Hotel Sol e Mar - Adults Only

Room 605 was really spacious, maybe with more empty space than needed. I worked remotely from there for a week and wished there’d been a little kitchenette in that area, maybe a counter, microwave and two-plate hob. The view was outstanding, with waves, sunrise and sunset. Breakfast worked well for vegans: soya yogurt and milk, some savory hot dishes, jam and margarine. The staff were sweet. I’m taking off one star because the room’s Nespresso machine came with just two pods on arrival, then each extra pod cost €1.20. Odd.

The hotel was clean and had great views, but the meals and the response to my booking problem left me disappointed. I chose half board, with breakfast and dinner. Dinner was far below what I expect from a four-star hotel, more like a two- or three-star place. There were few main course choices and the food was poor: rubbery meat, hard rice, and bland dishes without much flavor. Vegetarian choices were extremely limited or nonexistent. Desserts were scarce too, and flies hovering around them were off-putting. I’d booked three nights through lastminute.com, but my flight was cancelled and the alternative flight offered was a day earlier, shortening the holiday to two nights. lastminute.com advised me to ask the hotel if it would make an exception and confirm a refund for one night, so they could forward the confirmation for the refund process. The hotel was completely unhelpful and just said I’d booked through an agent. They made no effort to assist. Between the disappointing food and the poor customer service, it’s a two-star experience for me.

The daily room cleaning was great, and I felt safe exploring the city on my own. I spent five nights in Albufeira for my birthday week and loved the sea view from my second-floor balcony. The view from this Hotel is breathtaking. Breakfast was enjoyable; dinner was okay but could be better, and drinks at dinner cost extra. I also got a bottle of wine for my birthday, thank you! I travelled in February and could hear the strong wind over the sea. It felt a little scary at times, but that’s what I paid for. I was asked for a €100 deposit on arrival and still haven’t had it refunded. Please, Admin, I need my money back...lol. I’d recommend Hotel Sol E Mar for the view and breakfast, and would like to return with friends.

The sea view is lovely, and you can see it even from bed. There’s a restaurant on site and a pool that’s okay, though not great. There’s no jacuzzi or hot tub. You can sit on the balcony to drink and smoke. I came on a boys trip with two friends and we booked a room for three. It was basic, with a balcony and sea view, and the added bed was comfortable. All rooms face the sea. Since the hotel faces southeast, you won’t see sunset, but sunrise is visible, though it may be partly obstructed. The location is good and may be one of the best hotels in the area. As with many places in Europe, expect uphill and downhill walking to get there.