Guest User
October 18, 2023
Lovely grounds with oleander, bougainvillea and hibiscus bushes. Studio apar**ent was fairly spacious if a little dark inside. It slept 2 adults in twin or double + 1 small single bed. Kitchenette had a 2 ring induction hob, microwave, sink and kettle. Bathroom looked fairly recently refitted, with double size rainfall shower cubicle. Mattress was very firm. We stayed in a first floor studio which had around 16 steps up to it so make sure to ask for ground floor if steps are an issue for you. The way our apar**ent was positioned meant it caught the full afternoon sun on its black front door and that became very hot indeed - something to bear in mind if you have a small child as it was hot enough to burn tender skin. The pool area was lovely and kept very clean. The pool is unheated. No difficulty in finding free sunbeds at this time of year. Breakfast was a buffet (hot and cold) and the choice was good. Evening meals for half board were a 3 course set menu served at your table. Starters limited to 2 choices (soup or salad) but there were 4 or 5 different meat and fish dishes, along with a few vegetarian options as mains. Dessert was fruit salad, ice cream or a dessert of the day (usually crepe with ice cream, brownie or strawberry cheesecake). Strangely, the main courses were often served with chips and rice - carb overload! The evening meals were unfortunately a little patchy and sometimes a bit cold so we ate out a couple of times. The staff at the bar, restaurant and reception were very friendly and helpful. We could not rent a wi-fi router as they were all in use, so bear in mind that at busy times you may not be able to have one. We rented a safety deposit box which were located beside reception but you have the key to it and can access it at any time. The onsite supermarket closed for siesta between 1.30 and 3.30 pm but the Spar supermarket just beside the hotel (by the exit that leads to the lagoon) was always open and is much bigger. There is a pharmacy and small gift shop on site. We used the hotel's boat to cross the lagoon to the lovely beach. It leaves from the first jetty as you turn left along the lagoon. The beach bar/restaurant as you get off the boat was very good and we had lunch there a few times. The salads were particularly good. We recommend The Jolly Sailor for evening meals with live music - turn left out of the hotel, cross the main road and walk a hundred yards or so. Turn right at the Jolly Sailor sign. Main courses were around 14-16 Euros (average). There is a cocktail bar nearby and also a traditional Portuguese restaurant right next to it. We took the train to Tavira City as it is cheaper and quicker than the bus - it was 2.90 Euros each way for 2 adults and an 8 minute journey. Tavira is pretty and quaint and well worth a visit. You can also go to Vila Real de San Antonio in the opposite direction. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here - in particular the well-kept grounds and the lovely pool.