Aparthotel Alagoa Mar

The biggest downside for us was the noise at night. We were on the pool side, away from the main road, but there are flats and an access road behind the hotel, and the locals' motorbikes were very loud. The hotel's nightly entertainment sometimes ran until 1am, and we could hear it even on the top floor. We had a nice stay, but probably won't return. Albuferia itself doesn't suit us now that drunken groups of younger and older people have made it a party destination. Our room was a large apartment on the top floor, number 306, where we stayed for a week. The kitchen and bedroom were a decent size, both rooms had air conditioning, and the veranda had a table and chairs. The beds were very comfortable, and the TV had the main BBC and ITV channels. Staff kept things clean and provided daily room service, though the decor throughout felt dated. The hotel is about halfway between the old town and the strip, both roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk. There are two supermarkets within 150 metres, as well as two pools, a restaurant and a bar. Staff were very good, and everyone spoke English. There was just one key card for the room, and it also operated the power switch, which was inconvenient at times. The room door didn't close by itself, so it wasn't a fire door. Some guests seemed to enjoy slamming doors in the early hours. The bathroom had an odd smell. I don't think it came from the drains. It may have been related to the biggest cockroach I've ever seen scuttling in under the toilet pan. I left the bathroom lights on to keep it hidden, and killed a couple of smaller ones in there too. The microwave looked awful, with a cracked casing around the door and a cracked door switch, and should be replaced. The kitchen cupboard doors were different colours, perhaps by design, but it hurt the look. Some floor and wall tiles were cracked or worn, and the bathroom suite showed its age. Management should consider modernising. The place didn't feel like a four-star hotel to me. The corridors and reception were dark, signs for evening entertainment were scattered around the entrance and reception, and the shop fronts on either side of the entrance felt oppressive. It came across as untidy and unwelcoming.

I was here for a walking football tournament, and the inside of the hotel was a pleasant surprise after seeing its uninspiring front. Breakfast had a good range of choices, and the restaurant dinner was very good too. I had the prawn curry, which was great value and came with lots of prawns. There was live music every night. The whole experience was very good.

The entertainment was amazing, and the performers were back at work the next day. I don't know how they manage after such a wild night! It's near two beaches, one by the old town and another for nighttime parties. I'm going back.

We first started coming here in 2018 and love it. On this June visit, we stayed for 10 days. The apartments have everything we need and get cleaned daily, and both the restaurant and snack bar serve lovely food. We can find a sunbed all day, and the staff are friendly and helpful. It's a great spot for getting to the new and old towns. Lovely to see Natasha in the pool bar again. A big thank you to Ana at reception for helping us with our card, and it was nice to see Sandra too. We'll definitely be back next year. Bernadette & Roy