Algarve Casino Hotel

i stayed in the hotel for a week, even though it says it is a casino you hear no noise from it at all, i stayed in a sea view wich are the best rooms because you can open the balcony door and listen to the waves in bed. id defentaly go again and do some of the water sports. if you are going to portugal you have to go to slide and splash the water park as it was the best sday out there!

Just got back from a week in the Algarve Casino, returned today 1st June 2006. I travelled with my wife and son aged 5. We thought the hotel was impressive on arrival. After being shown to a ground floor room with seaview in the annex part of the hotel, not the main building, we asked to be moved to a higher floor, as we found the room was fairly dark even during the day. Once on the 3rd floor, we had a fantastic view and the room was a lot brighter. The rooms are a bit dated, but really clean and spacious. The hotel location is perfect, right on the beach, we paid extra for sea view and thought it was worth the money, the view was fantastic, as well as providing you with a huge balcony with sunloungers as well as table and chairs. (one point to note, from talking to other people, was that you didn't get a balcony if your room faced inland). We stayed B&B and found the breakfast to be one of the best we had on our travels. There was everything you could aks for, even a chef making omlettes in front of you while you wait. As mentioned the rooms may be a little tired, but the attentive nature of the staff and ambience of the hotel are still 5*. The pool is huge and kept spotless, fresh towels are free to use around the pool, so don't bother taking your own. There is also a decent size kids pool and play area with slides and swings etc. We found the hotel to be child friendly, and our son soon made new friends on the first day we were there. The decking boardwalk is still being built, but didn't detract from the pleasure of the holiday, if anything it added to it, as the littlun enjoyed watching it being built, with all the diggers and stuff. However, there is quite a lot of building work going on around the resort, which didn't bother us, but if you let this sort of thing get to you, it may spoil your hols. Over the road from the hotel is a pizzeria, pattiserie and the Algar Bar within 60 yards, all of which we found to be spot on. The one recommendation we would make, is to visit Alvor (about 4 Km or a 5 euro taxi ride), which is a much more traditional Portugese fishing town. The sea food restaurants around the harbour are fantastic and the winding streets of bars, shops and other restaurants are really nice. We don't normally want to return to holiday destintations, but I'm fairly sure we will be back to the Algarve Casino, its a great base to explore the other local rsorts.

Just returned from a week at the Algarve Casino Hotel in Praia Da Rocha. Have stayed in this hotel several times and still rate it as among the best. The rooms with a sea view are great value and the one we had looked recently refurbished with new bathroom and furnishings. Just one criticism at the moment about the work underway on the beach to build a decked walkway along the length of the beach with several beach cafes (see photograph). Work starts early and goes on until late, sometimes into the night. The most disturbing thing is the constant noise of staple guns used to fix the decking in place, plus heavy vehicles transporting materials along the beach. Despite the comments in an earlier report this work is still ongoing and looks unlikely to be finished for several weels.

Stayed 7-14th May 2006 with 16 others as a Re-union event. We were all on B and B and the breakfast buffet was excellent and so were the staff. We all had sea view rooms and I recommend these as worth the extra money. Apart from a couple of the Bar Staff( the older one with glasses is the best) the remainder of the staff in the hotel were friendly and welcoming. The previous review saying the hotel was not a 5 star and in poor condition is in my view totally wrong-don't let it put you off staying. The cleaner accidentally knocked my wifes glasses off a table and broke a lens. The Customer Service in relation to this small incident was outstanding and much appreciated though I did feel sorry for the poor cleaner and tried to reassure her it was merely an accident and nothing to worry about. I recommend the Atlantis and the more formal Titanic restaurant in the town and also the Pizzeria across the road to the right of the entrance doors. All in all a great hotel and we all had a great week. RECOMMENDED!

I stayed a week at the Hotel Algarve Cassino (first week of May 2006). I booked early and got a great rate online. Actually because the price was so good, I had a bad feeling about it. I took a bus from Lisbon to Portimao (about 3 hours). From the center of Portimao it's just a few minutes by taxi. (Praia da Rocha) When I arrived at the hotel, someone right away took my luggage and asked how my trip to the hotel was. Walking into the hotel, I could not believe what I got for the price. It's definately not a 5 star hotel, it's not New. But still very nice... Something similar in major city in Canada would have cost me at least 3 times more. The lobby is beautiful... I was very pleased with my choice and thought it was great value. The room was good, nothing fancy, but clean, nice bathroom, white bathrobes. A nice sized balcony facing the ocean.... Actually I'd say if you're going to stay in this hotel, having a sea facing room is a must. The view was very nice.... Because it faces the ocean (on the side of the ocean). At night time, leaving the patio door slighly open... It was very quiet... All you could hear were waves breaking ashore... thearapy for the soul... Actually if you are going to stay in Praia da Rocha, I would say this is the hotel to stay at. You can't get a better view or location. In general staff was helpful... nothing to write home about... but pleasant and friendly. Breakfast (included) was great. Lots of variaty. Beautiful area with a view of the ocean as well. The hotel has a Cassino. I'm not much of a gambler myself, yet it was fun to go one evening a spend just a few Euros just for the fun of it on the slot machines. After lounging by the pool in the afternoon. I enjoyed going to one of the bars in the hotel (the one just off the reception) around 6pm. Ordering some sangria and enjoying the great view from the bar's outside deck. By the time I was done, the pianist was playing the piano found in the lobby... nice touch... One thing that was a Great surprise was the show they had at the hotel. I didn't go for the dinner and show, just the show. I paid a little bit more then what would cost to go to the movies in Canada, so I was not expecting much, that also included a free drink... For the price I thought I might see someone karioki singer...The ballroom was very charming (actually wish I had gone for the dinner) and to my surprise the show was great. Ok not a Phantom of The Opera production, but very well done... very talented people... great costumes... It was a great show. The "strip" in Praia da rocha is nice, a bit commercialized (tacky suvernier shops, bars catering to British soccer fans... but hey something you except in a area such as the Algarve). Still with a good selection of restaurants, for all budgets and tastes. People in general were very friendly. The beach is great, Praia da Rocha has a lovely beach. Huge sand strip... nice to walk along. While I was there (first week of May). The highs were around 23 / 25c not blazing hot, but still very nice to lay around the pool or take a nice stroll along the beach. In the evening a light jacket was needed due to the wind... But otherwise it was great weather, not too hot... not too cool. Great to enjoy the sun during the day and cool in the evening when I went to bed. Locals told me that it was actually a bit cooler then usual for this time of the year... If you want a 5 star hotel, that is super modern and new. This isn't the hotel for you. Choose a different one and be ready to pay standard 5 star hotel rates. Now if you want a very good hotel, that has the best location (in my opinion) of Praia da Rocha. With beautiful commun areas, great pool area, with "good" rooms with a beautiful view... probably the best value I've had in hotels in a long time. Very pleased. If I went to Praia da Rocha again (would love to, but too many other places to explore), I would stay here again... I would not think twice... I would stay here again. Would also recommend this hotel to family and friends...

We went to this hotel 15/4/06 - after reading various reviews we thought that it would be ok...... WRONG!!!!!!!! First of the transfer time is 2 hours at least and not an hour as the brochures tell you. This hotel is rated as a 5 star hotel - if like us you are used to 5 star accommadation avoid this one at all costs!!!!!!!! Arrived to check in and have to admit that the hotel lobby is nice. However, the staff are rude and were more interested in changing other guests travellers cheques for them as they got a tip then checkiing us in. Eventually got checked in - allocated a room number 449 - got into lift - got out of lift on the 4th floor and the whole decor changes. It dates back to the seventies - at least. Tiles on the walls that had seen better days and the mirrors which were also on the walls were so old they had become mottled. This was only the corridor... imagine what was going through our minds with regard to the room!!!! Found the room and as soon as we opened the door the smell of damp hit us. The tiles on the floor were old and the grout missing inbetween them - meaning that you could not walk in bare feet as you would probably have ended up with cut feet. The bed was damp - the bathroom was dirty - the furniture was old and very worn- scratched and desperatley needed replacing. And outside the window there is building work going on which we were not told about. We stayed at this hotel for 2 hours whilst our tour operator - Airtours - sorted us out different accommadation. We went to the Tivoli Marinotel in Vilamoura and I highly recommend this place - it is definately a 5 star. THIS PLACE IS A DUMP AND NEEDS TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS......

Just back from 4 nights at the Algarve Casino. It was a great trip. The hotel is large and imposing, you can see it from way down on the beach. Our room was large, the bathroom was off the hall and there was a door separating the hall from the bedroom. I don't think that this is the typical layout, I think we just got lucky! The balcony was large enough for a few people and there was a table and two chairs so you could sit back, relax and take in the miles of beach and sea. We had breakfast delivered to our room two of the mornings --very, very reasonable and arrived on time. Downstairs the breakfast buffet had enough options to satisfy. We went off season so there was no fighting for a spot by the pool but it was still warm enough for sunbathing until about 5 or 6pm-I'd recommend going before the crowds get there. There are two bars - a pool bar which is open for lunches and drinks and one in the hotel where you can either sit on the balcony or in a comfortable chair or sofa off the lobby area. At night this one has a piano player which plays standards and really sets the scene. All in all the Algarve Casino was a great choice but there are a couple of things to be aware of. The service at the bar was pretty slow and inattentive at times. My husband and I were the only ones in the lobby bar one evening, there were three staff behind the bar and no one came over so we eventually left and went upstairs and got a couple of drinks out of the mini-bar. Also there is construction everywhere in Praia da Rocha. There's demolition going on at a hotel directly across the street from this one and you could hear the hammering and drills when you were sitting by the pool which was slightly annoying but you got used to it. There is a lot of construction going on on the beach as well. The desk clerk told us that the hotels that line the beach are having concession stands erected which will serve each individual hotels so you dont have to leave the beach to get a drink. Great idea but it could be very noisy at times while the contruction is going on. We were on a high floor but our last morning we woke up to the sound of chain saws on the beach. However, it is supposed to be completed by mid May in time for the summer season so it shouldn't be a problem for much longer. The only real disappointment, though, was the casino. Granted, the instructions were in Portuguese and there were people about to explain things but unlike casinos I've been to in the States, here you put in your bills (the lowest one being a 5 euro note of course) and you were committed to playing the machine till your money was used up. When I won, I couldn't figure out how to get my winnings - they don't come out in the well as they do in other hotels. After losing 20 euros I gave up. It seemed to be populated by older men, it was not a welcoming, fun atmosphere. The gaming room is below - there is a 4 euro "tax" you must pay for admittance and you have to show your passport. Honestly, after the frustrations of the fruit machine room, I skipped the rest but it has roulette, black jack and a couple of other games. To end this review on a high note - my husband and I loved the show "Exposed" - it had high energy, the dancing was really good, and it is amazing what they could do on such a small stage! It's definitely a show for adults though - a bit risque at points so I'd leave the kiddies at home for that one! Personally, I liked the hotel a lot but didnt think that Praia da Rocha had a lot to offer. During the day there's plenty of beach to take in and a couple of other things to do but not much. The shops are mostly the typical tourist knick-knack shops while there is also a number of places were you can get lovely pottery. The old fort at the end of the street is a lovely building, but it doesn't have any exhibitions or rooms open to the public so there is really nothing to see but the view. The marina has a shop or two but basically it's another place to eat and drink. At night, except for the show in the hotel and a guy with a guitar who played in one of the Irish pubs on the main street, it seemed that there was nothing to do but eat and drink. The towns about are all different so you can have completely different experiences depending upon where you go. If you do plan to go to Praia da Rocha, I'd definitely consider the Hotel Algarve Casino.

Sea view is a must, it's the main reason for staying here! The hotel itself is wonderful but let down by tired, old rooms. They were trying to update some bathrooms and paint things here and there when we stayed but it all looked a bit of a superficial job. The rooms here need gutting and starting again. Although in January it wasn't hot the aircon unit looked like something from the 1960s and I doubt it would work in the height of the summer. The room they checked us into was infested with ants so we asked to move to a higher floor. The main areas of the hotel (reception, dining room etc) were a different story, very nice, particularly the seating outside the bar overlooking the pool. The evening show and meal was great. The gym was a joke. Two cycling machines and a step machine in a small room that cost 15 euros to use (if you can find someone to unlock the door). Other facilities were great, nice pool, tennis courts, well kept grounds. On the whole a great place to stay and good value deals to be had. (we paid £48/night B&B).

This hotel was wonderful, the staff were very accomodating. This two pools were very big with great access to the beach. Pay the extra for the seaview it is fabulous, i can't even say how fantastic the view was. I am going back this year, can't wait! If you go to Portugal you simply MUST stay here!!

Hi there Me and my wife Rosa Maria at the Algarve Casino Hotel. We had a 5 nights stay and you have to believe that this is a really relaxing, clean, comfortable, with nice staff, good location and a really value for money hotel. The show at the Casino (Tango) was fantastic. Just try it and you will understand what I am talking about. Many thanks to all the staff. We will be back. José