Club Praia do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: panonova july 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : lisa cole 26 simon marnock 34
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
hello when we got to the area of argarve we were expecting to be in alberfreia in portugal and ended upin club praise de va it was ok but very disipointed with it the first few night we found pria du rosha which is the best for us as we like young pubs and clubs it made our holiday.
it does need air con it was hot with out it.
overall ok
thanks lisa cole
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Club Praia do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : M Gwilliam - Gloucester (31, 32)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this holiday as a named last minute deal, and knew of its location prior to this, so there were no great shocks for us.
The apartments were still being renovated when we arrived, but fortunately we were in the 2nd block, away from the noise. We didn't see many other UK guests in our accommodation, except by the pool at the hotel next door, but that didn't bother us.
The only quibble we had was that the apartments, corridors, stairwells etc were being decorated during our holiday and we weren't told before departure - so we are taking that up with the tour operator.
We had a studio apartment for 2 of us and there were 4 beds in there - 2 singles and bunkbeds - great for keeping the suitcases out of the way! The apartments are spotless, the cleaners actually came in everyday which is a rarity! They are well equipped - we only ate breakfast there, but had to resort to heating the water for coffee in the microwave! The little supermarket next to Chef Carlos restaurant sells fresh rolls for less than 1 euro for 4 and we used to have those every morning.
The pool in the hotel is lovely, the area is very quiet, which we liked and we walked into either Praia Da Rocha, along the cliff top promenade every day - which took about 15-20 minutes if you stroll or into Alvor, which is more of a trek! We wanted a quiet rest after a chaotic year and besides from the decorating, we were happy with the accommodation.
If you wanted to rely on taxis DO NOT ask the hotel to call you a taxi as it costs you more money. Normally a taxi costs 3 euros 25 into Rocha, Alvor or Portimao - the price only goes up if you have loads of shopping or after midnight and the most we never paid more than 5 euros.
If you have kids it might be a bit remote, but the beach is 10 minutes walk (if you stroll!) and there are a few restaurants around the beach area. We ate at The Jacaranda a few times and the food was excellent - their daily specials were lovely and the prices were good. It was rare for us to spend more than 30 euros on an evening meal - on some occasions that included wine, coffee etc, but was always 2 courses, so you can't complain at that.
If you want to stick to a budget, always go for a restaurant where they have a tourist menu - they used to have to have them by law in Portugal - some restaurants offer 3 courses - selected choice of course - for between 4 and 6 euros.
We thoroughly recommend A Varanda restaurant - ask anyone where Taffy's bar is in Praia Da Rocha and A Varanda is the yellow canopied restaurant at the front of that section. It is small, but if you can get in its well worth it. I recommend the Portuguese style steak - steak in a ceramic dish with sliced potatoes around the edge, bacon or ham on top and sometimes topped with an egg! The taste is amazing! Nothing on their menu is more than 10 euro!
If you want to treat yourselves to a special night out, go to the Algarve Casino show in Praia Da Rocha. We paid 27 euros each for a 5 star menu - called the Happy menu and we were!!! - and the show, which is excellent. Normally it is advisable to book in advance, but we went on the Monday to book for Wednesday and there was no problem. If you don't want the dinner, you could just watch the show for 10 euros each and that includes your first drink! It is excellent and a great change from the bars on the strip!
There's a great little Irish bar - called Ireland's Eye which has just opened - and the staff in there are fantastic. Rudolpho, Nelson and the owner Walter are fantastic, I knew them when I lived there and they will make you feel welcome!
I would go back to Praia Do Vau, although I'm not sure I would go back to Clube Praia Do Vau, not because of the accommodation but because we like to try different places every time!
Have a great time!
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Club Praia do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra Holidays - Sept 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Amy Williams - Midlands (49,24)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having found the reviews on this website useful I decided I should return the favour.
I have just returned from a one week holiday at Club Praia do Vau in Portugal.
Airport transfer
The transfer took around 1 and half hours - but it would only be around 45 minutes direct from airport - we had 4 drop offs in various resorts before our drop off.
Check In
We arrived at accomodation around 11am and were told the rooms weren't ready (Which we expected from reviews), they directed us to the snack bar. About 11.30 we decided to take a walk but as we went back to reception to check our bags the head receptionist told us our room was ready. We were in block 2 opposite the main reception. As there were only two of us we expected a small room but were pleasantly suprised to find we were in a huge 4 bedded room with double balcony. The rooms are clean yet basic - just what you'd expect from 3*. Well equipped kitchen. The only downside was no shower - a shower attachment over bath but difficult to hold it up while you shower!
Pool
The pool area for the apartments is in the shade for 80% of the day so we used the hotel pool next door - the hotel & apartments share all their facilities. Mats & Sunbeds are provided free of charge, a snack bar is open 10.30 - 6 every day.
Beach
We don't use the beach, but from what we saw in the evenings in was clean and pretty - only a 5 minute walk from apartments.
Shopping
There is a mini-supermarket 2 minutes walk which is like a tardis - the tiniest shop you have ever seen but stocks everything - you'll have to get there before 9.30am for fresh bread (Only 12cents = 8pence each!). And a larger but more expensive supermarket a little further up the road. There is a fresh fruit stall on the walk to the beach.
It is worth visiting the Portimao market on first Monday of every month (5 euros in a taxi) or the Quarteria market every Wednesday (15 euros on coach trip).
Evenings out
Praia do Vau is very quiet, there are 3 restaurants just on the corner by the hotel, or 5 on the beach. The best on the Il Timone (Not sure of the spelling), the service is excellent, food is homemade (You may have to wait a little longer than usual) but prices very good. We ate there twice - with garlic bread, good bottle of wine, bottle of water, 2 mains and one desert for 30 euros.
It is only 6 euros to Alvor or 5 euros to Praia do Rocha.
It depends what you want in the evenings but we much prefered Alvor - and the brochure description is misleading! There are countless restaurants and a lot of character. Small winding streets. If you can find it the 'Goodville' restaurant in Alvor is very good. Also worth a visit is Kraftwork on Rua Dom Joao II.
In all an excellent relaxing holiday.
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Club Praia do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: Sky Holidays (Libra) - June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : David and Jane - Surrey (29,27)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this holiday so we would be in Portugal at the same time as Euro 2004 (Football Championship) as we had tickets to the England games.
The resort of Praia do Vau is very small and quiet, but we liked that. In between going up to Lisbon and back by hire car (3hs each way and expensive with motorway tolls) in gave us peace and quiet.
There are 2 blocks of self catering apartments and one hotel block. The apartment we had was a studio and it had 2 single beds pushed together plus a sofa bed which we didn't need so it was just a sofa for us. the room had a microwave oven and 2 electric rings, and a good sized fridge. The bathroom had everything including a bidet. the balcony was huge too.
The reception was open 24hrs and was helpful (some of the night staff were bad at English though which is suprising as the apartments are 90% english occupied)
during the 2 weeks we were there it was full of england football fans but it never got rowdy or noisy late and night, everyone from all over the uk got on well with everyone else and bonded as a group.
there was a terrace and bar with a pint of super bock beer at 1 euro 90 which is £1.40, and super bock is 5.6%, better than Stella!!
Twice a week there was kareoke late night, and once a week live music. both were ok to listen to whilst supping the cheap booze.
the cleaners did your apartment every day - made your beds (same sheets) changed your towels and mopped the bathroom floor plus new loo roll etc.
the beach at praia do vau is the best in the area, plenty of room, and big cliffs to shade under when it gets too hot. it was level to get to which is good for families. It was about 10 mins walk to beach along a fairly quiet road. near the beach there were half a dozen cafes and bars open all day and late into the night, all reasonable value too.
if you want a good night out then best to go to Praia do Rocha which is 15 mins walk away down the dual carriageway (or 5 euros by taxi) it has dozens of bars, including a whole road of irish pubs (?), a nightclub (beware there is a minimum consumption if you go in there i.e. you have to drink 25 euros of booze before they let you out - serious!), and loads and loads of good value restaurants
best value family restaurant is concorde right at the very far end where you can get a 3 course meal with bread and butter as well for E4.95!!!
Normally expect to pay about 10 to 15 euros each in total for a good meal. They do like fish the portuguese, but plenty of good British favourites such as Chicken, steak, beef etc. Chicken Piri-Piri is quite common too and has to be tried.
There are also the odd burger outlet and kebab shop, near the nightclub and english pub, so this becomes a late night magnet for youngsters, but there is no trouble at all. Indeed one night after Portugal won a football match, the locals were out tooting their car horns and generally milling around the strip until 1am, and they were mixing fine with England football fans, no problems at all, a really friendly place.
Back to Vau, and just a couple of final things, the apartments have their own pool which is no too big, but very deep (2.5m) be careful if you have kids. It is also quite cold as it gets a lot of shade off the block
The hotel has a bigger and warmer pool, more sunloungers, and they let you use that as much as you want, so best advice is stay in the self catering apartments and use the hotel pool.
There is a "posher" atmosphere at the hotel though (to be fair it is 4 stars and it seems the clientele is quite well off) so you can't be too noisy or boistrous round their pool.
For supermarkets, best to go to Rocha, or go to the massive one on the main road in (Portimao) which is cheap. The local supermarket is a bit more expensive and only useful if buying one or 2 items eg an english newspaper or a pint of milk.
All in all I'd say I'd be happy to go there again, but I think its better in Praia do Rocha down the road if you have teenagers, other wise you'll be spending all your time travelling between the 2.
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Club Praia do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - April 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Julie and Craig - Lancashire (38,40)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
When we arrived, we thought where are we? Middle of nowhere surrounded by NOTHING!!
On arrival, the room was'nt ready, so we had to hang around for an hour in the hot sun in our jeans n jumpers! Once we got our key, we went to the apartment, it was ok, clean, very basic and in need of some doing up, but it met our needs, after all we were only going to sleep in there. we had a walk around and found a bar and a supermarket, but not much more. there was another restaurant but it wasnt opening until May.
We headed back to the apartments and decided on a pizza from the cafe there. very reasonable and tasty only 5 euros. drinks were resonable too - you often find that hotels bump the bar prices up but they were ok - 2 euros for a pint and 1 euro for a coke. We decided to head off and find the action..... we walked out of the apartment and headed to the left side of the resort (wrongly advised by another guest!) we walked, and walked for two miles or so and found NOTHING! No bars, shops only accomodations. So, we walked back and decided to walk the other direction, and after 20 minutes of seeing nothing we found a strip of bars n shops.No people, apparently it is very quiet at the moment for some reason??
We found a great place to eat - "Dories", and if you go on a Friday night they have an indonesian rice table, priced at 12 euros. well, the table was full of food - 15 different dishes altogether consisting of chicken, beef, pork, spare ribs, meatballs, livers, curry, fried bananas, rice, noodles, prawn crackers, portugese salads, it was a mighty feast fit for a king! Needless to say, we could not eat it all and we both love our food! Recommended +++
As we were both stuffed we decided to get a taxi back, which cost 5 euros.
We hired a car for 3 days direct from the hotel and this was 60 euros, a little cinquento but it got us where we needed to go, we even managed to go to Spain which is about 100km.
A bit dissapointed as the weather wasnt too good, a couple of days of sunshine, some cloudy then the final two days raining, but all in all we had a good time, but felt the apartments were a bit too far from action,but ideal for those looking for a real chilling holiday, the beach which was 5 mins away was superb and clean, with secluded areas.
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Coral Do Vau Apartments - Praia Do Vau
Operator and Date: Style- May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Steve and Sandi Mahon (46)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Coral do Vau apartments lived up to the Holidays Uncovered reviews we read prior to booking, as we had not stayed at this accomodation before.
Do Vau itself is very quiet, one of the main reasons for us choosing to holiday there. The only exception is the Music bar situated directly under the Coral Do Vau apartments (block B) the block we were allocated to. However, the fantastic view of the beach and the sea enjoyed from block B, more than compensates for the occassional heavy bass vibrating from the bar below!!
The beach is superb, clean and cleared of all debris daily and enjoyed by both local Portuguese and visitors alike. We spent many happy hours beachcommbing, before returning to an evening meal at the Il Timone, cooked for us by Leonor and presented by Francisco, the husband and wife team who own the Pizzreia. Do not let this tag put you off, as the menu is much more extensive than 'just pizza' -particulary their daily specials board, well worth trying!
We will return!!!
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Coral Da Vau Apartments - Praia Do Vau
Operator and Date: Style - Sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Henderson / Dunbar - 61, 54, 37, 32, 31, 28 & Almost 2
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our second visit to Praia Do Vau, and we were not disappointed. We traveled with Style who are part of the Thomas Cook group and flew with Thomas Cook. The flight was great, can't fault it. Our transfer was a private mini bus, very civilised ! Our check in at the Coral Do Vau was smooth and friendly. We were very happy with our apt, two bedrooms two full bathrooms and three balconies, sea veiw and clean as a whistle. My Dad has a v similar two bed apr and my brother had a really large lovely one bed apt, all on the second floor.
The location of the Coral Do vau is fab, as close to the beach as you can get, the apts are well equppied and provide a great base for a family holiday. The only down side is they are near to the dual carriage way and some road noise can be heard inside the apts.
We spent most evenings in Alvor visiting the many fish restaurants. Adega do Alvor is lovely, but in whole holiday we didn't have a poor meal and the prices are very reasonable. Bullie and Pupe ( the first pizza place you come to as you walk into Praia da Rocha) is well worth a visit.
A trip to Modelo (5 Euros in a taxi ) to stock up on your arrival is a good idea and a trip to slide and splash is a must.
We will be travelling with Style again we were very impressed, and definately going back to the Coral Do Vau, for us it provides the perfect family holiday.
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Coral Da Vau Apartments - Praia Do Vau
Operator and Date: Style - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Robertson/White (56,29,28,4)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Our accommodation only was booked with Style. We flew independently and had a taxi transfer from Faro to Praia Do Vau which took approx 45/50 minutes.
We had a 2 bedroomed apartment which was comfortable, spacious and well furnished - impressed by having a balcony in living room and both bedrooms. Major problem for us was hot water or should I say lack of it. Could only get hot water in the kitchen after the shower had been in use, bizarre, and even then it wasn't enough to wash the dishes as it soon ran cold. Bathroom hot water tap was the same, only hot after the shower had been used. Whilst the shower was in use if a tap was turned on elsewhere in the apartment the shower would turn cold or scalding hot. The purpose of having a two bathroom apartment was defeated as both showers couldn't be used at the same time.
The pool area was clean and safe for both adults and children. Sun loungers were always readily available at any time of day. The apartments are well situated for the lovely beach at Praia do Vau. It is just across the road. There is NOTHING to do in Praia do Vau or if there is then we missed it. If all you want from a holiday is to lie on the beach or by the pool then this resort would suit. There are a handful of restaurants and bars but no atmosphere at all as at best as well as ourselves there might only be another one or two families or on some occasions no one else at all.
If you are going to stay here then allow at least 20 euros a day for taxi fares. For a fortnights holiday that is about 200 pounds of your spending money. There is no supermarket within walking distance for taking supplies back to the apartment so that involves a taxi both ways. Lidl and Modelo are a 35 minute walk each way - I know because I tried it. Prices are excellent at both compared to the overpriced minimarkets, where, for example, milk is twice the price.
Praia de Rocha is within walking distance, allow 20 to 30 minutes to reach the centre. Alvor is a taxi ride away. If you are told like we were that Alvor is a 15 minute walk, believe me it isn't.
Once we discovered Alvor we spent a lot of time there. It is charming, delightful, atmospheric. Real Portuguese people live side by side with the numerous restaurants, bars and shops. Be sure to visit the harbour area to see a wonderful sunset. Be warned, Praia do Vau stinks, literally. For most of the fortnight we were there, in the evening after darkness fell there was the most disgusting smell of sewage and sometimes first thing in the morning too. It was so bad we had to close our apartment windows. Even the local taxi drivers commented about the smell. I must stress that this smell did not come from the apartments.
Before going on holiday I had read that Faro airport was small with not much facilities. Not true. It is a fair sized modern airport, bigger than many I have seen, with plenty good facilities.
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Coral Da Vau Apartments - Praia Do Vau
Operator and Date: style Holidays- June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : 23, 26
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
These apartments exceeded our expectations! Our apartment was fantastic; spacious, clean and mondern with a well equiped kitchen and a tv. It had a 2 sea view balconies and patio doors in the kitchen! What more could we ask for?
The pool was great. There was also a smaller pool for the littlens too. Both were clean and were surrounded by sun loungers. There is also pool bar.
Praia do vau itself is quite small. The beach however, goes on for what seems like miles. Its one of the best beaches ive seen and the sea wasnt too cold....well just a little, but it was nice. We got some fab pics of the beach and its rock formations. We only had to walk a few metres to get to the beach from the apartments. Perfect!
There are a few restaurants at the front of coral do vau, the best in our opinion being the il trimone restaurant (think thats the right spelling). The owner is a lovely man and the food is superb! You can choose from a mixture of local food, pizzas, steaks, and some amazing desserts! The atmosphere was great and with the sound of the sea and great food, what more can you ask for. We went there again on our last and best night.
In nearby Alvor, you can find some fabulous fish restaurants on the harbour where they BBQ your food! The wonderful smells...need i say anymore. Alvor is very nice and well worth the visit.
Rocha was a little too 'british' for us. here are plenty of bars and restaurants so the choice is definately there. The Monkfish cataplaya (not sure if thats right) at Restaurant Felisia was lovely.
We had a lovely time and would most likely go back. In our opinion this was a great relaxing holidays great for couples and families.
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Coral Da Vau Apartments - Praia Do Vau
Operator and Date: Style Holidays - May 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Tracy Weatherley - Harold Wood (34,33,33,2)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a 2 bed apt, which was really spacious and very clean. The kitchen was well equiped for a SC holiday. Reception was staffed 24 hrs and all staff were friendly and helpfull. The beach at Praia do Vau is beautiful even if the sea is freezing!!!. Both the main pool and the baby pool at the apts are both really cold as well, which was the only down side to our 1 week holiday. The 15 minute stroll into Praia da Rocha is lovely in the evening and well worth the short hike up the hill. We sampled some good food in Praia da Rocha as well as at Jackarandas underneath the apts and all at reasonable prices.
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Coral Da Vau Apartments - Praia Do Vau
Operator and Date: Styles via Thomas Cook - 2004
Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : R Sidhpura - London (50,43,43,42,7)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Great holiday - apartments very spacious. Everything you want from a SC. Styles booking in at Gatwick great, flight was good as well as return.! Apt had mini-grill, cooker, all the necessary utensils, cutlery, crockery, swimming pool cold. A very nice situated area. Friendly reception 24hrs, good bus services into the main towns, taxis excellent.
Food and bars places good especially Jacaranda restaurant.
Beach was very close – good clean and fun, cold sea at this time of the year, but my little one went mad. Also note cold in the mornings till 1000hrs and again after 1600hrs so have warm clothes. Lots of things to do like walking the cliffs, beaches, peaceful and fresh. Excellent beach, except for the dogs who look like some thing out of a gangster movie. The beach as you discover further along amusing and caves to look at. Alvor, Protimao,Praia da Roacha good places to visit take the buses get to see most of the sites and then walk back excellent exercise. Local Supermarket go to Modelo in Portimao like Tescos. Great eating places here
Walk along the cliff road to Praia da Rocha great scenery . Take the tours to Lagos, Sagres, Cape St Vincent etc, nice areas to visit. Found that some of the tours were good prices if you shop around. Took an adventure day out to Lisbon via Tunes, have to get up early and catch the 0830hrs train and book seats for return. Great day their, got a Taxi driver to take us around Lisbon sightseeing for less than 40 Euros. Zoo Marine okay shows good but not much to do. Disappointed with Albuerferia, beach not nice and clean, my little one got chased by the dogs, not much fun. Returned after half day back to Vau.
One of the highlights apart from the Lisbon trip, and Vau beaches, was the New Years party on the beach at Praia da Roacha, fireworks, jolly people good fun for all.
Must say Style and the resort both were excellent hope to return in warmer weather.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Aug 2006
Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : michelle, nigel, alex, corinne & cassie(chester 37,44,12,13,15)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our second holiday aug 2006 to estrela and we were'nt let down as it was just as brilliant as the first time!! We actually didn't want to leave yet again. Beautiful hotel with the BEST STAFF you could wish for. Plenty to do at the hotel and in neighbouring resorts. Hotel restaurant is a must with tasty dishes served by a great chef. All staff even the director, are very friendly people who go out of their way for you. Clean and very spacious accomodation. WE LOVE ESTRELA!!!!! We are hoping to go back twice this year due to the kids and our love of this place.Momo keeps kids and adults entertained in the day and evenings, vidal,luis, rogerio and staff keep you happy in the bar(great fun). John and the staff on reception work very hard to make it an enjoyable holiday and they speak great english.
SEE YOU ALL SOON ESTRELA!!
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Andrea Block-suffolk 41,32,12,3
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having just returned from the Algarve after having 2wks there with friends we found it very boring in the evenings .As the entertainment was very poor there was no mini disco's which kids love and this helps to make friends if we hadnt gone with friends i think we may have got flight home early.
Cleaning wasnt very good in apartments athough we had clean towels everyday and toilet rolls and rubbish done everyday.
The pool wasnt cleaned requarly which was really cold pool aswell , but no queues for sunbeds which was great ,
Taxi everywhere be aware of the the different prices they charge , shop at Lidls bargains resort shop expensive and you wont find squash anywhere well we could'nt only at the resort shop 4.95 euros
Lovely beaches to look at but not very clear water and cold and smell badly of fish we didnt like that.
Overall staff very friendly and plesant.
We made the most of it but it really was a below average holiday and do not intend to return fora few years.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Debbie & Laurie - London (42, 42, 18, 14)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We arrived at Estrela Do Vau after dark and at first were concerned that the apartments were set in the middle of nowhere. However we were reassured the next day when we found that our resort was in between Praia da Rocha and Alvor. Both of the neighbouring resorts are accessible on foot (although it is approx a 30 minute walk each way), but the best way we found was by taxi which costs 4 euros. Taxis queue up outside the hotel each evening to take people into the resorts and if you need one during the day, the reception staff are happy to ring for you.
The hotel is very friendly and staff polite. We stayed in a two bedroom apartment which was very spacious and had plenty of storage space. The apartment was spotless on our arrival but we felt it could have been cleaned better during our two week stay. There is a kids club which we didn't use as our kids were too old but it seemed to be well used by other guests and their children. A new head of entertainment (Momo) has recently been appointed and he proved really popular with the older children and teenagers organising water polo, volleyball, football, aqua gym etc. He has also been made responsible for the evening entertainment and during our stay there was karaoke, a caberet show, samba show, parrot show, limbo dancing and barbecues. Momo is very open to suggestions and keen to provide what the guests want!
We ate out each evening, mainly in Alvor, which has some lovely restaurants - we would recommend The Captain's Table, Adega Alvor and Goodville in particular. In Praia da Rocha, The Titanic restaurant is an absolute must! You may need to book in high season as it is very popular. A little more expensive than other restaurants but the food, ambience and service is absolutely fantastic. We also went on a day trip to Zoomarine and had a great day out, excellent dolphin show. We enjoyed our holiday at the Estrela Do Vau very much.
We may not return but that would only be because we like to try different places each year.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Julie Stobart (35,31,10)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
After having read the comments from other visitors to this resort, felt the need to add mine! Just returned from a week spent in the resort of Praia Do Vau, and how pleased am I to be home!
A beautiful beach , and glorious weather are the only redeaming features of this resort, if you can call it a resort that is !!
We stayed at the estrella do vau, a hotel which i`m sure was a stunning place several years ago,but is now looking tired and dated!We had a studio apartment, two single beds, and a camp bed, complete with rock hard matresses and broken bed legs! a basic kitchen, and a bathroom, spoilt only by the grubby bath, and array of cracked floor and wall tiles.The hotel itself boasts 3 salt water pools, which i saw being cleaned only once in 7 days, a small pool side snack bar, a bar serving drinks of varying prices, a small restaurant , and a supermarket suitable only for those who have recently re mortgaged their homes!! Entertainment programme was virtually non existant, thus meaning taxi journeys or 30 minute walks into neighbouring Alvor or praia de rocha were a neccessity. Alvor is the quieter of the 2 resorts, definitely more suitable for those travelling with younger children, with a selection of gift shops and restaurants. won`t be returning to vau again !!
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: Sunworld - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : 38, 37, 8, 5
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having just returned from here and having read the reviews prior to our trip we felt we had to add a few tips. This is a very quiet place which we didn't mind but didn't expect it to be as boring as it was. The apartments are spotless and apart from the lovely pools, it is very boring for children. The kidsworld club is not very good, there is Karaoke twice a week and that is the sum total of entertainment for children and adults alike. I don't want to sound like a total moaner but beware in the bar as they are inclined to "make mistakes" in your change. Also, do not shop in the on-site shop as it is very expensive e.g. ?8.95 for a pot of coffee which was ?2.50 in the bigger supermarket. The beaches are lovely, and Alvor is a beautiful place with great food (much nicer than Praia da Rocha).
Wouldn't be rushing back when there are other equally nice accomadations around with better facilities.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2005 / 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Rachael Cooper- Nottingham (65,38,32,10,8)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartment was beautiful & clean. Pool great for kids & cleaned regularly. A nice peaceful site. We hired a car which is ideal if you want to visit the many places. Praia Do Vau beach is heavenly but has a lot of steps to it, try Alvor for easy beach access. Slide n splsh water park is a great day out but cafe is pricey. Plenty of supermarkets in Portimao, Lidl is good for most things.
Alvor is a lovely fishing village, well worth a visit. Praia do Rocha has plenty of shops & bars, kids will enjoy the fountains in Portimao! Try to speak some portugese as it is appreciated. Plenty to see, 1 week wasn't enough! Would love to go back.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook July 2005
Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Michelle & Nigel (43,37,15, 13 ,12, 10
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well it was the first time we had taken the kids abroad, and what a great holiday. We spent a lot of time on the complex as there was so much to do.
It was a real family orientated hotel and all staff were lovely. Especially the bar staff who we all got to know and still keep in touch.
Taxi into alvor or rocha only 3 euro but a courtesy bus runs from hotel.
Very clean and no nasty bugs.
We are all returning again this year.
WELL DONE ESTRELA DO VAU!!
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook july 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : michelle simpson ( 42,36,16,13,12,10)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
words can't describe how much we enjoyed this holiday. It is an absolutely brilliant resort, plenty for the adults and children alike. The accomodation was perfect - very spacious, clean and well equipped. Maid service 6 days which was ideal with the kids!!
We took the kids to Slide and Splash which was a fantastic day out which we both enjoyed too!!
A lovely english restaurant in nearby Alvor "The phoenix" where the food was fab and low prices too.
All the staff at the hotel were very friendly and went out of their way to help in any way they could.
Transfer time was only 1 hour 20 mins which wasnt too bad.
We will definitely be going back to the same place next year.
Its a big well done for this hotel.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: Sunworld - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : 39, 39, 12, 11, 5
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our first time in Portugal and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We went the last 2 weeks in June and had lovely weather the whole 2 weeks although a bit cold and windy at night. The apartments were lovely and general hotel areas were spotless. Cleaned every day - 7 days - beds made, towels changed and floors mopped. Transfer time - 1 hour as we were first off. About 2 hours on the return journey as we were first on and had to collect others.
We had a 2 bed apartment with 3 sliding doors onto a balcony, kitchen had toaster, microwave, fridge/freezer and cooker - no oven. The first week we were in an apartment directly over the bar and asked to get changed and got a quieter apartment to the back which we didn't mind. Claudio at reception was very helpful. The pools are great. Our 2 oldest boys just loved the water and our youngest enjoyed the smaller pool. He also had fun in the little kiddies park - swing, slide, seasaws. Went to Aqualand - this is the 50th anniversary this year so try and get vouchers - buy one get one free. Good park for my boys as they could get on all the slides. Cafe was very expensive. Zoo Marine was also good - dolphin and sea lion show the best and a small fun park with free rides. Cafe not too expensive. Hotel on site cafe, not bad.
Hotel is a bit out of the way so you will need to take taxis. Titanic in Praia do Rocha (4-5 euro) and Goodville in Alvor (3.95 - 4.50 euro) were good places to eat. Modela and Lidl are in Portamaio for shopping - go and stock up well as the onsite supermarket is more expensive. The nearest beach is down the road (left) to the roundabout and follow the dirt track beside the restaurant, downhill and stony most of the way so can be a wee bit difficult to get back again in the heat!! Our two oldest boys met lovely friends and spent most of their time in the TV room, games room and around the pool. Pools cleaned daily. Momo and Toledo were the 2 entertainment guys trying to get us to exercise in the pool, water volleyball, football etc. Get up off your sunbed and you will actually enjoy the fun and make friends!! They were lovely guys with a heart of gold.
We enjoyed our 2 weeks at Estrela do Vau although spent a small fortune in taxis and eating out! I enjoyed reading other views on this site and hope this review helps you!!
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Phil & Pat, Wirral, 58, 59.
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Nice complex having excellent size studios and very well equipped if you are self-catering. Accomodation was cleaned regularly by pleasant staff. Pool Snack Bar has plenty of choices at reasonable prices. That can't be said for the Mini-market, prices are sky-high!, avoid unless desperate. Plenty of sunbeds, the pool and gardens were well kept. The only downside was the small minority of British children being allowed to play football at all hours in the Snack Bar, Reception, Bar, by their Parents.
Take a walk down to the beach and try the "Jacaranda". Very friendly atmosphere, super meals and a lovely view!. Take the beach and walk into Praia da Rocha, plenty of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes!. For a more sophisticated night out choose Alvor. Nice and varied range of shopping and very attractive to wander around. Try the Brit-run "The Lounge". British beer, meals, pool room, quiz`s and even the Soaps on T.V. Leave there and go to the top of the hill, turn left into the cobbled shopping area. (Great shoe shops). On the right try the "Restaurante Marisqueira", a truly superb dining experience at a reasonable price. Eat here and you won't be disappointed. If you enjoy the Algarve fish soup the restaurant next to the Taxi Rank in Alvor, has the best on the Algarve!.
A very good holiday and shall return later on in the year, (when the kid's have gone back to school).
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - april 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : vicky. chris, keiley, sam (26,24,6,2)
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Cannot even begin to tell you what a terrible and boring holiday we had! Apart from the weather there isnt much good to say about the whole experience of the Algarve.
The estrela do vau is said to be 4* but i wouldnt rate it above 2*+. Reception staff were ignorant to say the least and not at all helpful. Entertainers? What entertainers we didnt have one night of entertainment the whole 7 days we were there, the kids were completely bored with no kids clubs on as there were less than 5 kids there at the time. Apart from a swing and a slide there was nothing to keep them amused. Swimming pools good size and not too cold. Appartments were of a clean and spacious standard although we had a not so good view over someones villa pool! The on site cafe was ok wouldnt go every day though as it gets repetetive.
We spent a fortune on taxis as the apartments were quite a walk away and we were going twice a day into town just to get some action! If your idea of a holiday is being by the pool all day and have no children and not at all bothered with entertainment this is ideal for you.
We obviously will not be going back which is a shame as the beaches were lovely but each to their own.So glad we didnt book for 2 weeks.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - april 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : dave+ jill - wigan 47,48
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Location - Quiet but within easy reach 20min walk praia do vau (beach). Alvor-portimao-praia de rocha short taxi ride prices 3.10 to 5 euro's. Rooms larger than normal with air conditioning no extra charge we got late deal and ended up in 2 bed apt,staff polite happy to help,rep lorna chirpy and dying to help always there at stated times,but little to do as so early in season,we can see this being idea base for familys and couples,maybe a bit quiet for teenagers but more active in praia da rocha and go to slide and splash waterpark. get your shopping at MODELO in Portimao,like our asda/tesco they have everything and cheap. Eating out you have plenty of choice but we pefer Alvor lovely town that still feels like the real Algarve.Tips- most resturants have small kitchens so go early if you have kids then they are fed and watered when hungry and you can then enjoy your meal.
- do try and say hello etc in portuguese the locals appreciate the effort.
Best family rst - dom jose/french bar near to quinta nova complex ,then walk back into alvor for the night.
Best steak house-The pyramid bar in Alvor(they have good set meals for kids) and be warned if you have the mixed grill DONT HAVE A STARTER.
There is a drying breeze in the algarve and you dont realise your burning so plaster yourself and kids in suncream and there'll be no tears.
If you fancy hiring a car loads of places within easy reach of this area.
we have been coming to this area since 1988 so have seen a lot of changes and on the whole they are for the better and if you use this hotel as your base i dont think you can go wrong, we will be returning later in the year.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Bates Family - Burton Upon Trent (50,42,11,9,7)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Estrela Do Vau is a resort that we would recommend to anyone. We had a two bedroomed apartment which is a definite must when you have kids. It was very spacious and extremely clean. The kitchen area was well equiped and there was even a tv with satellite. It had a bathroom and a separate shower room, both with wc's. We had a maid service six days a week and they were so friendly. The resort staff themselves were very welcoming and couldn't do enough for you.
There are two good sized pools. A large one for the adults and a medium one for the more experienced junior swimmers. There is also a good sized toddlers pools.
We did our shopping for food, water etc at the Modello. We went by taxi which are always parked outside the apartments the fares ranged between 3.90 euros to 5 euros, also the Estrela runs a minibus Monday to Friday.
We went into Alvor a couple of times but ate mainly in Praia Do Rocher which is very friendly and has a very good range of restaurants to suit everyones tastes. it even has a Japanese Restaurant, and the prices are very resonable.
If you have children Zoomarine is a definite must. There are dolphin shows and sealion shows. There is a marine centre there where you can see sharks and stingrays. The prices in the cafe are very reasonable.
We went on a boat trip on our last day which was very enjoyable. We were taken to see some caves and rock structures which are very beautiful. Afterwards we had a bar-b-que on the boat which consisted of sardines with salad to start with and then pork with bread to follow. Even our kids ate it. It was a brilliant day out. The staff on the boat were so friendly.
We were sad to leave Portugal. It is a very beautiful country with very friendly people. I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Caroline, Lauren and Holly - Essex (36, 8, 6)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was my first holiday as a single parent and I was very apprehensive. However, it turned out to be one of our best holidays so far.
On arriving at the Estrella Do Vau, it seemed very plush, but the rooms could do with a bit of revamping (fabric sofas dirty, cracks in bathroom tiles etc). The room was very spacious though and nice big balcony. We had a studio and I had been expecting to sleep on the sofabed, but they had put a good sized camp bed in as an extra bed for my 6 yr old daughter. There was a lot of noise from children hanging around in the reception area late at night (often til 1 or 2 in the morning). I complained to reception a few times and the noise stopped, so not really a problem.
There were two lovely big swimming pools, with plenty of space for the inflatables that everyone buys from the on-site shop, and a children's pool. Loads of sunbeds (more stacked up under the trees or ask at reception), but you couldn't get an umbrella unless you got up at the crack of dawn and put your towel out which we never did.
The beach was apparently a ten minute walk away but took us 20 mins. Lovely beach, very long and lots of big caves and rocks to shade in at one end, or sunbeds with shades in the middle. You cut down through the Jardim Do Vau Hotel to access the beach. We only went once as the walk was too much for my children.
Excellent kids' club, with really professional and friendly kids' reps.
The snack bar by the pool was ok, fairly cheap. Had breakfast in the restaurant once, but not very nice.
In the evening, we took taxis to either Alvor which was lovely or Praia Da Rocha, which was pretty grim. Taxis cost 6 Euros each way and there were always plenty waiting outside the apartments.
The transfer from the airport was just an hour (or slightly less) which is contrary to other reports on this site (some say 2 hours).
I would definitely recommend these apartments to anyone with children.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - june 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Philippa Fowler - Bristol ( 34,34,31,30,15)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We can only say good things about this accomodation,the staff were really friendly,with a 24 hour reception.The maid service was brilliant,they came in every day and made the beds brought fresh towels.
The apartments were perfect.About 10 mins walk away was the beach which you could walk along right into praia da rocha.The beaches were white sand and really clean.At night we would go into praia da rocha which was either a 20 min walk or a taxi which took about 5 mins for 6 euros.The red lion is good if you want an english pub,although prices are a bit dearer than the local bars.Everyone is very friendly and the weather was gorgeous.Watch out if your booking boat trips,go to the harbour at portimao and dont book them from your hotel as they put on a charge, although they dont tell you.
A brilliant holiday and we will definately be going back! Highly recommended to try.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Ian stonier (37,37,8,7)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived mid afternoon and were pleased with our first impressions of the accommodation.
The appartment looked clean but there were balls of dust under the beds and around the edges apart from that it looked ok.Pool bar food is good with good portions and great salads but the service is slow,this seems to be the norm in portugal as everywhere we ate we had to wait a while for the food to arrive.
The pool area is great our kids loved it but get there early to ensure a seat or stand there like a sado half an hour before the pool opens to ensure prime positioned loungers(we had a pool view so i went down once the gates were opened so i dident look as sad)
The beaches are really nice we dident go there often as the kids prefered the pool.Alvor is great to eat lots of fish dishes and prices are ok.Take a taxi there and back this will cost 6 euros,alternativley you can go to blackpool in the sun or praia de rocha as the locals call it,to be fair there are some nice places to eat at good prices but not really a place to go if you want a quite night with the kids,we used to walk here then get a taxi back at a cost of 6 euros.As for the transfer times what ever they tell you just double it then add a bit more,
in general we felt we had good holiday and would go back in the future.
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Estrela do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : The Brown Family, Scotland (32, 31, 11, 9)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were really quite disappointed with the condition of these apartments. They could certianly have been cleaner - balls of dust under the beds, mould stained shower curtain and bath slip mat and generally a bit grimy. Bathroom fiitings were by far the worst with the toilet flush becoming tempremental during our second week and the cold tap at the sink only giving a trickle of water.
However, the public areas were by far the poorest - the stairwell was neither swept or washed in the whole fortnight we were there and had cigarette ends, sweet papers bits of food and other debris just left lying around and it smelled a bit. The games room window was smashed by someone whilst we were there and so was out of action for the kids for the whole fortnight.
There are two large pools and and small pool which are all seawater. Beware of this - our brochure didnt mention this at all and although its mainly down to personal taste, our family prefer chlorinted pools. Unfortunately, the pools were in need of a bit of a clean as well.The water was cleaned every day but there was a kind of nasty scummy residue just above the water line round the edge of the pool which no-one ever seemed to bother cleaning. Sun beds by the pool are are difficult to come by and a queue develops just before nine consisting of people waiting for the gate to open so thay can 'book' loungers with towels for the day. That said however, we rarely failed to get at least two sunbeds although if you are not fast you will only get ones with no shade.
The bar and restaraunt were another disappointment. On the first night, we ate in the restaraunt and the food was just about passable but took forever to come. Dinner for four with a few drinks was about 40 euros. very limited menu on offer though. We were overcharged in the bar twice and in the spirit of being on holiday, couldnt really be bothered making a fuss over a few euros. Advice is though -check the prices before you buy, and check your change when you get it. We tended to spend our evenings, and our money, elsewhere at night.
The same principle applies in the mini market where many of the items have no price stickers on them and we thought they just made them up as they went along sometimes. If the kids went for things they were charged different prices sometimes than us. Its quite expensive and it is well worth taking a taxi or hiring a car to get yourelf to Modelo in Portimao to buy your groceries.
Finally, location wise, the apartments are in a residential area, next to a golf course, but quite a long walk from both Alvor and Praia da Rocha, especially in the heat. There is very little in Praia do Vau itself - it is really just a suburb tacked on to the side of Rocha. Needless to say its not the place to go if you are looking to be in the centre of the action. The small 'Vau' beach is about 15 mins downhill. We walked into Rocha one day and with the kids it took about 30 mins but along an exposed main road. better to get taxis we eventually concluded, unless your a real fan of walking. We did grow to like the peaceful location though and again, i think that this is more a matter of personal taste than anything else.
We have stayed in four star accomdation several times before and I agree with another review on this site, that by no stretch of the imagination could this place be classed as four star. The apartments and common areas are both in desperate need of an overhaul and we felt a bit cheated by the category rating.
On the plus side, the apartments are large (we had a one bedroom)and have a reasonably well equipped kitchen which seems more up to date than the rest of the apartment. The air conditioning also came in handy on a few of the hotter nights. We found the reception staff very helpful - all speak English but are quite delighted if you make an effort to speak to them in Portugese. Pool snack bar was really quite good. Nice people and a cheaper pint than the bar (2 euros), although it only stays open until 8pm. They do takeaway and the usual chips, hot dogs and burgers but it was nice and clean and the kids really enjoyed it.
Out and About
By far the nicer of the closest resorts is Alvor. It's a quaint place that despite the development has managed to retain some of its charm. It was here we found the best restraunts and the best places to go at night - Goodvilles and Vagabondos up at the top of the town on rua fredrico mendez on the way to the harbour. They are owned by the same people and they also own Hellmans toward the harbour and the italian Cabassa in Rocha which we also went to a few times (right out at the end of the 'strip' almost opposite the fort)and found really nice. Loads of small souveneir shops and off licences on the streets leading up to the town in Alvor so good for stuff to take home, but port, wines and spirits cheaper in the supermaket so stock up there. Alvor beach is lovely - we went on a sunday and it is very popular with the Portugese themselves - usually a good sign.
Praia da Rocha is pretty grim. Apart from taxi-ing it to go to the Italian we liked, we only went in once to let the kids buy some souveniers. Beware the car park at the western end of the beach - the main car park was full and there were men standing directing the cars on to a piece of wasteground next to the car park. Surprise surpirse, when you get out of your car, they approcah you and ask you for money (totally illegal we presumed)and if refused become a bit threatening.the beach is fab but totally overcrowded and no real pleasure to be on in high season.
Portimao is just a big industrial town with little to offer for tourists that we could see.However, if you are struggling food wise, there is a pizza hut and mcdonalds at modelo for emergencies!
We hired a car for a week and would reccommend it just because of the location of the accomdation. We went to cape st vincent which was was an experience, and Sagres, which is a kind of backpacker surfer type small town which we loved. Henry the Navigators' fort is also here and cheap to get into - worth a look round. Lagos is nice also, but only spent a short time here round about the esplanade. Went to slide and splash water park at lagoa twice. kids loved it and it was really safe and clean. a family ticket was 56 euros and we used the car to get there. there are organised bus tours, but they will probably work out more expensive. Went to Villmoura and came straight back - nothing much to see here except some big yachts. Silves is picturesqe and has an interesting moorish fort and archaelogical remains which are under excavation. Monchique is also worth a drive just for the spectacular views.
All in all, we had a good holiday but would not return to these
apartments. The area itself was reasonably pleasant, but we managed to
see just about all there is to see round about in seven days. We have
always travelled with Thomson Holidays
in the past and have never had problems
with the accomodation and think that we will be returning to them from
now on.
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Estrella do Vau - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : John Clarke - (36 , 37))
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Hotel had excellent self catering rooms which were Very clean and tidy.
3 pools ( 2 for the kids ).
The services in hotel was very good with very friendly people.
I will go again next year, the entertainment is ok but Playa do Vau is very quiet with some excellent Golf facilties. ( If you like golf ... you love here )
Playa do roche is about 30 minutes walk from this hotel but this is were all the entertainment is .... etc clubs , bars.
All are good but try Nichos or Katerdal nightclubs
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Jardim do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: Sunworld - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Fred Tuite (46, 44, 11 and 87!)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We found the location excellent, just beside the beach, so you could lie by the pool and take the steps down to the beach for a swim in the chilly Atlantic. The pool was great and it was the first place we have been to that did not require you to book beds in the early morning with your towels. There always seemed to be some free beds whatever time you arrived at.
We had requested a pool/sea view appartment but found most of the view obliterated by the inner block. Unfortunately no appartments were available in that as it was for timeshare people. However because we were three adults and a child we were offered an upgrade from the one bedroom appartment we were in (where the double bed was a pull out one in the sitting room). The upgrade was to a far superior two bedroom appartment with enmorous space and air conditioning but no view at all. We had a group discussion and decided to go for it as it was relatively inexpensive to upgrade. We didn't regret our decision despite teh lack of view and several of those we met in the complex went for an upgrade also.
Priah da Rocha was a fifteen minute walk away (best route was on the beach if the tide was right) but generally we took a taxi there or to Alvor for ?5 (one of our group was 87 after all!). The beach bars around Priah do Vau offered good value no frills meals also, but service could be slow (slowest of all being the pool snack bar in the Jardim!). We ate also in the Chinese in Priah da Rocha and Alvor and really enjoyed those. The restaurnant in the Jardim was excellent also but we liked to go out.
We had one rainy day but the Jardim opened the indoor pool so we didn't miss out on any activities. A trip to Slide and Splash was great fun but had long queues for all the rides.
The resort is quiet but you have all the honky-tonk bars and "tea like mother makes", Irish Bars (without Irish prices) and fake Rolexs a short walk, or a cheap taxi ride away in Priah da Rocha.
If you want beach convenience and good accommodation we can highly recommend it.
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Praia do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: December 2005
Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Kacy Carr (52,36,24,19)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was my first time in Portugal and it will certainly not be the last. Praia do Vau a wonderful quiet area with a beach to die for encompassed by rocks. The apts were absolutey fabulous, home from home comforts if not better. It states a stones throw from the beach and they are not kidding, it was wonderful to walk outside the hotel and there it was an ocean so aqua in colour and clean.
What made this holiday and apts such a hit with the group I travelled with was the three cafes along side of it serving up great meals. The jacaranda(eatery) was a friendly fabulous place to eat. Bob and his wife provided a great service catering for your every need. Highly reccomended just for the sheer friendliness on top of the good food served.
The apts have been the biggest I have stayed in, spacious is not the word there is more drawers and cupboard space than you could imagine.(And ours were only one bedroom apts.
The apts take some beating in my eye three piece suite, dining table chairs, microwave, washing machine, and brace yourself 3 balconies, one leading from the living area, another from the kitchen and one in the bedroom. I can not speak for all other rooms we booked two rooms and they were both the same so I would say there is a good chance that they are all the same.
Just having everything on your doorstep was just amazing.
Have a great time if you decide to go.
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Presidente - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Tony - Edinburgh
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This aparthotel is ideally situated 10 minutes walk from both Praie Du Vau & Praie Du Roche, directly in between. The building was once 4 star, but that would be 20 years ago. Today its good basic accomodation with everything you require: apt for 2 people has 2 knives 2 forks, 2 plates, for 3 it has 3 of everything!! Beside that, it is very clean with towels changed every 2 days, and bedding every 3 days. And extremely central. The building has over 100 rooms, but only 30 sunbeds,normally captured by those queueing up at 09:00am each morning. The same faces every day, easir to give up and pay 7 euros for 2 beds on the Praie du Vau beach, which is one of the best around.
Praie Du Roche, also has seen better days with the central belt mainly souvenir shops, and bars competing for business. At the west end of the promenade better value can be found, but none better that
Praie Du Vau. With only 6 bar/restarurants the competion is fierce, with Patrimonia winning hands down with their 1 Euro beer!! before 7pm. Food here is good, but Il Primono has exquisite Italian, and Jakandra is very tasty.
Don't believe the reports Alvor is a 20 minute walk, it takes over 1 hour, so get a taxi - 4 or 5 euoros, which only takes 5 minutes.
Do your shopping at Modelo, stock up, and get a taxi back.
The supermarket on site is handy, but if you feel the 20 cent extra on beer & water is too much, pay 5 euro for a taxi.(each way)
Finally, if you can book direct, you'll pay about one third the brochure price!!
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Solmonte Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: Seguro Holidays - April 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Harry, Isabel 52,52
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We arrived at the Solemonte Apartments for a one week break in April. Didn't get off to a good start by having to wait a while to get into our apartments as they were not ready. The apartments were very spacious(2 bedroomed) and clean. Unfortunatley this was a local holiday and some of the local residents at the apartments were very noisey when coming home in the early hours of the morning.These were mainly students. The reception staff were very friendly and helpful. Although there was no entertainment, this did not bother us as we are quite quiet people and go on holiday to relax and not be entertained.
The pool was very cold but there were plently of loungers spaced around the pool and no "keeping your lounger by placing your towel on it". Rooms were cleaned every second day and fresh towels also every second day. Thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and would use Solemonte apartments again. Great place to have lunch The Hideaway Cafe just off the main strip run by a lovely English couple. Great prices and food great too. Book a trip to the markets, they're great but book at reception and not through your rep - much cheaper and you all go on the same coach.
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- 13 - 24 may 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : carly,marc,ellie,leo (27,23,5,10m)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
we were very pleased with our 1 bedroom appartment it was very spacious (much bigger than we have had on previous holidays) the kitchen had an oven and double stove a fridge and all the plates bowl glasses pans etc you would need!
the apartment was spotless and was cleaned most days
all the staff at the hotel were very helpful and friendly, the food was good but expensive compared to the restuarants at the beach
the pool area was clean with plently of beds but in the school holidays i can imagine it being hard to get a bed especially if you have pushchair as 2 sides of the pool seating area is very narrow, but if you get there early there is a grass area which is good for children we took a pop up tent and our children had fun playing in that!
If your looking for a great value meal we would HIGHLY RECOMMEND PATROMINOS only 5-10 mins away, a full english breakfast is 2 euros happy hour is 9am - 7pm where a beer 1s 1euro and evening meals are great there too the owners Fernando and Jeanette make you so welcome and go out of there way to make you feel welcome and the waiters Luigi Tony and Marco were great too - if you visit tell them we said hello!!!
all in all we had a great holiday go if you want a relaxing quiet holiday!!!!
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
-- Aug 06
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Jan,Martin,Shannon,Jessica --- Essex ( 40,38,12,12 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Spent 10 days at these apartments and was pleasently surprised.We were the last drop off from airport so was on coach for approx an hour and a half which wasnt nice because of the heat but on arrival was seen to very quickly.We only paid for a one bedroom apartment but was given a large two bed one which was fab,the whole apartment was clean and well equipped and we overlooked the pool from three of the four balconies which was great because our kids could go to the pool by themselves and you could clearly see them at all times.The pool area was clean although there were a few missing tiles on the bottom,there were sunbeds although not enough and only 5 parasols for shade, this meant that if you wanted any shade during day you had to go down early for a spot(obviously shade being invaluable if you have kids).There is a small bar on complex which opens early for brekkie if wanted and serves food throughout the day.We never ate there prefering to buy hot rolls every morning from the supermarket down the road for lunch and going out to eat in the evening.Fernando Eddie and Pedro ran the bar and were great, really friendly and welcoming,watch out for their love of karoke and Fernandos card tricks but they make great cocktails.
The beach is a short walk away and is one of the best i`ve seen,its gets busy as lots of locals use it as well.There is no shade on the beach so a good piece of advice is to buy a brolly from the shop for 6 - 8 euros ,you can use this at the pool as well as any excursions you may go on,well worth the money as they fold down so you can even bring it home with you.When eating out there are a few restaurants in Praia do vau,Jacaranda is really nice and so is llTimone really friendly and quick service and not too costly .
For a better range of restaurants and some tacky shops you can take a
30 min walk (sorry i mean hike) into Praia do Rocha,if you want a no
frills restaurant that serves good food ,is very reasonable,and does
somthing that your fussy kids will eat then try Mick and Chris`s.We
would have loved to found and ate in an tradional portugese restaurant
but was unable to find one and found that all the eating places were
much the same with the same things on the menu (be warned the portugese
love to cook with salt).We booked two excursions with the Thomson Holidays
rep
,the first one to Zoo Marine this was costly as they charged our two 12
year olds the adult price so it cost over 100 euros and it certaintly
was`nt worth it.We were picked up at 10 o`clock (half an hour late) got
to the place at 10.40 and was told to be back at coach at 4 o`clock
despite the park closing at 7.30pm.The only thing worth seeing was the
dolphins which were fab.We had tried to book the dolphin interaction for
our girls when we booked the trip with the rep but was told we should
have booked it back in the uk as it was booked up weeks in advance.As if
we knew that that was what we wanted to do. There were a few more animal
shows which were much the same as you would see in England although we
only had time to see 4 because of the time you had to be back at the
coach.
There were lots of places to eat but the place was so busy that we lined up for at least 45 mins to get somthing.When we left our coach was`nt even there and there was no explantion from anyone so you were left in the sun waiting .When the coach finally turned up it was a different driver who hadnt been told where he was going and it took us ages to get back.Not a good day although i`m sure if you have very young kids they may well enjoy it.Our second trip was to Slide and Splash which cost 75 euros again our girls being charged as adults but this time was well worth it ,the girls had a ball.The place is very clean there are life guards everywhere and restaurants are self service making you get through lines quickly and prices reasonable def worth a visit.If your looking for a quiet resort then Praia do Vau is the place for you,if you looking for nightlife then be prepared to travel out or find a different resort.
I would recommend this resort to anyone with a young family but we are unlikely to visit again.
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Gina & Phil - Barnsley (37,27,10,2,3mths)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our 2nd stay at Terracos do Vau Apartments. We stayed there in June 2005 and liked them so much we came back again. The apartments are spacious and comfortable. We stayed in a one bedroom apartment and there was plenty of room for all 5 of us. Air conditioning in bedroom but not in living area. Kitchen was well equiped and had everything you need although we didnt do any cooking. Apartments very clean, maid service six times a week and towels changed twice a week, although the maids would leave a pile of clean towels most days,even when they didnt change them in the bathroom.
Staff were great,all very friendly and helpful.poolside bar staff are fab and make you feel really welcome.
Pool area is small but very clean but can be a problem getting sunbeds in busy periods if you're not there early, especially if you've got a pushchair with you as you can't get to the beds at the far side of the pool with one.
Childrens pool is really good for little ones. Small and shallow, our 2 yr old loved it and the water only came up to his chest so its quite safe.Its warm too.
The beach is lovely and theres never any problem getting sunbeds there. there is a charge of 10 euros for 2 beds and an umbrella.
Kids club has been excellent both times we've been and my daughter has loved it. reps are really good.
The resort itself is very quiet. Don't go if you like a lot of nightlife. But if you want a relaxing holiday its perfect. There are a number of bars in a little complex across the road from the beach and we ate at these most nights. There is a grassed area in front where kids can play so we found it really good as all kids from all the restaurants there would end up playing together.
Would recommend Jacorandas for a good english meal and a great breakfast according to Phils mum and dad.Its run by a british couple and is also good for a snack in afternoon - much better than bars on beach, we didnt reckon much to any of them. Il Timone Pizzas are beautiful and the owner is really nice and friendly. Patrimonos is a great cheap and cheerful pub and food is really good there too. Staff there also very friendly.
Praia do Rocha is about 15 minutes walk away where there are lots of bars and shops. We thought it was alright for the occasional night there but were glad we weren't staying there! It didn't have the relaxing atmosphere of Praia do Vau.
Alvor is also a short taxi ride away and well worth a visit. lots of quaint cobbled streets and lots of places to eat along with a few shops.
Didnt do any trips this year due to our 3 month old but last year did Zoomarine and swam with dolphins which was quite expensive but worth it and slide and splash which was great apart from food. It wasn't very nice and queues were terrible. If we went there again would take our own food.
All in all would recommend Terracos do Vau to any families or couples wanting a quiet, relaxing holiday. We've had two really good holidays there and would definitely return.
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- july 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : mike, paula, jack, lily, beth +chatts (50,38,15,13,28,32)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
My family and I have just come back from a week stay at terracos do vau and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Weather fantastic and appartments very clean, spacious and well equipped maid service also very good.
Bar staff absolutely fab could not do enough for you (eddie and pedro very funny) willing to cook you a meal at any time day or night could do with a bit more of a variety of entertainment.
Situated in a very quiet area with a beautiful beach a few reataurants recommend jacarandas!!
A walk to praia do rocha is about 20 minutes also enjoyed our trip to alvor and quite cheap.
Slide and splash is a fantastic day out for all, it is a highly recomended trip to go on.
all in all we had a fantastic holiday and definetly going to go back!!!!
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- June 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : June McConnachie - Scarborough (44,37,13,12)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hello everyone.
Spent two weeks staying in Praia du Vau at the Terracos du Vau Apartments one week of excellent weather and one week of not so good weather.
Apartments
We had a two bedoomed apartment which is massive. Plenty of cupboard space. Seperate large kitchen with full oven and four hobs. Stove kettle provided plenty of utensils and even clean tea towels in the drawers. There is air conditioning in the lounge and the double bed bedroom but not in bedroom 2. It is also free which was a bonus. The bathroom was large with a bath and shower and a bidet. Plenty of hot water. We had patio doors in out bedroom which led to the balcony and round to the lounge patio doors. We were very hapy with the rooms the view wasnt great but did have some colourful flowers. The apartments are a little tired like there was a few cracked tiles and a little bit of mildew in the bathroom but the sheer size of the apartments more than make up for the few flaws. You can hire a deposit box for 20 Euro for 2 weeks. The maids came in quite often and we had plenty of clean towels and plenty of toilet roll so cant complain. There is also a TV in the lounge with channel 5 and 8 English and there is MTV Europe.
They are situated about a 2 min drive on the right as you go towards Alvor in very quiet surrounds.
The swimmimg pool is of decent size and we always got a sunbed by the pool. The seperate bar near the pool is run by I think father and son the speak fab English and are extremely jolly and helpfull the World cup was on whilst we were there so was a good atmosphere as at the time England was still in the competition.
I would definentely recommend these apartments.
Resort
There is nothing in Praia du Vau its good for a base if you have car hire otherwise I would not like to be staying in this resort. It is a precise 7 minute walk to the beach from the apartments. When you get to the bottom of the hill from the apartments there is a tiny shop which sells English newspapers and there is a minute mini mart and a bigger shop like a Spar further along. When you get to the resort centre there is about 5 restaurants there. We went to the Jackaranda which was nice enough the owners are British and a re very friendly. We also went to the Il Timone Pizza place which served tiny Pizzas and didnt think the service was good. There is a really horrid rotten egg smell near the Coral Du Vau Aparts which I persume is the drains but wouldnt like to stay there although its location near the beach is good.
The beach
The beach at Vau is lovely but the sea is as cold as the one in Scarborough. The first week the weather wasnt good and it was very breezy the sea was very rough unsuitable for younger children and certainly wouldnt touch it with a lilo. Those Atlantic waves were rushing in. No fish either. Its very scenic with the rock formations but so windy that sand was blowing into your eyes etc.
Excursions
Zoo Marine
Both our kids went swimming with dolphins which cost £90 each plus entry to the park plus 25 euro for a DVD a photo album the got a zoomarine towel and flip flops. They totally loved it but we didnt love the price. Spectators can go in but the chances of getting a good pic is slim as they have you away and to the side so they can get you to buy their photos.
The sea lion and dolphin show was fabulous more ineracting than playing really enjoyed it. The park is quite small like the old zoo and marine land Scarborough use to have or a tenth of the size of Seaworld without the thrills. Little ones will love it. It poured done whilst we were there.
Slide and Splash
When we went it was cloudy and pretty cold the food was reasonably priced I would say it was a nice day out if you have kids under 10.
Aqualand.
Loved aqualand. Had the old fashioned lazy river and bigger slides more for older kids. Bigger than slide and splash but the food is dearer.
Shopping
Didnt find any bargains in Portugal none of the usual fake designer stuff that you get in med holiday resorts. We went to the Forum in Lagoa that was really nice on the top floor they have a foodcourt with Pizza Hut, KFC, Pans, McDonalds and many other eateries. There is lots of shops selling surfwear like O Neill Quicksilver etc but these are the same price as home. We also went to the Algarve shopping centre in Faro which was the biggest my kids liked it there best. Also went to Modelo shopping centre in Portomao which is near Praia du Vau which has the large supermarket for your groceries we went there a lot.
Other Resorts.
Alvor
I really liked Alvor it must only be about 10 mins if that in the car from Vau. Lots of cobbled streets, little shops and restaurants particularly near the beach where the grill a lot of fish. Think Alvor was my favourite.
Lagos
This is probably about 30 mins from Vau and is like a bigger Alvor. Lots of cobbled streets etc they also have a very nice Marina. If you want to go Scuba Diving then go to Osomsis Diving centre of the sea front on the oposite end to the marina. As you face the sea its on the right hand side past the fort at the end. I think John is going to put in a seperate view on the Lagos board. He is called Brett and also does big game fishing kayaking waterskies etc.
Praia Da Rocha
Mmmmmm Glad I wasnt staying there. Soul less. Although the kids liked it for tacky shops.
Carvoeiro
Went for a visit one evening seems to be a very busy little resort lots of restaurants which were full. Found a lovely ice cream shop where I got rice pudding ice cream yum! They have nice shoe shops. John said the diving equipment like snorkels masks etc were very reasonably priced from a little shop on the main street. Near here is a place callen Bengill. Before you get to Bengill there is a beach called Praia a Marinha, its really beautiful. You have to go down lots of paths to get to it there is a beachbar there and is fab for snorkelling we had a lovely day there but be warned on the way back up its cardiac hill.
Faro
We went to the Algarve mall first then we went into Faro again a lovely little place for shopping definentely worth a vist.
Portimao
More of a working town but worth a visit the shops are nice to look round.
Guia
This is where Zoomarine is we stumbled across a sandart competition which is fabulous I think 15 Euro for thefamily Its on the N 125 but is advertised. There is entries from all over Europ the have Pharoes, Greek legends Biblical entries we went when it was dark and it was a lit up it looked quite magical the Noahs ark was good its amazing they look like stone. well worth a visit.
Albufeira
Very big didnt like it here. Too many people in small spaces. Seems quite spread out. Spent a morning here then went to Algarve shopping in Guia.
Cape St Vincent
The furtermost tip in Europe. Watched the sunset from here. None of the shops were opened when we went but glad we did.
Summary
Loved the apartments the location was good for a base. Beaches not the best if your into snorkelling and the sea is cold not like the med. Same prices as the Uk including the petrol. Shame about the weather the first week. The reps were average. Gor car hire from Economy car Air Auto which we booked on the net before we came and got the car from Faro Airport and returned it there. Liked the Algarve but not enough to return again. It all depends on what your tastes are and what you like to do.
June John Jaye and Laurie.
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- May 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Hancock family - Midlands (38,37,15,9,2
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
It takes approx 50 mins from Faro but then depends upon the drop off,we were 3rd. Arrived at 11.45 and were happy to find our room ready as check in time is 4pm. The room was massive, 2 big bedrooms with mirrored wardrobes,very large bathroom, long hallway leading off to dining room sitting room which again was large. There was a L shaped balcony with patio doors leading off bedroom 2 and dining area. The large kitchen has a full size cooker with grill but not a kettle. Other people did manage to have a stove kettle so if you want electric then advised to take one. We just used a saucepan. Ample equipment and kept very clean by maids. Very impressed with rooms.
The bar staff are really friendly and look after you even if you only have the odd drink in there. The pool area is small and the pool does need a little bit of work as a few tiles missing off the bottom of deep end. There isn't a lot of room around the pool so do get there early if you are a pool fan. We are not and the found the beach just 5-10min walk away. Really lovely with a handfull of bars around it.Timones is a lovely Italian and also Rodeo just up the Hill from the beach serves a grilled buffet,very nice. There are 2 supermarkets at the bottom of the road leading upto the apartments,but if staying for 2 weeks advised to go to Mondelo,we walked there(30 mins) and stocked up and paid a taxi 5 euros to get back. Well worth it if your a family.
The walk into praia da rocha is only about 10 mins. The first part you come to has the dragon chinease where you can get a buffet for 9.95 euros and eat as much as you like, very nice. Also further down is a lovely place called cine resurant done out in a film theme,also lovely menu. If you fancy a roast calvery try Olivers at 11.50 Euros you got soup, calvery which you could keep helping yourself to,and then followed by apple crumble. A very good meal. There are lots of bars etc and nightlife if thats what your after. Glad we had the resort in walking distance but wouldn't want to stop there as being asked if we wanted hash constantly did our heads in along with beggers and a few other dodgy looking charactors.
Alvor is only 5 euros away and is a bit more upmarket with lots of lovely eating places. There are free maps for all the resorts outside shops etc and they are worth looking at for ideas.
We also did the slide and splash which was a great day out. Went into Portimo which is better for shopping.
We had very sunny hot weather, locals were helpfull and lovely, and we had a great holliday. We would go back as we found the quiet position ideal but having a lot to do within a 10 min walk or 5 min taxi ride(seemed to cost 5 euros to Alvor,modelo,praia).
Not sure what it would be like in high season but would recommend end of May/June to anyone.
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- September 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Paul,Emma,Jill, Dinny - Lincoln ( 26, 24 , 46, 17 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just come back from these apartments and they were brilliant. All the staff were really friendly especially Pedro and Fernando the Barmen.Rooms cleaned most days and reception always on hand to help.
About 10 - 15 minutes walk away from the main strip and the beach.
If you want a day out Zoomarine is amazing especially swimming with the Dolphins ( well worth the money).
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Linda & Alan (55)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We arrived early afternoon to a very warm welcome from the reception staff. Our accommodation was on the top floor with views out to the sea and also the Monchique Mountains. We visited many places during our stay. Taxi fares were very reasonable. The holiday reps couldn't have been more helpful and Fernando and his team of bar staff went out of their way to make it an enjoyable time in the bar. There are several restaurants nearby and Chef Carlos is the place to go if you want some really classy food but not prices to match. The bar on the seafront has a happy hour from 9am to 7pm where a pint is 1Euro. The food there is excellent as well.
We would recommend this holiday to anyone who likes access to both a lively resort within easy reach or like us a very quiet relaxing break in the sun.
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
Sept 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Henderson, 63, 60, 60, 53, 36, 32, 30, 27, 1 Tyne & Wear
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We visited Praia Do Vau in Sept 2004 and loved the resort and the area. The beach is wonderful, and there are no steep steps to walk up and down, you walk directly on to the beach. You are ideally located between Alvor and Praia do Rocha but away from all the hustle and bustle. We had a wonderful holiday and had many many great meals in Alvor. The weather was fabulous, we never had a cloudy day.
We visited slide and splsh and had a great day out although we all ached the next day from running up and down the steps all day !
The only thing I was disapointed with was the apts. I found them grubby and ill equipped. Although there spacious, they are well used and are crying out for refurbishment. The linen and towles were clean although again very well used. We had four apts for our group and the were all of a similar standard so its not like we were just unlucky. Many of the windows have blackout linings and no cutains, many of the linings are ripped or torn. The maid service is poor, it seems the sna dand dust is just spread around the floor, we had the same dirty mark on our floor for 2 weeks, it was there when we arrived !
The pool area is small and poor, the grassy area which many of the beds are set is patchy and filled with ciagrette buts and ring pulls, there was mice around the other paved area of the pool. Not great for a crawling baby. I was incredibly dispointed and not what I expected from a 3t+ rated accomodation. Thomons have let themselves down, 2t+ maybe.
We have rebooked to go back to praia do Vau but are staying the Coral Do vau, they have a better location and are a better standard.
All in all we had a good holiday, but that was of our own making, we made the best of a bad job. We love the area and are returning its great for a family holiday.
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Terracos Do Vau Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Sonia Worcs (34,34,10,6)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartment itself was spacious and bright, but the kitchen was not that well equipped...there was no corkscrew, limited utensils, and a bucket with no mop and pan with no brush!
The pool area was pleasant and not very big, but that said we didnt have any trouble getting sunbeds.
The bar at the apartments was pretty good value at 2 euros a pint (about £1.40), and the food was also reasonable.
The kids club reps were great, the kids really enjoyed the activities even though there weren't many others there. We didn't deal with the main rep at all so can't comment on that.
Outside the complex there isn't much at Praia do vau other than a super beach, there are caves for the kids to explore and a couple of nice beach bars. Over the road from the beach there is a selection of restaurants, we ate at Jackaranda which was lovely and good value. The pub next door was great, we watched the football in there and the service in busy periods is second to none. The breakfast there was also excellent.
Alvor is without doubt the highlight of the area, it cost 6 euros in a taxi to get there and its worth it...its still got the charm of an old fishing village but there are loads of great restaurants and bars there, aswell as a really wide sandy beach. We spent a full day there and also went for an evening out...all the restaurants seem good quality and good value too.
We only went on one trip, to slide and splash, it was great fun for a family, especially kids over 5 because they can go on all the rides. Its got plenty of grassy areas to lay down your towels and chill out between rides, and was very clean. The food in the snack bar was a bit dodgy though, lots of stuff cooked and then kept lukewarm, ideal food poisoning conditions. Next time we would take a coolbox with a picnic!
All in all we had a super holiday in the Algarve, the people are very friendly and in general it is better value than Spain. We will go back, but will be looking to stay in Alvor next time.
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Vau Costa Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: panaroma september 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : gary topping preston 39/44
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
the vau costa apt are out in the middle of nowhere with only afew bars and restaurants in walking distance but they all served good food. everything is a taxi ride away. you cannot get into praia da rocha without booking a taxi.
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Vau Costa Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: AUGUST 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : KEVIN BEGG -EDINBURGH(37,45)
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
On arrival at about 11.0clock we deceded to use the restuarant which is part of the accomadation,worst mistake of our life! The so called sirlion steak was cold uncooked,and was actually minute steak, at 9 euros a bargain i think not,we complained to the manager of the restraunt,he was vile and rude,welcome to portugal,if he was the standard of the portugues people god help the rest of our holiday.
the accomodation was clean .lots of space in appartment butt ,the balcony was smaller than a postage stamp.the pool was small and had signs no inflatables .it must have been in latin ,because not one person adheared to this,the bar attached to the appartments is a joke ,rip off hour,never mind happy hour,bring at least an additional £200,for taxis because your at least 2 mile from civilisation,pria de rocha is great its lively,exellent restuarants,lots of great pubs ,the best is taffys bar,
this is my second time in potugal,and my last. The people are not a patch on the greeks,who i will happily spend my euros with from now on,zante here we come.
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Vau Costa Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama Holidays - 21Aug2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Andrew33 Esther28 Quentin7 Reuben2
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
You know that first impressions really count - so when we arrived at our destination Vau Costa Apartments and had to line up for about 15minutes in a cramped and dreary reception to be booked in by a man who looked like we were interrupting him from his football on t.v - I just thought to myself let's just hope that this isn't going to be a reflection on the entire holiday. When I finally go to the front of the queue I was given a key and told to call down later on for the remote control for the air-conditioning. Now I know that I was probably the 100th person that he had booked in that day but he could have at least welcomed us!!!
We made our way upstairs via the lift which was only big enough for me and two suitcases - my husband and two kids had to use the other one. By the way, make sure that you keep your hands safely by your side in the lift a there is no internal door so the wall just moves up past you - very dangerous for kids. We entered our apartment to find that the floor was soaking wet - there was not floor cloth to dry it so I had to use a tea-towel - either that or one of use would have broken our necks. Not much in the apartment - the sofabed has definitely seen better days - very dirty - not many utensils in the kitchen and a toaster that I wanted to take home with me to donate to our local school's musuem - the balcony was tiny just enough room for two chairs - we had to put the table inside. The pool was of adequate size - deep end is very very deep to be warned.
The food at the pool bar was nice but very expensive - to be expected I suppose. It was only a 5 minute stroll to the very beautiful soft sandy beach - the only redeeming feature of the apartment. It is a nice stoll down but a steep walk up. The beach is really fantastic - loads of room even when it was packed - the water was lovely too. The maids did very little - just swept and soaked the floor again - sheets and towels are only changed once a week which is quiet disgusting I think - unless you go down to reception and ask for fresh laundry which can be a bit embarrassing!!! No enteraintment apart from a bit of karoke every few nights or watching one of the music channels on the t.v. All in all I would not reccommend this apartment to anyone - it was a good 25-30min walk from Praia De Roche which was between 4 or 5 euro a go. The only shop near the apartment is 200m away and unbelieveably expensive. There is one big shopping centre call Modelo which is well worth the 4euro taxi ride - no sign of any public bus service.
Let's just say that we will definitely no be going back.
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Vau Costa Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: Panarama- July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Sue Hayes Nottingham [48, 56]
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our second visit to these apartments in five years. The first time we stayed -in an 1 bedroomed apartment I would say that it was then definately a 4* place.
This time we stayed in a studio apartment which was still very nice and spotlessly clean. I think the difference we experienced was by being on the first floor this time and we were right next to the stairs and lift, so we heard all the coming and going of the other people. so was a little noisy at times, but not so that it spoilt the holiday.
The other difference was the lack of sunbeds. There were only about half the amount from the first visit. I would class this now as a 3* [not sure what the brochure rating is.]
Didn't matter what time you went to the pool area, there was always towels reserved on the sun beds but because there was a letter in the apartment saying they could not be reserved, if I wanted a bed the couple of times we stayed by the pool I removed a towel from an unused bed. [no-one actually checks this from the apartments]
We went to this area because of the wonderful beach, so spent most of our days on there. They were just erecting sun shades and beds on this stretch of the beach when we were there so we used to hire one each day- 10 euros for two all day.
Praia do Vau is a very quite area, but is central to lots of places that are only a taxi ride away. Portimao is a lovely shopping area and I bought some lovely soft real leather handbags for 15 euros each, very cheap!
We also got the slow coast train from Portimao and went to Lagos for the day. This train runs the length of the Algarve coast.
You have the choice of eating out in Praia do Rocha or a small fishing village Alvor. Both areas are busy in the summer but totally different. Right at the bottom end of Praia do Rocha they have a beautiful harbour to sit and watch the boats, whilst a few yards in are the shops and restaurants.
Praia do Vau, as others have said is a 15min walk down the main street from the resort of Praia do Rocha. In the day it is lovely to do the walk along the beach.
If you don't like walking, or don't want to spend money on taxis then maybe this is not an area for you. But if you don't mind the 15min walk, it is an ideal location.
The beach is just 3mins away from the back of the apartment.
We booked a jeep safari, a portugese evening meal which included some traditional dancing, an all day boat trip through the caves and bbq on the beach and also a visit to Cape St Vincent which was fantastic! I think we got to see quite a variety of the Algarve and learning a few portugese phrases is really appreciated.
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Vau Costa Apartments - Praia do Vau
Operator and Date: Panarama June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Geraldine Ireland Wicklow(16, 13, 41, 42,)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were a bit reluctant about going to Algarve at first as we had heard many reports about it being very windy. It was windy for a bout two or three days and then it dyed down and we were roasted out of it.It gets a bit cold a night to so bring a few cardigans with you and light trousers or 3/4 lenghts.
Shops
The supermarkets around that area are very expensive. There is only two or three around.We paid ?4 for a small tub of butter. I recommend you get a taxi to mondello shopping centre. There is a supermarket there that is a lot cheaper and lots of other shops as well. It is only five mins in a taxi. Lovely clothes shops in mondello.
Restaurants
The best restaurant in the area i thought was the Titanic. The food is really nice and its very clean there also. It wouldn't be the cheapest place to eat but you get good portions and its very tasty. The restaurant at the apartments and the pool is nice but be prepared to wait a while
for your food.
Apartments
The apartments are a bit out of the way and we had to get a taxi each time we wanted to go into praia da rocha or alvor. There is no shops beside it but is only a short taxi ride to the shops. I would recommend praia da roche. It has great night life and a lot of shops. Alvor is nice too in the day with shops but the night life wouldn't be as good as praia da rocha. The apartments are very spacious and very clean. the beds are comfortable too which is a plus. There is also televisions in the room, but no kettles, so bring your own travel kettle. There is a teapot, saucepans, toater, fridge with seperate freezer and a 4 ring hob. Dont spend too long in the shower as the hot water goes very quickly thats why i got into the shower first every night.!The windows are great cos you can see out but no one can see in unless they are standing with their face against it. Bathroom is nice and big. Make sure and have the shower curtain inside the bath when your showering or the bathroom has a shower too.
Pool
The pool has a seperate area for adults and children. In the deep end it gragually gets deaper. Their is a limited number of sunbeds there. We just lay on the grass most days. So if you want a bed, get up early and bring your towels down. The food at the pool is nice but it takes a while to get it. The ice creams are really cheap at the pool. Drinks ain't too expensive either.
Bars
Durty nellys is the best pub in praia da rocha. The atmosphere is sumtin else. A lad that sings there for a few weeks in the summer is brilliant. He is a good singer and he brings the pub alive. BEST EVER! Molly malones is good also. There is a bar at the aparments that has kareoke sum nites. It is very small but nice if you just want a quiet drink.
Trips
There is loads of trips to go on. We went to fatima and even though it was a long journey there on a bus it was well worth it. We went to slide and splash which was brilliant foe all ages. The other water park is more for yo