Alvor Atlântico Beach Aparthotel

We'd usually avoid returning to the same region, but Alvor is somewhere we'd happily visit again, and we'd highly recommend Pestana Alvor Atlantico. We arrived six hours before check-in because of an early flight. The staff let us leave our bags and use both pools straight away. Most staff spoke perfect English and were very helpful. Our superior studio on the 10th floor had a sea view from the balcony, was comfortable and very clean, and had ice-cold air conditioning. There's an indoor pool downstairs, and the outdoor pool is a two-minute walk away beside the beach. Next door, the orange mini market has beachwear, fresh food, meat, snacks, a huge alcohol selection, and decent prices. We chose breakfast at the sister hotel Pestana Dom João II, a three-minute walk away. The buffet had loads of meat, fruit, bread, cereal, and more, plus omelettes made to order. It kept us going all day. There's also a bowling alley and restaurant next door. Alvor harbour and its many restaurants are a 15-20 minute walk along the flat beach boardwalk. The road route is probably similar but quite hilly, while an Uber costs under €3 and took no more than three minutes to arrive.

A waste of money and a big disappointment. The photos don't show the actual condition. The room was dirty, the air conditioning was broken, and the bed mattress was badly worn. The quality and standards were very poor.

We stayed over Christmas and I couldn't fault it. The room was spotless, the pool was amazing, and wow, the view was breathtaking. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

We had a lovely stay and an incredible view. The beach and pool are within walking distance. We rented a car, but we could have walked to everything in the area without one.