We have enjoyed coming to this hotel since 2007, always for two weeks and during the months of April or May when the weather suits us best for our activities. Our review is mainly about the excellent staff, with whom the hotel would not run so efficiently. From the moment we had our taxi door opened by a charming young lady, in the most elegant uniform, we felt this is truly a 5* welcome. We were swiftly checked in at Reception by Ana, who spoke beautiful English and dealt with us very efficiently, and then offered us a refreshing chilled welcome drink. All the staff at Reception, too many to name individually, continued to to be very helpful and very swift in attending to our requests for extra hangers, iron and ironing board and taxis when required. Monica, Guest Relations, made us very welcome, was charming, very efficient and extremely professional in her position, speaking perfect English she would not pass us by without stopping for a chat.
We had half board, with the Restaurant overlooking the gardens, pool and the sea which was a delight to dine in, with the tables beautifully laid. The buffet meals were first class with many choices and some traditional Portuguese dishes. Philipe, the Restaurant Manager was very attentive, a pleasure to talk to and ensured that we enjoyed our meals and this goes for all his staff, some of them giving us much needed Portuguese lessons at breakfast!! The wine list has many good wines which we enjoyed over our very leisurely dinner each night. We know Philipe will do very well in his new position and speaks perfect English which is very useful in a restaurant.
We enjoyed our stay in the refurbished hotel and always book a Super Seaview room, on the higher floors, for the wonderful view, walking through the gardens to the beach was a delight or you can use the lift. The bedroom and bathroom were kept immaculate with lovely smelling toiletries replenished daily. Towels changed twice a day, if you wanted. We did like the separate bath and separate shower cubicle.
In the late afternoons we would enjoy a game of tennis on the very well maintained clay tennis courts, well worth the charge of 18 euros per hour.
Alvor is a charming small town, good for birdwatching on the estuary, the boardwalk along the beach into town is very perfect for working off the calories and not getting sand in your shoes. We can't comment on the pool etc, which looked inviting, as we don't ever sit on sun beds!!!!
It is worth venturing into Portimao, not far away by bus or taxi, a busy working town, with nice restaurants for lunch along the waterfront, nice views but quite touristy though and better still those up side streets where you could be the only tourist along with office workers, families and the likes enjoying traditional food and local wine, away from the British voice!!!!!! Heaven......
And last but not least......we must mention.......Frederico, the Manager who runs a very good hotel, passing through the restaurant, checking on things he would pass the time of day with you.
A hotel we are always happy to return to.......until the next time........greetings from sunny Scotland.