Casa Algarvia Boutique & Suites

The rooms felt a bit small, and breakfast was only so-so, with pastries, bread, and some meats. My main issue was the strong chemical cleaner used around the hotel. I’m sensitive to smells, and it left me coughing for two days and without my voice. I’ve stayed in plenty of other hotels without that happening. On the positive side, the location was great, the employees looked after the hotel well, and the staff were welcoming and accommodating from the start. They made sure we had what we needed and even lent us a spare beach umbrella.

The rooftop terrace has a lovely view over Albufeira and the nearby ocean. Mario, the concierge, and Guilhermo, the host, were both very nice. The building is filled with Mario's art. It wasn't really my taste, but I appreciated those personal touches. The service feels personal, almost like living among the Portuguese, though the place itself is simple and the rooms are tiny. Check-in was a bit chaotic, with dozens of WhatsApp messages coming through. I didn't enjoy that, as it stressed me out on a vacation.

We stayed two nights and would happily come back. The beach and nightlife spots were just a two-minute walk away, and there was plenty of parking. Our host was amazing, helpful, and accommodating. Since we had an early checkout, he went out of his way to prepare food so we could grab a quick bite before leaving. Highly recommended!

Villa Algarvia was a great base, close to the beach, bars, and restaurants. Parking is free in two lots around the corner, though you might need to leave the car farther away and move it closer later at night or early in the morning. We loved the two balconies in our room, handy for coffee, sunbathing, or drying towels and clothes. The shower was a good size, the bathroom decent, and the air conditioning worked perfectly. The bed was okay, but we could feel the springs. Breakfast was simple: meats and cheese, Portuguese sausage, chorizo, bread, and a boiled egg. Homemade cakes and jam were the best part. The host was very friendly and kept checking that our room, food, and stay were going well. We really enjoyed it.