Monte da Ribeira

The pool is nice and breakfast was great, and the place itself is very nice. What took away two stars for me was the front desk associate. We didn’t like her manner or attitude. She kept saying they weren’t a hotel and correcting us, and pointed out how many extra steps she had to take because our baby was older than the age on the booking. She wasn’t very supportive, which was the last thing we wanted after a long drive.

The setting around this beautiful hotel is stunning, and I’d happily have stayed longer. Breakfast was small but focused, and everything we tried tasted really good. Less can be more. We noticed a mould smell in the room right away. The large balcony doors have mosquito screens, though, and opening them helped air the room.

It’s a very peaceful spot with fantastic mountain views, and I’d like to come back. The apartments are modern, comfortable, air conditioned and immaculately clean, with a balcony. There’s a fridge in the room along with plates, glasses and cutlery. You can buy drinks in the common room, and breakfast was excellent, with a decent variety.

We spent a full week in large apartment 6 at Monte da Ribeira, looking out at the hills opposite. It’s a lovely base for the Algarve, with the sea, mountains and Loulé all within a 15-20 minute drive. You’ll need a car to get around, though there are very nice hikes starting right outside the hotel. The owners and staff were lovely, and the personal service felt just right. We’d return anytime. There’s plenty of space to enjoy the sun or find some shade, with birdsong from morning to evening. Breakfast included homemade jams and honey. The honesty bar has sodas, ice cream and even wine if you don’t feel like shopping. The shower had good pressure and piping-hot water when needed, and there’s air conditioning in both the main room and bedroom. The large bed was firm, as is usual in southern Europe, but comfortable.