alvorferias was brill went june 23 very hot but nice breeze, hotel food great nice large pools, very friendly staff especially johny in the bar entertainment every night we loved karaoke we had great nights in the bar, it was johnys birthday so he brought out plenty of shoots out for us to enjoy his birthday, kids club was great and they done kids discos before the entertainment started, rooms was nice they had 2 shops on site noy much food too choose from in centre but who cares we loved it but their is a place in the centre called phoenix which did sunday dinners which was great we definetly go their again soon. im in my 20s and i loved it and so did my parents whos in their 40s.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Davi, Jean - Belfast ( 54, 51 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
On our arrival it was late on a Sunday night and everything was closed other than the bar which had 3 or 4 noisy drunks in it. So much for first impressions. Next morning we explored the apartments area and town. Some how everthing looked much nicer than the night before. To start the apartment was the largest we had ever been to.
The kitchen was nearly as big as home and included a proper cooker and oven. All the usual utensils to include microwave and kettle. Everything was spotlessly clean but perhaps a little dated. The restaurant was rather expensive overall by approx 50% in comparison to the rest of the town. Although breakfast was served from 9am, when we tried we couldnt get served at 10am by a rather grumpy portugese lady who made it quite clear that we were a nuisance and would rather customers didnt come in to mess up her routine. Nothing new about that, as you'll get that anywhere. All the rest of the staff where friendly and helpful. There was quite extensive entertainment every night but with the large amount of small children this was spoilt for us but nobodys fault. The town was a 10 min walk down a moderate hill. Even I did'nt mind the walk which is saying something. Alvor is a typical nice little Portugese town. There are numerous small bars and restaurants to suit every taste. So cheap sometimes I had to examine the bill as I thought that there was a mistake.
The only downside of the holiday was DOGS.
There are dozens and dozens of all sizes roaming freely. If you had a dog phobia then this not for you. At night these dogs seem to form packs. On our second night a pack attacked another dog. The noise at 4am was quite deafening.
All in all we had a good holiday and have no problems about going back or of recommending the Alvorferias Apartments or Alvor
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice (Falcon) - May 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Suzie (24) and Graham (27)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were quite worried after reading many reports on Alvorferias stating that it was old, unclean etc. However on arrival we were both relieved and very happy with our accomodation. Clean apartments, nice furniture and well equiped kitchen. The supermarket inside the complex was really cheap and so handy. Likewise the food in the pool side bar was really nice and reasonable also.
Most days we heading to the gorgeous beach only 20 min walk and so relaxing. The night-life was quite low key but really good cocktail bar in the village and also Irish bars with good live music. Every meal we ate was beautiful in many of the restaurants, ir seems there is such a high standard of food as the competition for food is so strong. Also there is not many people out on the street dragging you in for a drink shot etc, unlike resorts in Spain.
All in all great relaxing holiday.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: flyglobespan - march/april 2005
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Fred - Edinburgh - 42,41,13,7
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Very good apartments, big and roomy. The cleaners came around most mornings.
A ten minute walk into Alvor or a 4 euro taxi ride.
It was a bit quiet at this time of year but still warm enough.
The resort is split in two by a main road with a pedestrian bridge to get you across, but you have pools both sides so no real problems.
Found a great irish bar - the black stove - cheap for drinks and the singer was very good, a big bonus was it has a downstairs games room for the kids which had a cctv link to the main bar so you could watch what was going with them and relax.
We will be going back
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Feb 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Ste - Leigh, Lancs (41,39,13)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
First time to Portugal, normally a Greek island man myself but was talked into giving the Algarve a try.
What have I been missing!!
The apartments are fantastic, extremely spacious and well equipped.
Facilities at the apartments were okay 2 fantastic pools but in mid-february were just above freezing point. The bar is fine with sky sports, decent staff and a pretty good cold lager. The entertainment (?) is extremely tedious a fat bloke with a portable telly and a 20quid karaoke machine from Argos (couple of nights a week), a 3rd rate bloke with guitar (just kicked out of a labour club in Wigan), and the ubiquitous disco( a couple of hours of screamming kids sliding across the dancefloor).
Take a ten minute walk into Alvor, although a quarter of the bars and restaurants were closed in Feb you will still have a cracking night out.
Best bars:-
Black Stove - The owner is a half decent quitarist/singer who plays every night at 10pm. Beer and wine a little pricey but well worth it.
Paddy's Bar - on the left just past the taxi rank. Small cosy, cracking pint of Guinness.
Best Restaurants:-
Very difficult as there isn't a bad one.
Goodville - Try the monster meat kebab on a skewer.
Vagabondo Steak house - Beautiful steaks, staff are very nice.
Grande Muralha - Chinese Restaurant. Unbelievable value for money.
Somewhere Else - Cook your own steaks at the table on a red hot stone!! A great laugh.
Any of the fish restaurants near the harbour.
Going to try this place again, ranked in my top 5 places in Europe. Loved it!!!!
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - 2005
Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : john mcdowell - Blackpool
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was a nice place to stay. But the nighly entertainment was rubbish.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice-2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : reece carpenter - kettring- 13 ian carpenter - kettering -35-tara carpenter -kettering- 36 tyler carpenter- kettering- 09
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
my names reece and we went to alvor in portagul and it was very good. we went to the alvor ferias and it was good the entertainment was good if you have children if you are eldely it is not suitible for you as it has lots of steps.THATS ONLY IF YOU HAVE BAD LEGS.
IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY IT IS QUITE HARD TO HAVE A SHOWER BECUSE the water tank only holds 1 litre and you have to wait about two hours for the water to get hot again.
i would recomend this to anyone!
we flew with fisrt choice and you can't beat them they are so good
don't fly with Thomson Holidays
world of tui.zoo marine is not worth the money.at
the apartmants you have to buy a toaster for 2 euros.
it is very spacouis and is so good the swimming pool is so big
thanks alot the carpenters
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: lunn poly - october 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : kevin 41, Rena 39, Lauren 13, Jenny 12, Reece 11, Mitchell 9 - Boston, Lincs
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Alvor was our first trip to portugal, and we found it a little quiet for our taste, with having 4 kids with us, but overall the resort is very pretty. The apartments are quite a walk out of town, uphill coming back, but fairly nice, very clean and spacious. There is a club/disco on site, with your typical holiday entertainment, karaoke, bingo, talent contests. A must do is the 'Jeep Safari' which is a brilliant ride up into the hills, some scary tracks at times, but excellent value for money, and 'Henk' our driver was hilarious.
Beach is lovely once you get to it, but far away from these apartments but OK if you dont mind walking.
Somewhere with more to do next holiday I think.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours -Sept 2004
Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : Lorraine and Alan Blake 51,53, Milnrow Rochdale
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After booking to go to the Club Praia De Rocha (see other report)and demanding to be moved, this place was a palace. We were on the third floor the kitchen was fully equipped with a full sized cooker and a brand new microwave and grill (2 rings in the other place.)The place was clean and overlooked the garden with banana fig and palm tree (the other one was over looked by the apartments next door and had no sun all day)We opened the front door in this one the sun was shining through the window, we thought we had gone to heaven. The room had a 3 peice white suite that was alittle worn but it was spotless.
I sat on the balcony and had a gin and tonic before I unpacked.I was now on holiday 3 days after we had left home.
ALVOR town just 10 mins stroll down the hill was fab. Lots of bars and places to eat. When we looked at the top of the hill when in the town it was a lovely site cafes had bbq outside cooking fish from sardines to great big things (did not know what most of them were)the atmoshere was brilliant. People just stolling with families everyone seemed to be smiling.
We found a great little real italian that someone had recommended but there was a queue. We went the next night and got a table. It was round the back of one of the main streets.Went twice brilliant food and not to dear. We went to the stone grill I had ostrich I asked him to make sure he did not overcook it. He said he would not overcook it because I was to cook it my self on a what looked like a flagstone my husband had chicken and we had real chips great meal there too. The chinese how anyone can say that it was expensive to eat in Alvor I really do not know we paid 9euro for 3 courses and a bottle of wine. Alan got a gold Bhudda and I got a tigers eye bracelet as a fee gift. We ate in 10 different place and they was not one meal either of us did not enjoy.
It was a festival in Portugal and they had entertainment down in the harbour all the different nationalities enjoying every minute.
So what we thought was going to be a holiday from hell turned out to be one of the best we had had. So we were glad the club priaia de rocha was rubbish because we would never have found Alvor
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice-aug-sept 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : 52,37,15,7
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
arrived in alvor at 12.20pm quickly took to our room then settled before having a look around the complex we were impressed by how clean it was .surprised to hear about most complaints as our only complaint was the complex needs a little up dating Staff all excellent (especially joeall) who worked in the bar.
Alvor town was gr8 had loads of lovely retaurants and bars definately recommend Goodville great meals.Although beach is quite far away well worth the walk or if you get a taxi it will only cost you 5 euros.zoomarine is well worth the money.
monday night live at the casio was great but a bit pricey.Slide and splash great family fun First choice rep candice and also kids reps were very friendly.
All in All an amazing holiday experience will definately be goin back in the near future
john and tracey
justine and megan
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: eclipse august 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : julie wood kent ( 38, 34, 13, 9, 2.
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
On arrival we were dissapointed on the apartment as it was not particularly clean and very basic. We were lucky enough to have lovely hot water in the bath and shower, unlike some other rooms. The pool was very crowded (reception side) and was full of teenagers which made it difficult for our youngest to go in swimming as they were very boisterous. Also the pool was very deep.
Alvor village was ok. found some lovely places to eat and kids were made very welcome. Candice, our rep was really good ans was a familiar face every day. The beach was great too and we went there every day on the mini bus for 6 euros.Would recommend the Blue Reef restaraunt and the one opposite goodville's which I can't remember the name of!!
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Frost Family, Norwich (40, 38, 12 and 10)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from Alvor and, despite being worried after reading the reviews posted previously, was pleasantly surprised.
The room did leave abit to be desired with regards to the kitchen facilities, but we made do and I would recommned taking a kettle! The room was large and had a balcony big enough for drinks in the evening. We were on the side oppostite the reception area and away from the farm (room 2422)so werent bothered by the farmyard noises other holiday makers spoke about. We were aware of the busy noise from the roads nearby, I hadnt realised just how busy the road was but you did get used to it. Also we were aware of the coach noises, especially on a Thursday when lots of people arrive and leave.
The pools were good fun for the children cold at first but great once your body gets used to it. The poolside entertainment was not brilliant, water polo and basketball played twice a day, but the children obvioulsy enjoyed it.
Alvor itslef is lovely, about a mile walk down the main road and into the Harbour where there are loads and loads of lovely restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. We rented a car for 3 days and drove to Zoomarine, aqualand and then a day travelling around, up to the mountains to the spa area and down to lagos where there are some beautiful beaches and we hired a little boat to take us around the caves which were magnificent and well worth the 30 euro cost for our family.
The evening entertainment is abit broing the 2nd week as you have seen it all before, but the reps and the singer try their best. I wouldnt necessary return to this accomodation but I would go back to Alvor sometime in the future, the weather was beautiful and the algarve was amazine. Dont bother going to Praire de Roache, it was awful really busy, nightclubs, dirty streets and people trying to get you to go to their restaurants.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Olive - Ireland (44, 29, 4, 2)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from the Alvorferias Apartments in Alvor after a one week stay. The weather was fantastic. Just what we needed. We stayed "over the bridge" away from the Reception side. It was lovely. The pool was busy each day, with lots of kids. The one fault that we were very dissapointed with was that the childrens pool was quite deep and didn't have any steps going into it. If your children couldn't yet swim, like ours, then it wasn't ideal.
The pool area was lovely though, plenty of sunbeds and mats for the beds available to rent for ?1 per day per mat. The staff were mostly lovely, except for one male member of staff in the bar/restaurant. The staff seemed to be very busy at times and perhaps could have done with a lot more help. We found the food very good on site and ate down in Alvor village quite a bit too.
Overall we enjoyed the trip a lot. We took a day trip to the Zoo Marine one day and it was great. Lots to do and see and there are some fantastic swimming pools. A great one for the kids.
It was our second time to Portugal, first to Alvor, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the accommodation to others. We had a really big apartment, and everything that we needed was available to us. The shower wasn't great, but all in all ............. a great holiday. We miss the sunshine the most!!!
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Christine Livesey - Leeds (43,41,12)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
Booked this holiday as a last minute deal which we were glad about when we saw the appts.
The appts are on two sides of a main road connected via a foot bridge.When you book or arrive try to get a room on the side away from the reception as alot of people were complaining about the noise.The appts are a bit outdated and averagely clean.In our appt there was always a drainy smell which was cured by leaving toilet lid down and plugs left in sink.Entertainment was poor in an evening ,downstairs in a smokey room.Pool opens at 09:00 and there are plenty of sunbeds,lovely and clean pool but floor rough around edges.
Alvor itself is okay but eating out is very expensive,recommend LA piazza just as you enter the town. We did enjoy the holiday and felt pleased that we hadnt paid full price as some people had done.Cosmos welcoming meeting left alot to be desired ,lasted about two minutes.
The final question would be... would we go again ? NO.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Wadsworth - Derbys (41,39,37,10,4)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading some of the reports we were quite apprehensive about what would be waiting for us at the other end, but we needn't have worried. We had a top floor apartment which was spacious, clean and well equipped (although a little dated), which overlooked the farm. This caused little disturbance as we neither saw nor smelled the pigs, although for the first few mornings we were woken early by the cockerals, but soon got used to the sound.
It was a 10 minute walk into the village, which had restaruants to suit all tastes and pockets, with most making children welcome.
If you are thinking of hiring a car, do so over the internet before you go as we paid half the asking price of anything we saw advertised locally. If you do hire a car go to Portimao where you can find a Lidl and large supermarket across the road, as the price of food is a lot cheaper than the shops on site.
Overall we had a brilliant holiday and will certainly consider returning in the future.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Hannah McCourt - Leicester (36,31,3 & 1)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read the reviews on this site i was a little apprehensive about the accommodation.
However, i was happily suprised. Our 1 bedroom apartment was basic but spacious and situated on the "reception" side of the complex.
The only negatives of these apartments are:
No lifts - pushchairs have to be carried up and down the stairs
Noise - dogs barking/guests coming back after a night out!
On the positive side the rooms were clean, the staff friendly and helpful.
Alvor itself is wonderful. There are loads of restaurants and bars to visit. The Pyramid Steak House is a must.
The beach is a definite. Very clean and it costs 9 euros to hire 2 sunbeds, mats and canopy.
Must mention Elaine and Hannah Banana who ran the First Choice kids club. They did a grand job.
Also Candice, another First Choice rep was very friendly and helpful.
I would definitely recommend these apartments and especially Alvor as we had a fantastic time.
P.S. there is loads space to hang clothes - but not much use if you don't have coat hangers - so don't forget to pack some!!
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - May 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : David Baker - 42, 37,10, 7
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well where do we start. We arrived after a 2 hours transfer to be told at 2.30pm our room was not ready. We went to the bar and after an hour they called for a mini bus to take us to the room. We were in block 400 across the bridge and on entering the room we were taken back by the smell. Having looked around trying to locate it we opened the fridge which I can only describe as growing mould. Not a little but full and horible. The kitchen units were worn and dirty, the bathroom had a dark dirty brown bath, toilet and sink. The tap on the sink did not stop running, the shower was either cold or scalding. We had a balcony for 4 which was no more that 3ft x 3ft with 2 seats. The beds rattle with every movement.
The apartment was above the main road which was busy most of the night. Only consulation is the pool area is OK but the pool side bar service very slow with one person serving all. The beach is about 25 minutes walk away and although very nice it is a long way back. The town has some nice bars and streets but there is nothing for the kids to do at night other than watch and listen to live music.
The best place by far is Michaels Bar, get down there for some fun.
If you get over the other side of the bridge then the animals on the farm next door will wake you up.
Not a place I would go back to. Although we may have just been unlucky based on other reviews.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - may 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : dave &ashley -west yorkshire
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
The appartments are ageing but adequate ,the staff were friendly and helpful.the pool area and public areas was kept clean and tidy,food and drink a touch pricey but good portions ,
Alvor town nice and laid back good selection of resturants .recommend the RIO MAR good set menu 3courses for 7euros clean and tidy.
all in all we had a great holiday in Alvor
and would recommend Alvor and the Alvoferias apts
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - April 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Amanda - Huddersfield (42, 34, 13, 11)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read several reviews about this accommodation I was a little apprehensive prior to arrival. I needn't have worried - we had a super time!
Staff were friendly and spoke excellent English. The apartments were basic but very clean and functional and yes...we had a squeaky bed but it added to the fun??!! We didn't however eat in the poolside cafe or restaurant, preferring to eat in Alvor.
The resort of Alvor was wonderful with some great restaurants - we were spoilt for choice! Alvor was easy walking distance from the apartments. Plenty of shops with friendly, helpful staff.
On the whole a fantastic seven days with super weather - even my teenage son enjoyed himself! Would recommend!
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - March 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Susan & Harry Ellison - Sunderland (50,67)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We thought that this was the best apartment we had ever stayed in. We found all of the staff to be very polite and helpful all speaking excellent English. We were near to the reception but did not experience any noise.
The apartment was very large and comfortable, the kitchen had a fridge, gas rings, kettle and was well stocked in the cutlery and crockery range. The bathroom had both a bath and shower, toilet and bidet. The maids came into the apartment every day and changed towels etc. and mopped and cleaned all of the tiled floors. There was a swimming pool and a coffee bar/snack bar on our side and across the road which was accessed by a footbridge were more apartments, the restaurant, the nightly entertainment and another swimming pool.
The bus stops were just outside of the apartments, but it was only 6 or 7 euros for a taxi which we thought very reasonable. It took about 10 minutes to walk into Alvor which was a very quaint little fishing village. No McDonalds but plenty of local cafes, restaurants, chinese and indian included. We went to the shopping centre at Portamao (Modello) which had an excellent supermarket and upstairs had various shops, and a food court. If you had a rainy day there was also a multi screen cinema, we had 21 days of lovely sunshine. Near to Modello in Portamao was Lidl which was well worth a visit for cheap shopping. We hired a car and visited Lagos, Cape St Vincent, Sagres and monchique the mountain area all well worth a visit. Sadly due to last years forest fires there was a lot of damage.
We will definately return to these apartments.
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Alvorfeiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Joanne Vyse (Manchester) (30, 27, 5)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
These apartments are spacious and include all the mod cons; cooker, microwave, kettle and fridge. We hired a toaster from Reception which was 2.50 euros per week.
We stayed in the Reception block which was away from the farm. We could hear the rooster but thankfully it never woke us up at night.
There was no childrens entertainment when we went although the bar (which was situated across the bridge) had entertainment every night; bingo, karaoke, parrot show, quiz night and a singer.
The beach was about a 15 minute walk and Alvor Town Centre was less then 5 minutes away. It had little streets with lovely bars and restaurants.
The harbour was beautiful with boats and fishermen in huts.
The Zoomarine is a must for everyone. The parrot, dolphin and sealion shows were brilliant and the rides for the children are included in the price so they can go on them as many times as they like. It cost us about 66 euros but it was money well spent.
We would like to return here in the summer as there was no childrens entertainment when we went and the complex did have a Bugs Bunny Club.
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Alvor Golf Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : colin christian 44 wife pam 42
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
the alvor golf is not for those that don't like a walk or the elderly as its a good 15 min walk to the town,the apparts themselves were exelent spacious with all essentials,toaster.microwave 4 ring cooker kettle etc.the pool is small and deep in a nice sun trap.and the staff very friendly..there is a free bus for the patrons of the quinta nova [next door] which will take you into town in the morning or to the beach and return you at 4pm.though we never used it lots of alvor guests did with no questions asked.
alvor itself is not very big you can see most of it on foot in about two hours,lots of shops and a good few bars.its not like tennerife or turkey where they try and drag you into there bar its all quite easy going,it does have the usual timeshare rodents but two little words the second one being off soon gets the message across.
my favorite watering hole was the panda bar on the right as you walk intowards town,run by an irish woman tess murphy,good cheap food and nothing is a problem for her,she even had me behind the bar serving myself when she was busy,great fun.lots of the trips seemed very expensive as much as 45 euros.all in all anice place but fairly quiet.the good points we made lots of new friends and drank beer..QUALITY...only went for a week and to be honest if i go back a week is enough.....
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Alvor Jardim - Alvor
Operator and Date: Booked Direct
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : S & J -- Sussex [ late 50s]
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel is reported on in other reviews .It is a bit tired and could do with some refurbing and TLC .
The big news is that the land immediately behind the hotel pool is a building site and will be , we were told , for 2 years . This means noise , dust and dirt from 8am to 7pm six days per weeks .
The pool is really only useable on Sundays .
We moved rooms and , if you chose a room at the front of the hotel , away from the building noise etc , there is noise from the busy main road from early til late .
Irene is very helpful , but she cannot change either of these facts .
As to Alvor , it is far noisier - and dirtier - than we expected and it was extremely windy during most of our stay .
The best restaurant is Casa do Rio on the cliff above the "harbour" . Very nice food and very helpful staff .
2nd best [ and one of the cheapest ] is A Chefe Joao -- a tiny place on the main road close to the Soares Wine/Spirits shop. Really friendly and excellent value .
If you are taking home in particular Irish Whiskey , then it is worth knowing that the Soares shop is cheaper and has a far better selection than Faro Airport - which remains an awful place .
Being taxied to and from the airport is much more convenient than the alternative coach run .
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Alvor Jardim - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- Just Brochure - 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Debra Kent - Warrington (25, 43, 51, 2)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
My parents stayed at the Alvor Jardim in 2003 and 2004 and my son and I went with them this year. My parents warned me that Alvor was a bit quiet and might not be to my taste, but it was busy enough for me, especially with a 2 year old!
The apartments were clean but basic and the pool area was nice but the water was freezing! The litle bar by the pool was quite cheap and the staff were friendly.
The resort itself is very picturesque with locals mingling with the tourists. The are ample restaurants and bars dotted around the place - we ate out every night and the meals were nice. My fave was the portugese style Tuna, mmmmmm!
Only bad point was the woman who stood every day outside the little supermarket on the pedestrianised main street who was asking everyone for cigarette - it got to the point where we were avoiding walking past her as she would wouldnt leave us alone!
Overall, we had a good time and my son enjoyed himself and thats all that matters
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Alvor Jardim - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Andy Harris-Cartwright - London
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
An excellent hotel, set within easy walking of the main attractions and beach. The Alvor Jadim is a spacious clean accommodation with friendly staff. The hotel it’s self is more suited to holiday makers not wishing to be surrounded by lots of children and so offers the perfect holiday resting place away from the hustle and bustle of the main touristy areas of the Algarve, although these are within easy reach by means of public transport or a cheap taxi ride.
If you want a drink, with good company, but without any loud music, make use of the resident’s bar until quite late, and with a choice of beverages on offer, you could think yourselves lucky, you only have to stumble to the lift to get to bed, as Jean can testify.
Alvor’s main centre is packed with various shops, bars and restaurants and has something to cater for most tastes, and is reasonably priced, however you are advised to shop around before making purchases and watch out for those end of season bargains towards the end of October.
Best option is to bypass the tour operators; get your own flight options to Faro and book with Eileen direct, allow about 40 Euros to and from the airport, and forget about the “special days” the tour operators offer, information shops are a plenty in Alvor, but don’t stress about it, Eileen can advise and book trips and excursions most things for you.
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Alvormar Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Direct) Cosmos October 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Amy and Mark 34;33 Alton
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Alvormar apartments were clean and a good size. excellently positioned in a quiet location near the Old Town although the beach was 15 minute walk away. Ideally suited to couples who are not fussy about abeach side location. swimming pool and property not really ideal for a family holiday.
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Alvormar Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Direct) Cosmos July 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Oliver and Lucy;40;38 Romford
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Alvormar apartments carry our recommendation for a good place to stay in Alvor.
Spacious well equipped and clean rooms, a modern bathroom with good plumbing and a large balcony where you can sit quietly and enjoy a cold beer or whatever your tipple is!!. The staff are friendly and helpful and the only negative is the small swimming pool and cramped area around it. Well located only 4 minutes walk from the old town centre the beach is 15 minutes stroll away. More suited to couples of 30 plus who enjoy a quite central location and do not mind a walk to the beach. The main bus stop and taxi rank is around the corner so it is ideally situated for all transport. Alvor Old Town has a wonderful choice of restaurants and bars some playing live music. Not suitable for clubbers or young singles. Families may prefer a beach-side location or accommodation with a better pool.
For us it was a wonderful holiday and position wise the Alvormar was perfect.
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Alvormar Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays september 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Robert and Jade Holloway 49;48; Bishops Stortford
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Alvomar apartments are ideal for couples looking for a comfortable, well equipped base. The rooms are a good size and the staff extremely helpful. They are a 5 minutes walk from the Old Town and 18 minutes walk to the beach. Bus stop and taxi rank around the corner. facilities in accommodation minimal with a small swimming pool area, a tiny bar and a good book exchange library. Situated on a side road but it does suffer from a little traffic noise.
Alvor Old town itself is wonderful with a superb choice of restaurants. Our favorite three were Rio Mar ,Capacho and The Captains Table. The only one we found over rated was Casa Do Rio which had a wonderful view but very little else. Michaels, The Black Stove and Pogues were the 3 best place for drinks and light live entertainment. All round more of a couples or " 30 plus" singles resort rather than families or "Clubbers".
A great holiday all round.
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Alvormar Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: Direct Travel - July 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Maia & Marc Templeman - Kent 33
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Alvor mar..Very friendly and helpful staff.Apartment very clean and comfortable.Resort very friendly,and very relaxed,nice if you want to chill.Tried different resturants...do try the one down in the harbour area with balcony overlooking the beach it was lovely.Overall fab..would go again.
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Alvormar Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos July 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Janine and Mark;45;46. Bushey, Herts
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Alvomar apartments are located in the centre which has both advantages and disadvantages. There is a liitle noise but nothing too disturbing. The beach is 15 minutes walk away but other facilities on your doorstep. There is a slight incline but not too much inconvenience unless you suffer from walking difficulties. The rooms themselves are excellent and staff are friendly. the swimming pool area is a bit naff. Alvor itself has retain much of it character although away from the centre a number of large concrete hotel have sprung up. There is a great selection of restaurants here many serving locally caught fish. One word of caution you are usually charged by weight and consequently the bill is a lot higher than envisaged. Some good bars as well. An ideal position if you are not too worried about a beach side location.
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Alvormar Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: May-2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Ken,Barbara,70s with Emma 15 and Laura14
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from Alvor first time visited and enjoyed every minute,we took our granddaughters who agree with us.
The apartments are excellent nothing to much trouble for the staff cleaned to high standard every day ,just a short walk and we were in centre although most nights spent in Michaels Bar singing with Danny the Karaoke king( my grandaughters say) we had a good laugh staff really friendly and make sure you have a good night,
altogether a great family holiday and look foward to returning,No down sides at all.
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours August 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Anne Banks-Cheshire (73,39,14,10
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Lets start with the Alvor Plaza apartments. Apart from the fact that we had to have two separate apartments, one on the 2nd floor and one on the 6th floor,and the lifts were very small and you had to wait a long time if you needed to use it,these apartments were perfect for a self catering holiday.
They were roomy, spotlessly clean and equipped with all the basics required for a self catering holiday(except t.v. facilities in the room and the entertainment leaves a lot to be desired, especially for kids.)You can hire bikes through the receptionist and pay no heed to the holiday reps that try and tell you the bus service is cr*p because it just isnt true.
Cabs are cheap enough but if you fancy a day trip, maybe to Monchique or any of the markets or other towns, dont be afraid to get a bus map cos its a lot cheaper that going through your rep! It is 3 mins away from an absolutely gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach about 2km in length.It is about 10 minutes away from the old fishing village that is probably smaller than most housing estates in the uk. It is full of bars and restaraunts, ideal if you plan to go out and eat & drink every night. It also has plenty of souvenir shops and a few mini supermarkets although ALISUPER is the cheapest for local produce and bread and milk etc.
A costal cruise with Luis(pronounced Looeesh) is well worth the 20(or there abouts) Euros and sangria and crisps are chucked for free. My kids did the whole journey on an inflateable tied to the back of the boat and loved every minute of it.We went to Monchique for a day, right to the peak with beautiful views although there was litter everywhere up there and you have to arrange your cab (if you take one!) to come back for you at a certain time.Portimao has lots of shops and La Modelo is like a shopping Mall with a massive Supermarket on the ground floor.
My very favourite place is the Lagoon between Alvor Harbour and the beach towards Lagos. We spent a whole day there and saw about 3 other people.It was absolute paradise.The water was waist-high when the tide was in and as clear as a bell. On the whole, if you are looking for a holiday to relax, enjoy the sun on the beautiful beaches and maybe go out for a quiet drink or meal with the option of daytrips, then Alvoe is a must. I had a 14 & 10 year-old to cater for and they were bored stiff especially in the evenings as the entertainment in the hotel was cr*p.
But for myself, this was my first holidat abroad and i have fallen in love with Alvor, the Algarvians are a very friendly people and the place itself is beautiful. I will definately go back to the Alvor Plaza and if the opportunity ever arose, i would love to live in Alvor............
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Aspro Discounts) Aspro - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Kevin & Sue - Reading ( 47, 45 )
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from 2 fabulous weeks at the Alvor Plaza. This was our second visit, as we had a week there last June.
Tip: please go to the reps meeting, Julian was one of the best reps i have come across and was extremely helpful throughout our holiday and is full of useful information.
The apartments are ideally situated, less than 3 mins walk to a wonderful sandy beach and 10 mins to the town centre & harbour. Everywhere is within walking distance of the apartments. They are clean and spacious. They were fitted with a microwave, kettle, toaster and a Fridge and plenty of storage space.
Alvor has an excellent range of restaurants and bars. There are Italian, Chinese, Indian and Irish bars serving englisg food if you want that type of meal.
I found the restaurants had good menus with plenty of choice and were excellect value for money. We ate in a different restaurant everynight and never had a bad meal or had cause to complain.
As we were there for 2 weeks this time, we ventured further afield as there is more to the Algarve than Alvor.
We booked the Historical trip, Day to Seville and a day at Zoomarine. The Dolphin show was one of the best i have seen, and i have seen a few.
The best trip was the boat trip from Alvor Harbour, it cost 20euros and leave every afternoon at 2-30 and returns at 5-30. Please note advanced booking required as the boat can only take 10 people and gets booked up quickly.
Taxis are cheap and the prices are fixed.
7euro will get you to Praira da Rocha. We went in the evening and caught a train, pulled by a tractor, which takes you around the town and marina for 3euros. The trip last 45mins but is well worth it. We also took a taxi to Lagos for 20euros which is worth a visit as it has a beautiful marina and an excellent range of shops, restaurants and bars.
Would i return to Alvor again, yes without hesitation. Would i stay at the Alvor Plaza Apts, yes without hesitation.
Are there any negatives to mentions, if there were i didin't find them.
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- july 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Chunk Ste and 1 Can Dan 19-17-18
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
When we booked to go on holiday to the Alvor Plaza in july 2004 it was in the hopes of england been in the european championship final. obviously this didn't happen but we still managed to have a wicked time.
1st day there we had to go to 1 of those boring welcome meetings! we were 3 young lads there to get drunk, wasting money on sightseeing wasn't on our agenda!
so when the rep asked if we had any questions, we put our hands up and asked if we could go! funny at time but others didn't appreciate our comedy!
the hotel was very basic, and the late night security guard didn't seem too happy when we came rolling in at 5 in the morning. we tried everything to get his attention but he never appeared so we were going to climb over the fence, as we were about on the top, he came running out shouting abuse ( i presume) so we had a go back, (being english and still upset at our euro exit!)
the pool was very cold and dirty, never actually went in cause it was always full of big headed mancs!
the resort was a nice village, wouldn't recommend getting drunk on ur first night if you don't know where your going as we found out!
this is the night as well where the youngster of the group got absolutely wrecked so we had to carry him all the way back to the hotel!
praia de rocha is defintely the place to go for a good night out! go on the bar crawl advertised in the hotel where u pay 5 euro to get a free t-shirt and free shots when you go into another pub. you don't actually get the t-shirt but its a good night out especially the games!
the travel reps were good craic however 1 of them didn't seem to like me so being witty and not caring wot eople think i gave as good as i got!
some good pubs in praia de rocha, a lot better than alvor. however the must in alvor is the karaoke bar! wot a hoot it was! the sunday when portugal lost to greece, we got talking to some bouncers from london, we all thought we'd wind them up, singing songs, like grease is the word, grease lightning etc. at the end of the night though they sang us a song, because we were from near newcastle, they sang us ferry cross the mersey, (yeah i couldn't work that out either!)
definitely best hols so far but 2 weeks in magaluf this year should better it, recommend the algarve but if your young avoid alvor!
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Gavin & Hannah - Aberdeen (25 & 21)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read previous reviews on the Alvor Plaza we had prepared ourselves for the worst. Having read that this hotel was a tower block style, unclean and basically not a very desirable hotel we were sceptical, however upon arrival we very pleasantly surprised. We were welcomed by very friendly staff who directed us to our room very promptly. Upon entering the room we found it to be spotlessly clean with a lovely view to both the sea and the surrounding village.
Being only a small hotel, we got to know the staff and other guests by name and were made very welcome. The pool is very small, however there is a large amount of sunbeds to go round and always some available at every point in the day.
Of particular note is the stunning beach which is only about one minutes walk from the hotel front door and the resort of Alvor is only five minutes max.
If you are looking for a luxurious hotel then don't choose the Alvor Plaza. However if you are looking for a superb, friendly, comfortable and well maintained hotel in a fantastic location then this is the hotel for you.
We will be going back to Alvor and will request to stay at the Alvor Plaza again!
Alvor is one of the most beautiful places we have visited and we have been everywhere! Not commercialised like Costa Del Sol etc. retaining its natural beauty and character.
Alvor is an old fishing village perfectly combined with lively nightlife, beautiful restaurants and lots and lots of character. It has old cobbled style streets filled with shops, restaurants and lots of Irish pubs! On the harbour edge they cook the fish on barbecues in the street served straight onto your plate, however there are plenty of other dishes if fish doesn't take your fancy.
The beach is the most unspoiled beautiful beach we have ever seen with lots of water sports, but if that is not your thing then there are is a further twenty miles of beach for you to walk along.
However, there are many stray dogs that roam the streets of Alvor. Although, they are harmless and do not pay any attention whatsoever. Locals lay out water and food for them and it seems they are well vetted. They have obviously caused no bother to any one for them to be there and they certainly didn't cause any bother to us. We actually wanted to take a couple home!!!!!!!!
We will be returning to Alvor very shortly and hopefully we will be able to afford a stunning villa of our own.
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: june 2004 and july 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : julie simpson (36,40,40,7,4)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
i have been to the plaza twice now in the last couple of months, i found yes it was not as mordern as someplace but the rooms where clean, the staff were nice, and the location was excellent for the beach. i hardley spent any money on these holidays even though i was self catering.
my son age 7 loved the place and my disabled friend said she could not have wished for better accomadation as she has walking difficulties and she had no problems getting about in the plaza lounge, pool area and going to the beach and lovely town,.
the food is great in alvor the mustard steak was mouthwatering. i am going back in october i am planning to go to the plaza again. for very little money i have had 2 great holidays there if you can afford a little bit of luxuary then go for it but if u want a cheap and clean holiday i recomend this place. alvor maybe not as commercialised as other resorts but for a quite laid back holiday this is it.
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Curt & Dawn ( 42, 40 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Alvor Plaza apts were ok for an allocation on arrival/late deal cheap hol. 12 storey apt block,we were on the 7th floor,luckily we had a sea view,and what a view it was!Nice location,right on the beach, but if when you walk down to the beach you walk along the seafront to the left, you will reach the rocky coves which you can walk right through to find more private little beach coves-absolutely gorgeous!!
Ten minutes on foot and you will find yourself in the centre of the village where you will find lots of lovely little intimate bars & restaurants of which "Albar snack bar & restaurant"-no1 on your free map given by your rep is excellent, you must try their "steak portuguese" and their lasagne- very large!!!, also "Piccolo Mondo" a lovely little Italian restaurant with delicious desserts and wine sold by the 1/2 litre-very cheap.The bar at the apts is very small and if like us you are non smokers you will hate it,but with all the bars in town there is no need to stay at the apts. The pool is small,and in my opinion these apts would be no good for children, I am glad i didn't take mine!
All in all we had a good week, great weather, good food, clean accomodation in a great location- great suntan!
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel- July 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Sureena, Jaleh ( 18 )
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well we booked a last minute deal 2days before we actually went, so i didnt get time to visit this site any sooner- luckily i didnt!! It was a nice resort, yeah we were on the 11th floor but the lift was always in service so it didnt take long to get about.
It was not at all as bad as alot of these reviews suggested!! the staff were very friendly and english speaking, prices of all food and drinks were stated, so no one was going to be ripped off. As for entertainment- well we never spent our nights in the hotel so we would not know but when you are on holiday you want to explore the place- not sit in the lounge watching the TV!!
Our studio was spacious and no the balcony bit was not as clean as i would have liked but i did not really spend much time their either. The beach was a breathtaking view from our apartment and a 5min walk and the town of alvor was a 10min walk. Everything was in good reach- shops etc.
Nightlife was quiet although i would recommend sports cafe. However 7euros in a cab would have taken you into Praia Da Rocha where you get the typical nightlife scene.
Finally it is a great resort and the hotel has a great location and you will definitely enjoy your time there ( its cheap n cheerful!!)
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Aspro Discounts) Aspro - June 13th 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Sam and Gary (20 & 22)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We read other reports on Alvor Plaza before we came and we were horrified, we even tried to change to another apartment but we couldn't and we are very glad we didn't because we had a fantastic time. The apartment had everything we needed and it was quite spacious, the beach was only a 3 minute walk in one direction and the town about 10 in the other. The staff were very friendly and helpful and our room was clean. Don't be fooled by some of the other reports because no one we spoke to had a problem.
Alvor itself was really nice too. The best restaraunt we visited was called Stone Grill, you get to cook your own steak or fish on a stone that is brought to your table and it is really cheap.
The best place for an english breakfast is EL RIE on the main strip, its about 5 euros and very filling.
Taxis are cheap so don't be afraid to explore. Praia de Rocha is nice and so we were told the night life is excellent there but we found that Alvor's nightlife was good enough for us.
There are 3 good water parks nearby but you really need to hire a car to get to them. The roads are really easy to get used to although signs are few and far between so you will need a map. Be careful though because the Portugese do tend to drive really close behind you if they want to get past.
We will almost definately be going back to Alvor again and we will stay in Alvor Plaza again.
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours may 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : janet and steve (19+23)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
alvor plaza is a fabulous apartment really clean and tidy asd would recomend it to anyone. resort is quiet with nice shops and restaurants and bars. was a bit anxious at going to this resort with the comments that i read on this but no problems. x
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Apr 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Rachell and Craig - Shropshire (36, 33)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read the reviews on this website of Alvor Plaza we were prepared for the worst. However, although the accommodation has old and tired decor it was clean. Cleaners came to our room every day, sheets were changed once a week and towels twice weekly. Luxury it is not but its OK and you get what you pays for!
Don't whatever you do book tours with your rep. A short stroll or taxi ride into Alvor will deliver you to tour operators with much lower prices. Also, if you book a tour with the rep you have to walk to another hotel to be picked up. If you book with another operator (we used Follow Me Tours) they pick you up at the reception of your hotel. If we had booked Loule Market, Seville and Historical Algarve tours with our rep it would have cost 97 Euros each. With Follow Me tours it cost 63.50 Euros each (Loule Market is free if you book 2 full days on other tours). (Prices might be higher in peak season.)
Alvor is a fantastic resort, largely unspoilt and with loads of restaurants. If your veggie then there is quite a bit of choice - try the veggie lasagne at the Blue Reef. However, if like me you are vegan then be prepared to cook for yourself - you will only be able to find chips and salad in the restaurants, or find a friendly restaurant that will cook something special for you. Best restaurants in our opinion were the Angolo and Al Dente. Best bar was Bar 13 which was relaxed and chilled and run by two charming Dutch women - such a change from endless Irish and kareoke bars. All of these places can be found on the freemap of Alvor - widely available except from your rep.
Hope you have as good a time as we did!
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : mrs v coombes- chehire 49, 55
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Alvor its self is very nice to look at and ok if you want to chill.the best breakfast in town is in the Dream team and only 5 euros. my self and my partner were really bored as it is only a small fishing village.Now for the good part the Alvor Plaza looked like a block of old council flats.It was dirty run down old fashioned and the lift was the size of a single wardrobe.when it did work you could get 4 people in if you were a sardine.the pool is the size of a postage stamp and very dirty the staff are surly.
All in all dont go there it needs knocking down.
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: Sunmaster - Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Ed Bell 54
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read the reviews I was not sure about the Alvor Plaza.I was pleasantly surprised.Yes the rooms are a little dated but ours were clean and for the amount of time spent in them value for money.I compared it to a 2 star Turkey hotel.Loads of hot water to wash off the salt from a great beach only minutes away.
The staff were pleasant but the real treat was sitting in Alvor near the harbour and just relaxing watching the world go by and having a lovely fish dinner.Do not be put off by the dowdy appearance of the two resterants either side of the harbour both did great (cheap Fish meals).
Alvor is a gem of a place .We hired a car and travelled aound make no mistake Alvor although small is best.
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Alvor Plaza Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : john stevie brian barry in our thirties
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
ok the old plaza isnt very modern, but as we were staying there on route to the uefa cup final in seville we werent too worried about luxuries
the rooms are a bit old fashioned and basic but cleaned every day
the pool area is decent enough although not as nice as more modern hotels
we got on well with all of the guests and staff
we got this holiday at agood price and it was as good as can be expected for the price
if you want luxury you have to pay for it
the town itself is very good although quieter than we were looking for
plenty of restaurants and bars mostly irish which suited us
i would definately go back to alvor and the plaza but then again we are not to fussy as long as the digs are clean safe and practical
so dont let the bad reviews put you off
make the best of your holiday and say hello from us 4 celtic fans
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Amoreiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : M McC, Scotland
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We stayed for 2 weeks in what we thought was a fairly spacious 1 bedroom apartment on the 3rd floor (no lift!). Accommodation is of reasonable standard and clean. Maid service 3 times per week, clean towels 3 times, and sheets changed once during our stay.
On the ground floor there is a small shop selling basic rations and Calypso Bar to the front. There was also a small bar to the rear of the building en route to the swimming pool. The pool itself is OK, but the moulded plastic seat/loungers were rather uncomfortable, so out of the two weeks, a couple of hours by the pool was enough for us!
The beach is sandy and really nice, with rocks and sandy coves at one end and the town/harbour at the other. To walk to the beach takes approx 20 mins, and the town about 30 mins (5 euro for a taxi back).
Transfer time to the resort with Libra was 2 hrs, 30 mins (without air conditioning in 43 degrees heat!!!!). There was a problem with the bus and the engine kept cutting out, too.
We found the Libra Rep at the Amoreiras rather unhelpful when inquiring about car hire for a couple of days. We were handed leaflets as she ignored us and spoke to some other people about flights. (Some customer care training wouldn't go amiss there!). We walked off and booked our car hire through Best Days Travel in the town, where they were most helpful with information about places to visit etc.
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Amoreiras Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra-June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Eddie Ellis-49,45,9,9
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Amoreiras apts are basic but adaquate libra rep was helpful when asked. One word of warning these apartments are situated above two bars so it does get very noisy especially if your room is above one of these bars as our room was Libra does not mention this in their brochure ,you have been warned.
Alvor is a lovely little town with a fabulous beach dont stay by the pool all day go to the beach it is a must.
Restaurants are very good ,Rio Mar superb value for money ,Pyramid steak house portions are ginormous dont have a starter or you will not finish your meal
Pizza place near Michael,s bar excellent value for money try the sangria in here it was superb
China garden does a all you can eat buffet for a set price if you like your chinese food ,good value
Trips i would recommend are slide and splash for the kids ,Zoomarine but take your own food if you can as it is expensive inside the parks .
The Sports Bar in town is well worth a visit good staff and very friendly do try a large beer in here it is the biggest pint you will ever get no mistake.
I could go on and on about alvor but most of it has all ready been said do yourself a favour and go but maybe give the amoreiras apartments a miss
eddie,jan,sarah and laura ellis
Little Sutton
Ellesmere Port
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Casa Da Alvor Apartments - Alvor
Operator and Date: Broadway Travel - Apr-May 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Tina Woof - Lancashire (23, 23)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We found the apartment to be spacious and very clean, basic but high quality furnishings. Fairly large kitchenette, electric hob and microwave with grill. Fridge with small freezer compartment. We were self catering, there seemed to be a dining room area near the pool but we didn't see anyone eating there or any food advertised. The Ali-Super supermarket was 5-10 mins walk away and really cheap.
Double/twin bedroom and convertible sofa bed so apartment could've slept 4 but that would've been cramped. Nice balcony though our view wasn't great.
About 40 apartments in the complex, small unheated pool (pretty clean) and not many sun-loungers. Plenty to go round as we were in low season but could imagine it being mayhem if the place was full! Icecreams etc were on sale by the pool.
Alvor town centre is 5-10 mins walk away, lots of lovely little shops and a huge selection of restaurants lining little streets that slope down to the harbour area. (Quite a hilly town so not ideal if walking is difficult.) Several fish restaurants right next to the sea. The beach is a bit further away but can be reached by walking approx 15-20 mins, it is lovely and sandy. Sun loungers and parasols can be hired but a lot of them were just being set up during our holiday.
The tourist info centre was open every day at really accessible hours, and the staff were very helpful with excellent English. We hired bicycles for a reasonable rate - the tourist info staff organised it for us at no extra cost. We booked this apartment separately from our flight and so had no holiday rep but found we didn't need one as info was so readily available.
We hired a car for 3 days and would recommend this especially if you want to see the area as navigating it is not too challenging and the organised tours (available from tourist info) seemed quite expensive.
If you want a quiet, low-budget holiday free from a lot of fuss and well clear of nightclubs, we would reccommend Alvor and the Casa Da Alvor Apartments. The weather at the end of April / beginning of May was warm enough for some sunbathing, cloudy at times and it did rain one day. Everywhere was fairly quiet (which we prefer) and we imagined the whole place would be heaving in high season. If you're after an all-inclusive type hotel holiday the Pestana Group has some good hotels around Alvor but it'd be a wasted visit to a beautiful country if you spent the holiday in the hotel complex!
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Casa Da Familia - Alvor
Operator and Date: Algarvian Holiday Rentals - 2006 / 2007
Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Paul Bancroft
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Alvor is a fantastic place that I would recommend to everyone, Casa Da Familia however is a large expensive villa in a very poor state.On our arrival we found the pool to be unusable and full of frogs, the sunbathing area to be full of garden waste, a none stop flushing toilet, a filthy villa and a ice block for a freezer. We have sent 26 emails to the letting agent regarding our dismay, and never had not one single reply. Alvor 10/10, Casa Da Familia a generous 2/10 letting agent a woeful 0/10 SHAME ON YOU!!!
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Casa Da Familia - Alvor
Operator and Date: Algarvian Holiday Rentals
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : 2,12,14,19,30,34,40,46
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have visited Alvor previously and was well aware what a beautiful resort it was. What we were not aware of was that spending £2000 on renting Casa Da Familia through Algarvian Holiday Rentals would be such a terrible experience and waste of money. There were problems from the offset with Algarvian Holiday Rentals.
Correspondance between our parties was slow and limited(arrangements for key collection were not given to us until 7 hours before our departure and the telephone number given to us for contact was incorrect)confirmation of payment via a bank transfer did not arrive for 6 weeks!On arrival(finally) at Casa Da Familia we were given the keys by the caretaker and never saw him again.
The property was a spacious Villa in a poor state of repair and cleanliness. 2 of the interior doors had broken hinges and the freezer was a solid block of ice. Our first day was spent cleaning. not a great start. We decided to spend our second day relaxing by our "Jacuzzi" and pool. Unfortunately these were unusable as the pump had broken, and the pool was full of leaves and frogs!! We reported this to the caretaker who also happened to be a local restrauntuer and the problem was resolved,6 days after our arrival. At no point did the promised "weekly maid service" happen and on Day 6 the toilet broke. This was again reported to the caretaker who arranged for it to be fixed, which it was, 2 days before we left.
I could go on but I am running out of space. we have complained to Algarvian holidays in a dozen mailings since our arrival home, and have not heard a thing. DO NOT BOTHER WITH EITHER the list goes on and on and they are not petty issues (half ton of insect and rodent infested garden waste at the side of the pool). We have been back in England for 9 weeks now. I have been emailing Algarvian Holiday Rentals 1-2 a week. I have had one single reply. This was on the 3rd July (todays date is 19th