Varandas de Albufeira Aparthotel

We just visited this hotel last week (May 29th to June 5th) Hotel itself was pretty basic for what was supposed to be a 4 star. It was self-catering but there was no cooker (so we weren't able to eat in some nights to save a bit of money) and no washing up liquid or washing up brush- despite a notice on the wall saying we would be charged 100 euros for not doing the washing up before we left (very welcoming!! so we had to buy our own washing up utensils. Our TV didn't work, and despite contacting reception, it wasn't fixed until the day before we left! Plus double room we booked was two single beds pushed up together which was pretty poor. Also they wanted to charge us 2 Euros a day to "hire" the key to the safe that was already in the room itself! How stingy can you get? Plus the hotel bar shut at 6pm and although we were allowed to visit the hotel next door's bar, when we got there it was completely dead save a handful of people! Swimming pool was fairly small and no spa or jacuzzi facilities. Room service was satisfactory, the staff were ok but a little miserable. When we checked out, the guy on Reception just took our keys without a word. ("thanks for staying with us, have a safe trip home" would have been enough!) All in all, a good location to beaches, bars etc.. very clean, very basic, but no frills, no 'holiday' atmosphere and hardly any customer service. I'd have felt more pampered in a youth hostel!

having spent 7 days at varandas,iam glad tosay it met all my expectations.the rooms are adequatley firnished and their is cleaning service daily if you require. the pool area is very clean and an excellent sun trap for bathing. its situation means you get the added bonus of being inbetween the two main shopping areas,old town and the strip, the localfoodisdelicious and the people are really friendly. i will be returning again in september

Our sixth time in Albufeira, the first stay this hotel.
We normally go at Easter but were desperate for some late sun so booked at the last minute.
The hotel is situated approx 15 minutes to either the old town square or the strip in opposite directions.It is set away from the main road and it was very quiet at night, you do however hear some noise from the rooms above you. The Modelo supermarket is only 150 yards away, I recommend buying plenty of Oranges and a squeezer for fresh juice for breakfast.
The hotel staff were friendly enough although we did not spend much time in the hotel apart from sleeping. The cleaners were excellent and the room was cleaned everyday.
Our room was a good sized studio apartment with comfortable twin beds and a small cooking area. The room is well equipped for self catering only short of the afore mentioned orange squeezer which we bought for less than a Euro.
The pool and bar area was clean and tidy with plenty of loungers to go round and the children that were there seemed to have a good time splashing in the small pool.
There was no entertainment at the hotel when we were there but there is plenty nearby.
We have booked the Brisa Sol for next Easter but I wouldn't hesitate to return to "Varandas de Albufeira" and would recommend it to my friends.

1 reader found this review helpful

Just got back from 2 weeks staying here and had a fantastic time! We only had a studio but was definitely big enough for the 2 of us with great facilities and balcony. The room was lovely and was cleaned everyday. The only downside was that we had a room next to the bar which was noisy some nights. The location was excellent and we found the pool bar to be very reasonable. There weren't enough loungers but this was due to people getting up early and putting towels on them for the day even if they weren't there til late afternoon!
Definitely preferred the old town to the strip for food, however the bars down the strip had great deals for drinks every night. We would recommend a place called Tacos in the old town to eat, great food and very reasonable.
We never got a taxi as found everything was in walking distance and the supermarket was very handy.
If booking excursions, there is a place called Paradise tours on the strip which was much cheaper than other operators. Although, I would not advise the trip to Lisbon as we did not find it enjoyable. On the other hand, Aqualand was great!
Definitely recommend this place to anyone, we loved it and did not want to leave!

Large clean apartment. Stayed in 2 bedroom apartment which had 4 balconies.
Apartment cleaned every day. Not enough sunbeds, pool bar expensive and euro exchange rate far too low. Best exchange rate at Modelo or near tunnel in old town.
Tourist train good if you get an all day ticket but for single journey to strip or old town a taxi was cheaper (3.90 euro).
Best supermarket was Pingo Doce, across road from Brisa Sol.
Cheap local beer on strip but food expensive and poor quality. Best places to eat behind square on street from tunnel in old town.

Came back from 2 weeks, had an amazing time. The hotel is very clean, spacious and a great quiet location. The rooms are large with a fridge, cooker, tv and a balcony with table and chairs. The hotel pool was lovely, not always enough sunbeds!!! The pool bar was cheap and staff friendly. The receptionists are 24 /7 always wanting to help and chat to you.
The hotel is a 2 minute walk from a fantastic supermarket where you can get anything and everything. It is a leisurely 10 minute walk to the beach which is split into 3 around cliffs which are beautiful. The town is split into 2 (old town and new town). We always went to old town with roof top restaurants cooking lots of fresh fish in front of you. There are still bars to have a great time in and shops to look in but has traditional Portuguese restaurants and buildings. Lisbon is a great day trip but a very long day (4 hour drive). ZOOmarine is a must, a waterpark / dolphin show park where you can swim with dolphins for £100. An overall great holiday.

The hotel was fantastic, the staff were very friendly and rooms and pool very clean.
The hotel is in a great location, near a supermarket and McDonalds a taxi rank is close and a train which takes you to the strip which is full of bars and restaurants.
The strip is only a 10 minute walk away but you can get a little train which is 3 Euros and you can get on and off it throughout the day.
Receptionists are on 24hours a day and are always willing to help, the hotel isn't lively there wasn't many children.
There has no entertainment is the hotel but there is enough close by, they have a lovely restaurant and bar area.