Praia da Lota Resort – Beachfront Hotel

We really liked the laid-back atmosphere, even though we visited out of season. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the accommodation had everything we needed for our four-night stay. There’s a private beach reached by a wooden walkway. We’d definitely come back.

A great spot to unwind with young kids. The beach is about a five-minute walk away, and there’s a nice pool and cafeteria. The apartments are nice too.

The rooms were spacious, but the bedroom A/C units smelled so bad that we couldn’t use them. Our “fully equipped” kitchen didn’t even have a coffee machine, and the hotel supplied no sponges or detergent, unlike other places we stayed with the same setup. Breakfast was OK, though it got repetitive after a couple of days, and the staff weren’t especially friendly. We paid 300 per night for a family apartment in high season, so we expected more than a very dated place that wasn’t particularly well maintained. The location is fairly convenient for the beach, but it’s a bit far from the town center if you want to eat at a restaurant or visit the market. Off-season offers may be reasonably priced, but for us, this cost too much for what it was.

The rooms are tidy and well organized. It’s old-school rather than modern, which I actually prefer for a three-star hotel. They serve lovely proper Portuguese food, too. If you want some peace and quiet on holiday, I’d recommend it. The beach is a lovely one and just a five-minute walk away. I’d definitely come back if I get the chance.