CS Algarve Palace Hotel

There’s a lot to enjoy here whether you’re after a quiet break, nature, or activities. The hotel sits between the beach and Monchique mountains, with Portimão’s main attractions still close by. The setting feels peaceful, and the rooms are spacious, comfortable, and always clean. Most have lovely views over the golf courses or natural landscape. The pools are great, particularly for children, and there are choices that work for families as well as couples looking to relax. The golf courses are professionally designed and have everything from practice areas to equipment rental. I’m not a professional golfer, but the place made me want to give it a try. Service was outstanding, with friendly, helpful staff. Breakfast had lots of variety and was delicious, and the restaurant had a relaxed feel with options for different tastes. I had an amazing stay and would definitely return.

I’ve visited three times to play golf, though I haven’t stayed at the hotel. Both courses were in great condition despite the rain over the previous few days. The greens were smooth and fast, and marshals were around to help keep play moving. Alamos is the shorter, more technical course, with tighter holes and much more undulation on the greens. You need to position both your tee shot and approach well. The Par 5 2nd around the lake and the quirky par 4 15th were highlights. Morgado is longer and feels more like a ‘championship’ course. I especially liked the Par 5 S.I. 1 3rd hole and the Par 4 14th drop hole, which is drivable if you’re long and brave enough. The golf shop is well stocked but pricey, while the bar is more reasonably priced. I’ll keep coming back whenever I visit the Algarve.

We spent a week here as a family earlier this month, and waking up to the beautiful grounds each morning was a real treat. Breakfast had a wonderful changing selection each day, including an omelet bar, typical Portugese delights, and continental options. None of us play golf, but we tried the driving range for a day and had great fun. The staff were considerate and attentive throughout our stay. I’d definitely recommend this gem for a holiday in Portugal.

The view was heavenly, and the hotel felt very private. Apart from our first night, the room was quiet, and breakfast was delicious. My favorite was the pastel de nata, of course. That first night was rough for our son. Our room was next to the pool, and the pump made knocking noises that we could hear inside. A very friendly woman at the front desk moved us to another room the next day. The room cleaning was good on days two, three, and four, if I remember right. On the other days they made the bed and changed the towels, but didn’t do more. For a hotel at this price, I expected the floors, mirrors, and large terrace to be cleaned too. The restaurant staff often looked sad, except for the woman and man making eggs for guests and the bartender. I’d arranged a cake for my son’s birthday as a surprise. They said it was possible and wouldn’t cost anything, but then forgot it. That was a big disappointment. The gentleman at the front desk apologized and gave my son some souvenirs at checkout. Thank you for that. The pool didn’t look inviting. It was very dark, when it should be light blue and appealing for a swim. There was also no setup for drinks or snacks by the pool, so it wasn’t very kid-friendly. The hotel feels too private in the sense that it’s about another 10-minute drive from the security checkpoint to the hotel. You really need a car.