Central Monchique Hotel by Unlock Hotels

I was very impressed by Central Suites & Apartments Monchique during my Christmas and New Year holiday. I stayed there for one night as part of the trip, and it was another lovely part of the experience. The recently renovated rooms looked modern, thoughtfully designed, and comfortable. I really enjoyed my stay.

The setting is picturesque, but the rest fell short of what we expected. The spa felt outdated, there were no massage appointments available, and the restaurant menu was limited. There seemed to be only a handful of staff keeping the place going. The restaurant waiter was clearly working alone and doing a wonderful job, but it was upsetting to see those working conditions. We expected something special from a well-regarded thermal spa, but the water seemed chlorinated and left our skin drier than before. The grounds are also very uneven, and I think the terrain needs maintenance. The beds could do with new mattresses too.

The garden and its two pools made for a lovely, fresh-air setting, and dinner from the set menu was good. The evening felt relaxing, with soft music and attentive, polite staff. Our room was clean and warm, with a coffee machine and complimentary water. The receptionist was especially friendly and helpful, and breakfast was decent.

The room was freezing and damp during cold, rainy weather because the air conditioning didn’t work. My clothes stayed moist and I shivered throughout the stay. Reception said the issue affected the whole building, but offered no alternative or compensation. The bed had a badly worn spring mattress, and I could feel the metal pressing into my back. The other room they offered had the same mattress. A plastic sheet under the bedding and cheap polyester linens made sleeping even less comfortable, and I sweated all night. I’d booked Central Suites Apartments in Monchique partly because its SPA was advertised, but only learned at check-in that it wasn’t operating. The receptionist said they’d emailed me after I booked, which didn’t help and felt misleading. I also paid €25 per night for my dog, yet there was no bed, water bowl, or food bowl. Staff were inattentive and seemed uninterested when they were at reception; I felt like I was bothering them. I was told lunch was available at the nearby restaurant, then found out there was no lunch service that season. When I raised these problems politely at checkout, hoping for some acknowledgment or small gesture, I was met with indifference. I’ve stayed in many hotels while traveling and have never had an experience this bad. Absolutely not recommended.